On this page
01. Camera options02. Hardwiring and parking mode03. Making sure the footage is there04. FAQ
A dash camera records the road through the windscreen, and optionally the rear or the cabin, onto a memory card that loops by overwriting the oldest footage. When it senses an impact it locks the current clip so it isn't overwritten. Hardwiring it to the vehicle's fuse box, rather than the lighter socket, gives a tidy installation and allows parking mode, which records incidents while the car is parked.
Key takeaways
- Loop recording overwrites old footage; impact clips are locked automatically.
- Hardwiring gives a tidy install and enables parking mode.
- Use a good-quality memory card and check it regularly.
- Front + rear covers most accidents; add a cabin camera for taxis and fleets.
01Camera options
| Setup | Records | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Front only | The road ahead | Private cars, the basic evidence need |
| Front + rear | Ahead and behind, including rear-end collisions | Most drivers |
| Front + cabin | Road and inside the vehicle | Taxis, ride-hailing, company drivers |
| Fleet dash cams | Video linked to the tracking platform | Businesses with several vehicles |
02Hardwiring and parking mode
- 01MountBehind the rear-view mirror, out of the driver's line of sight.
- 02Route the cableHidden along the headliner and pillar trim, clear of airbags.
- 03ConnectTo the fuse box with a hardwire kit that protects the car battery.
- 04Set upDate/time, resolution, impact sensitivity and parking mode.
- 05TestCheck recording, locked clips and playback before handover.
03Making sure the footage is there
- Use a memory card rated for continuous recording
- Format or check the card periodically; cards wear out
- Confirm the date and time are correct, because it matters when footage is used as evidence
- After an incident, save the clip to your phone or computer as soon as possible
Dash cameras fit alongside trackers in a fleet management system.
04Frequently asked questions
Will a dash camera drain my car battery?
Not with a proper hardwire kit, which switches the camera off before the battery gets too low.
How long does a dash camera record?
It depends on the memory card size and resolution. Loop recording means it always keeps the most recent footage.
Can I view dash camera footage on my phone?
Many models connect to a phone app over Wi-Fi, and fleet cameras can upload clips to the tracking platform.
