Deciding where to mount your dash cam can be a scary task, especially for beginners. But it doesn’t have to be – let’s get straight into where you should mount your dash cam.
Dash Cam Placement Importance
Choosing the right location for mounting your dash cam is not just a matter of convenience—it can also impact the device’s effectiveness. For starters, a poorly positioned dash cam might not capture important footage in an accident.
Your dash cam should have a clear unobstructed view of the road. To ensure this, you need to consider your vehicle’s design, the dash cams model, and the laws in your area.
Types of Dash Cam Mounts
If you don’t already own a mount, I’d recommend reading our full Dash Cam Suction Mount Vs Adhesive Mount comparison, since this section is more of a brief overview. They both work fine but each have their own flaws.
Suction Mounts
One of the more commonly used mounting hardware is a suction cup mount. The suction cup mount is praised for it’s ease of use and versatility. As the name suggests, these a suction mount uses a suction cup mechanism to adhere to the windshield.
They offer flexibility, allowing users to attach, reposition, & remove the dash cam mount without too much hassle. This makes them ideal for users who need to frequently move their dash cam between vehicles.
Over time the suction cup mounts’ power will lower, typically due to extreme temperatures. Therefore, you’ll probably end up buying more suction cup mounts if you’re constantly installing & uninstalling.
Adhesive Mounts
An adhesive mounting pad is more of a permanent solution. They have strong adhesive pads (literally glue) to stick your dash cam mount to the windshield. A sticky pad mount is usually less conspicuous than suction mounts, and they offer excellent stability.
They’re less likely to cause shaky footage, an adhesive mount makes sure your videos are steady. With that being said, your dash cam is harder to reposition.
Where is the best place to mount a dash camera?
The best place to mount a dash cam is in the middle of the windshield, under the rearview mirror (slightly to the passenger side). It gives the widest field of view, which lets your car camera capture as much of the road as possible. Alternatively, rearview mirror dash cams like the Wolfbox G900 solve this problem entirely because they replace your rearview mirror instead (and do a better job in my opinion).
It also keeps it out of the driver’s line of sight so it doesn’t block your view of the road, which is actually mandatory in some states if you want to follow the law. Read more about it in our state-by-state dash cam legality guide. Let’s discuss some specific placement strategies in more detail:
- Behind the Rearview Mirror: This is a common location for mounting a dash cam. It offers an excellent field of view while remaining relatively inconspicuous from the driver’s perspective. However, be sure to check our guide on how to hide dash cam wires, as it will keep your setup tidy and prevent any potential distractions.
- On the Dashboard: If your local laws prohibit mounting devices on the windshield, placing the dash cam on your dashboard is a suitable alternative. While it might limit camera field of view, you can enhance lens effectiveness by getting a dash cam model with WDR.
Pro Tip: Make sure your dash cam doesn’t obstruct your view of the road. Your safety as the driver should always be the priority.
Legal Considerations
Different regions have different laws regarding the placement of dash cams. In some areas, it might be illegal to place any devices on the front windshield. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local regulations before deciding where to mount your dash cam.
By now, you must be wondering about the price tag of these essential devices. Fear not, as we have compiled a guide on the dash cam price to help you make an informed decision.
So, ready to embark on your dash cam installation journey? Dive into our comprehensive install dash cam beginner’s guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
In the next part of this article, we’ll get into different dash camera mounting bracket requirements, with tips on how to optimize the placement of your dash cam. For example, an adhesive mount might have different implications than a suction mount.
Comparing Different Mount Positions
Choosing between a front windshield mount and a rear windshield mount largely depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Front Windshield Mount
A front windshield mount is the most common choice for dash cam users. The front windshield offers a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead, which is essential for documenting potential incidents. Front-mounted dash cams can capture footage from traffic violations to road rage incidents, which can be crucial for insurance claims or police reports.
Rear Windshield Mount
A rear windscreen mount provides a different perspective. Rear window dash cams are mainly used to document what’s happening behind your vehicle, like tailgating, rear-end collisions, or backing up incidents. Rear cameras provide more coverage for your car, especially when used with a front-mounted cam. The installation process might be more challenging, but nothing good comes easy.
Rear View Mirror Mounts
Rear view mirror mounts attach directly to the existing rear view mirror, positioning the dash cam right next to it. This can be a useful option if your windshield has a steep slope or if there’s not enough space to mount the dash cam directly onto the windshield. The challenge with rearview mirror mounts, however, is that they can make the mirror bulkier and potentially obstruct the view out of the windshield.
For complete coverage, consider a dual-camera dash cam system that includes both front and rear camera mounts for a full 360-degree view. There’s also 3-Channel dash cams like the Vantrue N4 pro and Rexing V33, which have three separate cameras that need to be mounted at different locations for several points of views. We’re working on a guide for mounting both 2-channel and 3-channel dash cams, but that goes beyond the scope of this article.
Mounting FAQ
It shouldn’t block your view while you’re driving. Therefore, it should never be placed in a location where it blocks field of vision. An area directly in the driver’s line of sight is a definite no-go zone. Also, avoid mounting it near airbags for safety reasons.
Yes, a dash cam can be mounted on the driver’s side in most states. The dash cam is allowed to be mounted in the upper corner, high up on the driver’s side windshield. But in our opinion, optimal dash cam placement is tucked underneath the rearview mirror because it blocks the least amount of the drivers vision.
Technically, a dash cam could sit on the dashboard, but it’s generally not recommended. Mounting a dash cam on the dashboard could make it prone to sliding or moving around, particularly during sharp turns or sudden stops. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, a loose dash cam could become a dangerous projectile. That’s why it’s typically recommended to securely mount your dash cam high up on your windshield.
The ideal viewing angle for a dash cam is typically between 120 and 140 degrees. This allows the dash cam to still capture video with a wide dynamic range view of the road ahead, including adjacent lanes, without causing too much distortion at the edges of the video. Some higher-end dash cams offer even wider viewing angles, the wider the angle, the more potential for distortion at the periphery of the video footage.
Your Dash Cam Models Requirements
There’s a bunch of dash cam with different mounting requirements. For instance, the Cobra SC 400D dash cam is one of the high-end models that come with dual cameras for front and rear view coverage. When installing this dashboard camera model, make sure both cameras are aligned as mentioned in it’s user manual for best performance.
If you’re interested in a model that has a complementary app to view your videos, consider the RedTiger F7N dash cam. It’s one of the easiest dash cameras I’ve ever mounted to date (and I’ve installed a lot of dash cams). We even a complete guide on how to connect the redtiger dash cam to you phone to help you watch the footage on the app (when you’re not driving of course!).
Wrapping Up
Knowing where to mount dash cam is important for your dash camera to work effectively. When you’re deciding where to place your dash cam mount, remember the basic principles: a clear view, minimal distraction, and adherence to local dash cam laws.
Whether you’re just starting your dash cam journey or looking to upgrade, Dash Cam Discount is here to guide you every step of the way. Browse our extensive how-to guides or explore our dashboard camera reviews to pick the right dash cam for your needs.
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