Advice on dash cams
Why do I need a dash cam?
You use a dash cam to record your surroundings while you drive. This footage is useful if you get into an accident and want to prove that it wasn't your fault. That way, you'll always have evidence. You can also use dash cams as parking security. When your car is parked, the camera starts recording when it detects movement around the car. Of course, you can also use the footage to show people the route you drove after a road trip.
Functions
What is a dual dash cam?
A dual dash cam is a set of cameras for the front and rear windows of your car. You use them to record the traffic situation both in front and behind you. The package includes a dash cam and a separate extra camera. You can attach the latter camera to the rear window or on the bumper. The separate camera can also be used as a backup camera. The footage from both cameras is stored on the SD card in the main camera.
What does the parking mode mean?
Some dash cams have a parking mode. In this mode, your dash cam functions as parking safety device. This way, you can leave your car without worries. The camera starts recording right away when it detects movement near the car. That means it'll capture a burglar or vandal on camera. If there's no movement, the dash cam switches to standby. To use this mode, you connect the dash cam to the battery of your car with a cable. The voltage protection ensures that your battery won't run out.
Do I need a GPS sensor?
The GPS sensor on your dash cam tracks your speed and location. That way, you can easily find out where the potential traffic accident happened. Some dash cams use the GPS sensor to warn you if you exceed the speed limit. This way, you can slow down on time and won't be noticed by any speed cameras. In some models, the GPS sensor is built into the device. There are also separate GPS sensors available that you connect to your dash cam.
How does loop recording work?
Almost all dash cams have a loop recording function. With this function, the camera records in intervals of a few minutes. Once your memory card is full, the dash cam automatically deletes the oldest footage to store the newest footage. If you want to watch the recording of a beautiful car ride, make sure you transfer the files to another device in time.
What does a G sensor do?
A dash cam equipped with a G sensor automatically starts recording when it registers some kind of impact. For example, if you make an abrupt steering movement with the car. These images are saved on a separate part of the memory card. That way, the images won't be deleted once the SD card is full. This provides extra security in the event of an accident.
Why do I need a dash cam with WiFi?
We recommend you buy a dash cam with WiFi. These allow you to easily transfer the recordings to your phone. That way, you can view and analyze the videos that were recorded on the go right away. You can also back up the videos right away with this feature. Most dash cams work with a special app, so you can wirelessly transfer the footage to your phone.
What is the legislation surrounding dash cams?
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the law says you're allowed to record both sound and images in public areas. The people in your videos can't be recognizable due to privacy laws. Note: the fact that you're allowed to record these images doesn't mean that you're allowed to share them. Keep this in mind when you decide to upload the images to the internet. Other license plates aren't allowed to be recognizable either, because these are personal information.
- The use of a dash cam is prohibited or discouraged in a number of European countries: Switzerland (strongly discouraged), Portugal (prohibited), Austria (prohibited), Luxembourg (prohibited), Germany (discouraged). In the countries where use of a dash cam is prohibited, the judge decides whether you're allowed to use the images. Is the country you want to visit not on the list? You're allowed to use a dash cam. Always keep the privacy laws in mind and make sure to check the local laws of the country you're visiting beforehand.
