Yes, dashcams are legal in Vermont, provided they comply with state privacy and traffic laws. Vermont’s lack of explicit prohibitions allows their use, but recordings must not infringe on others’ reasonable expectations of privacy. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has not issued formal dashcam-specific regulations, though general surveillance statutes apply. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Burlington Police Department, have issued advisories cautioning against recording in private spaces without consent.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Vermont
- Privacy Restrictions: Vermont’s wiretapping statute (13 V.S.A. § 2481) prohibits recording audio without consent in private conversations. Video-only recordings are permissible, but audio capture requires all-party consent.
- Obstruction of View: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle operation, per Vermont’s distracted driving laws (23 V.S.A. § 1220).
- Data Retention & Sharing: While no state law mandates retention periods, Vermont’s Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. § 317) may require disclosure if footage is requested in legal proceedings. Sharing footage publicly without redaction of sensitive details could violate privacy norms.
Note: Vermont’s 2026 legislative session may introduce updated guidelines for in-vehicle recording devices, particularly concerning automated enforcement systems. Drivers should monitor DMV updates to ensure compliance with evolving standards.