Are Dashcams Legal in the UAE?

Wondering if using dashcams to document your travel is legal in the UAE? The answer is YES, but with very strict conditions. UAE authorities allow you to set up a dashcam in your vehicle and record activities while driving in the Emirates. However, every dashcam owner must comply with specific legalities while on UAE roads to avoid significant consequences. This article will break down the essential rules for using a dashcam in the UAE, ensuring you understand all the legalities involved. Let's get started.

Rules for Using Dashcams in the UAE

Dubai Police and the Federal Traffic Council confirm the legal use of dashcams in the UAE since 2016. However, here are some fundamental rules for using dash cams in the UAE. Let's explore them:

1. Use Dashcams Only for Road Recording

You are allowed to freely record the road ahead (or/and rear with dual-channel models) while driving in the Emirates. However, the purpose of the recording should be solely for documenting the driving condition, accidents, and violations. Say, it's only for formal use, not for informal use.

You cannot use your dashcam for other purposes, like filming people in private settings. This is a violation of the UAE privacy laws. So, you should always make sure that your dashcam is positioned to capture only the road, not pedestrians, private properties, or vehicle interiors without consent.

2. Do Not Share Footage on Social Media

While dash cam recordings of the road ahead are entirely legal in the Emirates, you cannot use those recordings for entertainment, information, or any personal use on the internet. You cannot upload any such recordings on the web, especially social media. Sharing such footage on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other public platform is strictly prohibited, even if it shows traffic violations.

Posting any footage without consent can be considered defamation or privacy invasion in the UAE. You can face fines from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000 or 3–6 months in jail under Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code. You are only allowed to share your recordings/footage with the police or related authorities—no one else!

The main goal behind the legal use of dashcams is to protect you from severe erroneous claims and traffic fines. Dash Cam footage is crucial for disputing traffic fines in the UAE. 

3. Submit Footage Directly to Authorities

The UAE authorities mandate you to submit any footage related to accidents or violations on the road, ideally within 2 hours, which aids them in solving cases with ease. You should do so with an elaborate description of the incident, like clear license plates and road context.

Anyone can use the Dubai Police app or visit a police station to share footage. However, footage from the dashcams is only legally admissible, meaning it must be clear and genuinely depict the incident. Avoid using your phone to record while driving, as this is another traffic violation in itself.

Authorities from different Emirates have various official channels and portals where you can submit the footage, like the Dubai Police app's 'We Are All Police' service or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) app for other emirates. This helps authorities resolve disputes efficiently without privacy violations.

4. Respect Privacy of Other Road Users

UAE law prioritizes everyone’s privacy, which means any unauthorized recording in public spaces can lead to penalties, even if incidental. You should always remember this if you intend to use a dashcam to record your travel in the Emirates. Respecting other road users’ privacy is mandatory while you’re in the UAE.

Never intentionally record or photograph individuals without consent, especially in ways that could identify them (e.g., faces, license plates in non-accident contexts). Violating these privacy laws, particularly under Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code or Article 44 of the Federal Cyber Crimes Law, can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for at least six months and/or fines ranging from AED 150,000 to AED 500,000.

5. Ensure Compliance with Vehicle Regulations

You need to get your dashcams installed by a professional rather than a DIY. This ensures a proper installation, saving you from traffic fines related to unsafe driving conditions with view obstruction. A secured installation on the windshield or dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view is crucial for adhering to the UAE traffic laws.

Your dash cam installations must follow UAE-compliant methods (e.g., routing wires neatly under the dashboard to avoid interfering with vehicle controls or airbags). Hence, professional work in a reputable workshop that adheres to general UAE vehicle modification and safety regulations is mandatory.

Conclusion

While dashcams are indeed legal in the UAE, you must strictly adhere to the outlined UAE traffic rules to avoid legal consequences when recording your travel footage. Remember, these recordings are not for personal vlogs, social media, or any other public platform; their sole purpose is for traffic fine disputes and to aid authorities in resolving cases without privacy issues. Regardless, having a dashcam professionally installed will not only save you from potential traffic fines related to improper setup but can also come in incredibly handy during unfortunate events like accidents and hit-and-run cases on the Emirates roads. Drive safely and add an essential layer of protection against faulty fines with high-resolution dash cam installations.