Dash cams can record audio, but not every model does. While dash cams now come with built-in microphones that can capture both video and sound, others focus on video recording only. In this article, we'll explore how dash cam recording works, its benefits, and potential privacy issues.
What Are the Benefits of Audio Recording with Dashcams?
Dash cam recording has several key benefits that enhance the functionality and safety of the device. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Capture Additional Evidence: Audio recordings can provide critical details during an accident, dispute, or law enforcement interaction. There are also conversations, horns, and other sounds that can support video evidence and provide a clearer picture of the incident. This can help resolve conflicts or prove faults, for example.
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Improve Driver Safety: Some best rated dash cams use audio recordings to monitor driver behavior, which is beneficial for fleet management and new drivers. This can discourage reckless driving and encourage good driving habits. In addition, businesses can use this feature to ensure safety protocols are followed.
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Enhance Insurance Claims: Audio can provide context to an accident, capturing verbal exchanges, background noise, or admissions of fault. This evidence can help speed up insurance claims and prevent fraudulent charges. Insurance companies can then use audio and video to determine liability.
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Record Important Conversations: Audio recordings can accurately record roadside interactions with police, witnesses, or other drivers. This can help you in the event of a legal dispute and can also prevent false claims or misunderstandings. In addition, it protects drivers from unfair accusations during an accident.
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Monitor In-Car Activity: If you need to share a ride or you are a taxi driver, LTE dash cam recordings will record your interactions during your ride. This deters inappropriate behavior, helps resolve fair disputes, and provides evidence when conflicts arise. This safety measure ensures a safer environment for drivers and passengers.
How Does Dashcam Audio Recording Work?
Dash cameras work by capturing sound through the built-in microphone inside the device. Here is how it works in detail:
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Built-In Microphone Captures Sound: Many dashcams now have built-in microphones that can record in-car audio. For example, the microphone listens to conversations, road noise, and other surrounding sounds while driving. Some high-end dash cams also have noise reduction features to improve audio clarity.
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Synchronize Audio with Video Clips: Dash cam audio and video clips are often synchronized, ensuring sounds and conversations match the corresponding visual events. This gives you a complete record of events, making it easier for you to analyze what happened.
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Stored on the Dashcam's Memory Card: Recorded audio and video clips are saved on the dash cam's memory card, usually in loop recording mode, but when the storage space is full, old files are overwritten. However, some dash cams allow you to protect specific recordings from being deleted.
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Adjustable Audio Settings: Some of the best dash cams offer settings to enable or disable audio recording according to your preferences. For example, the driver can turn off the microphone to protect their privacy or adjust the function. However, some models also include voice activation to enable hands-free recording control.
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External Microphone for Better Sound Quality: Advanced dash cams support external microphones to improve audio capture and reduce background noise. This is great for professional drivers or those who need clearer in-car audio.
How Do You Enable or Disable Dashcam Audio Recording?
Access the Dashcam Settings Menu
Access the Dash Cam Settings Menu Most dash cams let you manage audio recordings through a settings menu. You can access this menu using the dash cam's built-in screen, the companion mobile app, or a connected phone or computer. Look for an option labeled "Audio Recording" or "Microphone."
Turn Audio Recording On or Off
In the settings, you can enable or disable the dashcam's microphone with a simple toggle switch. Some dashcams also have a quick mute button on the device that lets you turn off the audio. This is great for private conversations.
Use Voice Commands or Buttons
Some advanced dashcams support voice commands to control audio recording. For example, Vantrue's E360 panoramic dashcam lets you take photos or switch videos with voice commands without having to touch the device. Other models have dedicated physical buttons that let you quickly switch between them without having to navigate through menus.
Adjust Sensitivity or Audio Levels
Some dashcams also offer customizable audio sensitivity or noise filtering. You can adjust the microphone's pickup level to reduce background noise or improve clarity. This will reduce road noise while capturing important in-car conversations.
Confirm Changes and Save Settings
After making adjustments, be sure to save your settings before exiting the menu. You need to be careful because some dashcams require a reboot to apply changes. After enabling or disabling audio, it is best to test the audio to confirm that the settings were successful.
Privacy Concerns with Dashcam Audio Recording
Dashcams raise privacy issues when recording, such as when recording conversations without consent. Because in some areas, recording without permission may violate privacy laws and lead to legal consequences. Also, passengers, employees, or other people in the car may want confidentiality, so it is best to inform them when recording.
Therefore, to avoid privacy issues, you should check local regulations, use the mute function when necessary, or inform the people in the car about the recording when necessary.
Is It Legal for Dashcams to Record Audio?
Whether dashcam recording is legal depends on local laws and regulations. In some countries and states, recording without the consent of the parties involved is illegal and will be classified as eavesdropping or wiretapping. In other areas, only one party needs to agree to it, and it may be legal.
Before using the recording function, you need to check local privacy laws to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. If you want to record, you can inform the passengers first to maintain transparency and avoid conflicts.
FAQs
How long do dashcams record?
Dashcams generally record in a loop, overwriting old videos when the memory is full. However, the length of time it can record depends on the storage capacity and settings. For example, a 32GB memory card can store about 4-6 hours of video. Some models allow you to lock important recordings to prevent them from being overwritten.
Do dashcams record audio outside the car?
Most dash cams are designed to record in-car audio, using built-in microphones to capture conversations and sounds inside the vehicle. However, unless the microphone is sensitive enough to pick up sounds from the environment outside the vehicle, audio recording outside the vehicle is limited. Typically, external sounds, such as traffic noise or sirens, may be captured faintly but are not the primary focus of the dash cam's recording.
