Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among drivers, and for a good reason. They provide an extra layer of security and protection while on the road. There are different types of Dash Cams on the market. So, knowing their capabilities is wise way, especially regarding audio recording.
Do Dash Cams Record Audio?
Some dash cams do record audio. However, Audio recording is not a standard feature in all Dash Cams. In addition, the legality of recording audio in a vehicle can vary by region. So, check the local laws and regulations before recording. Learn first the potential benefits and drawbacks of using the audio recording feature.
We’ll dive into the audio recording capabilities of dash cams. Then, the legal considerations, and how to enable or disable audio recording.
Audio Recording Capabilities of Dash Cams
The audio recording in dash cams is the device capability to capture audio and video footage. Some dash cams have this feature, while others do not. Note that even if a Dash Cam can record audio, it is not ON mode by default.
When shopping for a dash cam, you must consider your needs. Ensure audio recording is a feature you need or not. For example, some dash cams have high-quality audio recording capabilities. While others may have low-quality or no audio recording.
How To Setup The Dash Cam For Recording Audio?
Setting up a dash cam to record audio is a straightforward process. The exact steps may vary depending on the make and model of your dash cam. Here’s a general guide for how to set up audio recording on your dash cam:
- Check local laws and regulations. Ensure that recording audio inside vehicle is legal in your area. The legality of recording audio in a car can vary by region. So, research first the laws in your area to avoid any potential legal issues.
- Locate the audio recording feature. Most dash cams have a menu or settings section. Here where user can enable or disable the audio recording feature. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to locate dash cam’s audio recording feature.
- Enable audio recording. Enable it by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve navigating menus or pressing buttons. Or connecting your dash cam to a computer.
- Test the audio recording. After enabling it, test it to ensure it works correctly. This may involve playing back a recording or checking the audio levels on the dash cam’s screen.
- Adjust the audio recording settings. If necessary, adjust the audio recording settings to your desired level. This may involve changing the volume or sensitivity of the microphone.
That’s for general steps on setup the device. We will list some popular Dash cams. You can see and compare on how to set up based on brand.
How to Turn off Dash Cam Audio?
Disabling audio recording on a Dash Cam is a simple process. It can be done directly on the device without needing a mobile app or WiFi connection. To turn off audio recording, follow these steps:
- Locate the Rec button on the dash cam.
- Hold the Rec button down for 3 seconds.
- You will hear a voice prompt saying “Voice Recording Disabled.” It is indicating that the audio recording has been successfully off.
How do I know if Dash Cam is recording?
To determine if your dash cam is recording, you can look for LED lights. Or listen for any noises indicating recording is taking place. Some dash cams have a start-up sequence with a sound or visual sign that the camera has started recording. For example, the camera may display “Halo Recording” on the screen or make a sound to let you know it is now recording.
How Do You Watch Dash Cam Footage?
To view dash cam footage, you must first copy the footage from the SD card to a computer. To do this, turn off the dash cam and remove the SD card. Then, insert the SD card into your computer’s card reader and open the file manager to locate the SD card. From there, you can browse and view the recorded videos.
How to delete dash cam recordings?
Deleting files on your Dash Cam is a simple process that can be done directly on the device:
- Press the play icon in the screen’s top right corner.
- Select a folder, protected, unprotected, or photos.
- Scroll through the files using the left and right arrows to find the one you wish to delete.
Once you have found the desired file, press the delete button in the bottom right corner. Then confirm the deletion by clicking ‘OK.’ With these steps, you can easily keep your dash cam’s memory clear and organized.
Do dash cameras record all the time?
Whether dash cameras record all the time depends on the specific model and user settings. Some dash cameras are programmed to record as long as the car’s power source is on. While others can turn the recording on or off manually. Learn the manufacturer’s instructions and settings options. Ensure your dash camera is recording all the time. Overall, the purpose of a dash camera is to provide a continuous recording of the road. It is also surrounding environment while driving.
How long do dash cameras record for?
The 32 GB storage can records up to 220 minutes (3.6 hours). Dash cam with 64 GB storage can records 440 minutes (7.3 hours). Wile 128 GB Storage can do records almost all working day, 880 minutes (14.6 hours). Dash cams typically record in a loop. When the SD card reaches capacity, it will overwrite the oldest footage to make room for new recordings. So, it’s better to regularly transfer the footage from the dash cam to a computer. This to ensure important recordings are preserved.
Legal Considerations of Dash Cam Audio Recording
The legality of recording audio in a vehicle can vary by region. So, check local laws and regulations first. For example, in some areas, recording audio in a car with a dash cam may be legal, while in others, it may not be.
Knowing Dash Cam audio recording laws and regulations is essential before use it. Some areas have laws that prohibit audio recording without all parties’ consent. While others have more lenient rules.
