Dash cams are legal to use in Arkansas, but they must be mounted and operated in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s view or violate privacy laws. There is no statewide ban on dash cams; instead, the rules come from general traffic laws, windshield‑obstruction statutes, and Arkansas’s one‑party‑consent rules for audio recording.
Where you can (and cannot) mount a dash cam
Arkansas law prohibits driving when your view through the windshield is materially obstructed by non‑transparent objects. This means:
- Dash cams are typically allowed when mounted behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard where they stay out of your line of sight.
- Mounting a large or opaque device across the upper windshield or side windows in a way that blocks your view can be treated as an obstruction of vision and may be ticketed.
Many guides recommend hiding the camera just behind the rearview mirror or on the dash so it records the road without intruding on your field of vision.
Audio recording and “one‑party consent”
Arkansas is a one‑party‑consent state for audio recordings, which significantly shapes how dash cams can record sound. That means:
- You may legally record audio if you are a party to the conversation (for example, talking to a passenger or taking a call), even in a car fitted with a dash cam.
- Secretly recording private conversations of others who have not consented—and where you are not part of the conversation—can run afoul of state wiretapping laws.
Many attorneys advise either disabling audio or clearly notifying passengers that audio may be recorded, especially in commercial or rideshare vehicles.
Use of dash‑cam footage in accidents and court
Dash‑cam video is generally admissible in Arkansas courts and can be a powerful tool in accident claims and criminal or traffic cases. Footage can help prove fault, evaluate speeding or distraction, and refute false testimony.
However, once an accident occurs, knowingly deleting or altering relevant dash‑cam footage can be treated as spoliation of evidence and may hurt your case or even lead to sanctions.
Practical tips for Arkansas drivers
- Mount the dash cam behind the rearview mirror or on the dash so it never blocks your windshield view.
- Disable or limit audio recording if you frequently carry passengers who have not consented, or add a clear notice that audio may be recorded.
- Treat the footage as potential evidence: preserve it after any crash or incident, and be aware that it can be subpoenaed in civil or criminal proceedings.
In short, dash cams are fully legal in Arkansas when mounted properly and audio is handled in line with one‑party‑consent rules; the key is keeping your view clear and your recordings respectful of privacy and the law.
SOURCES :
- https://www.ddpai.com/blog/dash-cam-laws/
- https://www.freightwaves.com/checkpoint/dash-cam-laws-by-state/
