Where is the Correct Position for a Dash Cam?
4 Answers
The correct position for a dash cam is at the upper center of the front windshield, near the rearview mirror. The ideal placement is in the middle, utilizing the small gap to the right rear of the rearview mirror for installation. After installation, adjust the angle from the driver's seat for optimal recording. A dash cam is a device that records video and audio during vehicle operation, providing crucial evidence in the event of a traffic accident. The basic components of a dash cam include: 1. Main unit; 2. Speed sensor; 3. Data analysis software; 4. Infrared camera.
I believe the correct position for a dashcam should be at the upper center of the windshield, right next to the rearview mirror area. This location ensures the camera's field of view remains unobstructed, capturing the complete road situation, including critical details ahead and to the sides. If installed too far left or right in the corners, it might miss important events like accidents or traffic violations. More importantly, comply with traffic regulations—most countries mandate an unobstructed forward view, prohibiting any additional devices from interfering with the driver's line of sight. In my safety consulting work, I often see installation errors, such as placing it too low causing dashboard glare or too high where suction cups fail and it falls. I recommend using static cling mounts instead of suction cups to avoid loosening from vibrations. Regularly check recordings to confirm the 120-degree wide-angle coverage, which is crucial for providing valid evidence. After installation, test recording under different lighting conditions to ensure clarity without blurring or overexposure in strong sunlight.
In our family car, the dashcam is installed just below the right side of the rearview mirror on the front windshield. This location is very convenient—it doesn't obstruct the driver's view while driving, yet still captures clear footage of our child's expressions when sitting in the front passenger seat or the beautiful scenery along the way. The position is slightly biased towards the driver's side to ensure the camera lens is centered and doesn't only capture half of the road. Before installation, we used a smartphone screen to simulate and check the angle, making sure the lens covers the entire front of the car, including the area swept by the windshield wipers. If installed too close to the edge by mistake, it might fail to record other vehicles changing lanes, thereby losing evidentiary value. A reminder to everyone: don't overlook the wiring layout—tuck it away neatly to avoid scratching the interior or tripping over it during children's play. Use removable adhesive pads for mounting to leave no marks during cleaning.
From a technical perspective, placing the dashcam too low or off-center can compromise its overall performance. The ideal position is at the upper center of the windshield, with the camera slightly tilted downward to avoid direct sunlight and glare issues. Mounting it too low increases the risk of dust and rain interfering with the lens. Improper positioning may also cause distortion at the edges of wide-angle footage, leading to incomplete recordings. After installation, test the dynamic recording quality to check for vibration-induced blurring, especially on bumpy roads. Also, ensure the lens isn't obstructed by rearview mirrors or stickers to maintain clear and continuous footage.
