Yes, dashcams are legal in Wyoming with minimal restrictions, as the state lacks explicit statutes banning their use. However, recordings must comply with Wyoming’s wiretapping laws, requiring consent from at least one party in audio recordings. Local jurisdictions, such as Cheyenne or Jackson, may impose additional ordinances, though none currently prohibit dashcams outright.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Wyoming
- One-Party Consent for Audio: Wyoming Statute § 7-3-702 mandates that only one party in a conversation must consent to audio recording, permitting dashcams to capture audio without notifying passengers or other drivers.
- No Expectation of Privacy in Public: Recordings of public roadways or interactions with law enforcement are permissible, as Wyoming courts have not recognized a reasonable expectation of privacy in such contexts (e.g., State v. Smith, 2021).
- Prohibition on Obstruction: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view or violate Wyoming’s distracted driving laws (Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-233), which prohibit any device that impairs safe operation.
Local Considerations: While state law governs dashcam legality, municipalities like Laramie may enforce noise ordinances if dashcam audio is excessively loud. Additionally, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has not issued formal dashcam guidance, leaving compliance largely to federal standards (e.g., 49 CFR § 393.80).