Dash Cam Mounting

You clean the bugs off.

Or mount it barely above one of the wiper blades.

 

You'll want to have it high enough your not filling the video frame up with the hood of your truck. You're really better off having it high, and in the center of your windshield. There may be some overhead light or something you can tap to put second cigarette lighter outlet up overhead, or just learn to live with one wire running up from the dash area to the dash cam. You can tape it to the inside of the windshield if you want. Most of the truck stops or walmart sell a plastic lighter outlet, with a spring loaded cover, and about ten feet of wire, for $10-12.

You can't do much about the bugs, but try to avoid mounting it where you get normal smears on your windshield, or the little space in the top center of the windshield that is out of the arc of the wipers.

If nothing else, it's a good excuse to stop and clean the windshield.

 

The way I see it is this: It's a very cheap investment for something that has a very real possibility of saving your career some day.

 

I've heard tale of these starting to be outlawed because of privacy laws. Something about certain states requiring 2 party agreements for recording.

However, the way I see it is that you are in public areas (roads) and those laws should not effect you. Considering that cops have dash cams, traffic cams, etc. Maybe just turn them off on private property.

 

Some states do not allow audio recording. Video might be a bit more difficult to argue, since it can be said that the cam only sees what can be seen through the windshield from outside.

 

I suggest you mount it high and as far away from the windshield as you can, at least 6-10 inches, so the bug splatter won't be a problem. Run a power extension cord if you have to. I have one in my truck but was able to tap into a power line above the windshield. Good luck!

 

As a photography buff I can tell you that anyone on a public road or in public areas have no expectation of privacy. Private property they can tell you no photographic or video equipment. But you should not be especially worried about someone hitting you in those situations. Yes, it still does happen tho. I have my Dash Cam mounted and have not yet encountered a request to turn it off.

 

I wouldn't do that . 393.60(e) Prohibition on obstructions to the driver's field of view—(1) Devices mounted at the top of the windshield. Antennas, transponders, and similar devices must not be mounted more than 152 mm (6 inches) below the upper edge of the windshield. These devices must be located outside the area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.