Motorists have been warned they must install a dash cam correctly or they could face a £1,000 fine and risk major insurance issues.
The warning comes from motoring experts who detailed the dangers of having a dash cam connected directly to the USB port or cigarette lighter in older models.
By having the dash cam connected to the engine, even when the car is empty, experts explained that insurers could view this as a modification.
On top of this, Rule 30 of the Highway Code requires drivers to maintain a full view of the road, with some dash cams risking obstructing their view.
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If a dash cam obstructs a driver's view it could breach the Highway Code
GETTYExperts from Motor Matchsaid: "Failing to notify your insurer about a wired dash cam can be seen as non-disclosure of important information.
“This might lead to a rejected claim in the event of an accident and affect future insurance premiums.
“Drivers need to understand that while improving their vehicle’s security and accountability, they must also adhere to their insurer’s policies to maintain coverage validity.
"Many drivers install dash cams to protect themselves against fraudulent claims and reduce premiums. However, remember to communicate any modifications, including hard wiring a dash cam, to your insurer.”
Installing a dash cam incorrectly can lead to significant fines with motorists facing up to £1,000 and three penalty points for dangerous driving, as well as breaching the Highway Code.
Motor Match added that in some cases drivers assume that all types of dash cams are treated equally by insurers.
However, the expert stated that hard wiring alters the vehicle’s electrical system and is considered a modification.
Meanwhile, sharing dash cam footage on social media can breach privacy laws and potentially interfere with legal proceedings. The Crown Prosecution Service advises against publicising it as it can affect the outcome of legal cases.
A Freedom of Information request recently found that there has been a 77 per cent increase in dash cam submissions to traffic police between 2021 and the end of 2023.
This averaged roughly 342 pieces of dash cam footage submitted to the police every single day in 2023.
Google search data reported that buying and installing dash cams in both private and commercial vehicles has also grown.
More than 49,500 searches for “dash cam” in the UK were recorded every month on average, up 49 per cent in the last three months, and up 22 per cent in the last year.
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Hard wired dash cams can be seen as a modification to car
GETTYAndrew Davies, spokesperson for iCompario, explained how dash cams are “vital” to improving road safety.
He stated that they can prevent false claims, lower insurance and ensure those driving dangerously are held accountable.