Motorists advised to ensure dashcam 'is used safely and correctly' to prevent costly fines
Motorists thinking about fitting a useful device to their vehicle have been advised to make the necessary checks to prevent fines and potential accidents.
Vehicle cover provider ALA Insurance has offered several tips that can help motorists avoid consequences when using a dashcam in their vehicle.
Available from as little as £60, a growing number of motorists are fitting dashcams to their vehicle's front and rear windscreens to provide evidence of any incidents they have on the road.
Dawn Cranmer, motoring expert at ALA Insurance, noted that dashcams can be incredibly useful in the event of an accident, but drivers need to make sure they use them safely.
She explained: "The introduction of dashcams into the motoring market has helped to simplify claims and ensures motorists are able to defend themselves following an accident.
"If you're tempted to install a dashcam in your vehicle, there are a few rules to be aware of to ensure it's used safely and correctly."
First, when fitting a dashcam to their vehicle, ALA Insurance advised drivers to choose the device's position correctly, making sure it does not block the view of their surroundings.
According to the DVSA, drivers should generally avoid placing any item in the part of the windscreen that is swept by the wipers, with many automotive experts recommending fitting devices in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen or behind the rear-view mirror.
Motorists who are spotted with a dashcam, or any other electronic devices, in a place that could obstruct their visibility could face fines and up to three points on their licence.
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ALA Insurance also suggested that drivers who fit a dashcam to a vehicle they share with other motorists must let any other user know about the device.
Whilst the main purpose of a dashcam is to record the surroundings of the vehicle, some devices also make audio and video recordings from inside the car.
As a result, drivers who do not let other motorists using their vehicle know about the dashcam could be at risk of a breach of privacy, leading to another significant fine.
Finally, ALA Insurance recommended that drivers looking to take their car abroad during the summer holidays make sure that they are permitted to use a dashcam.
Whilst the vast majority of European nations welcome the use of dashcams in vehicles, helping to make insurance claims easier to validate, others state that drivers must adhere to a strict set of rules.
The company noted that those travelling to Austria in their car should remove their dashcam first, with those found using one in their vehicle eligible of a fine of up to €10,000 (£8,590).