Local Laws and Regulations for Recording
The governing laws on conversations recording vary between states in the United States. For example, 37 states, plus the District of Columbia, follow the one-party consent law. This law allows individuals to record a conversation they are a part of without the consent of the other person(s) involved. In contrast, 13 states follow the two-party consent law. They requires all parties involved in a conversation to consent for it to be recorded.
One-party consent laws allow greater flexibility in recording conversations. But, awareness of each state’s specific regulations is still essential. For example, in two-party consent states, all parties must consent to a conversation recording. Whether the conversation occurs in a private or public setting.
Here is a table of the states in the United States, indicating whether they follow one-party or two-party consent laws:
| State | Consent Law |
|---|---|
| Alabama | One-Party Consent |
| Alaska | One-Party Consent |
| Arizona | One-Party Consent |
| Arkansas | One-Party Consent |
| California | Two-Party Consent |
| Colorado | One-Party Consent |
| Connecticut | Two-Party Consent (with some exceptions) |
| Delaware | Two-Party Consent |
| District of Columbia | One-Party Consent |
| Florida | Two-Party Consent |
| Georgia | One-Party Consent |
| Hawaii | One-Party Consent |
| Idaho | One-Party Consent |
| Illinois | Two-Party Consent |
| Indiana | One-Party Consent |
| Iowa | One-Party Consent |
| Kansas | One-Party Consent |
| Kentucky | One-Party Consent |
| Louisiana | One-Party Consent |
| Maine | One-Party Consent |
| Maryland | Two-Party Consent |
| Massachusetts | Two-Party Consent |
| Michigan | Two-Party Consent |
| Minnesota | One-Party Consent |
| Mississippi | One-Party Consent |
| Missouri | One-Party Consent (with some exceptions) |
| Montana | Two-Party Consent |
| Nebraska | One-Party Consent |
| Nevada | One-Party Consent (with some exceptions) |
| New Hampshire | Two-Party Consent |
| New Jersey | One-Party Consent |
| New Mexico | One-Party Consent |
| New York | One-Party Consent |
| North Carolina | One-Party Consent |
| North Dakota | One-Party Consent |
| Ohio | One-Party Consent |
| Oklahoma | One-Party Consent |
| Oregon | Two-Party Consent |
| Pennsylvania | Two-Party Consent |
| Rhode Island | One-Party Consent |
| South Carolina | One-Party Consent |
| South Dakota | One-Party Consent |
| Tennessee | One-Party Consent |
| Texas | One-Party Consent |
| Utah | One-Party Consent |
| Vermont | One-Party Consent (Federal Law applies) |
| Virginia | One-Party Consent |
| Washington | Two-Party Consent |
| West Virginia | One-Party Consent |
| Wisconsin | One-Party Consent |
| Wyoming | One-Party Consent |
Does Dash Cam record when the car is off?
No, most dash cams do not record when the car is off. Dash Cams receive power from the car’s cigarette lighter port. It is inactive when the vehicle is not running. But, some dash cams in the market offer round-the-clock protection. It can continue recording even when the car is off. It is using an external battery or hardwiring into the car’s electrical system. Consider this feature while purchasing a dash cam. Moreover for you who want it to be a reliable source of evidence in case of an incident.
Dash Cam that Stays on When Car is Off
Some dash cams have a feature that allows them to continue recording even when the car is off. This feature typically uses an external power source that controls the dash cam. The power comes from a battery pack or hardwired connection. Check the product specifications and features before purchasing. Ensure you get the Dash Cam that stays on when your car is off.
Here is some Dash Cam that stays on when a car is off:
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a compact and discreet dash camera. It provides reliable video footage of incidents while driving. This Dash cam comes in black and has a size of 1″D x 1″ W x 2″H. It is easy to mount behind the rearview mirror without being noticed. The device has a wide 140-degree lens that records 1080p video with Garmin Clarity HDR optics. It is to ensure precise detail day and night.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is its voice control. It is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish. This feature allows user to control the Dash cam using spoken commands. So, saving video, starting/stopping audio recording, and taking pictures with voice command. The saved videos are automatically uploaded to the secure online Vault via WiFi. User can view and sharing later.
The Parking Guard feature requires constant power and an active WiFi connection. It monitors activity around the parked vehicle. If an incident is detected, it will alerts user. The device has remote access to the camera through the app on a compatible smartphone. It providing live view monitoring while away from the parked car.
The Garmin Drive app allows users to view footage from up to four dash cameras. In addition, the app provides a simple and easy way to access the camera’s footage. For storage, the Dash cam is compatible with up to 512 GB microSD cards, Class 10 or faster.
The Dash cam’s durable design withstands harsh vehicle environments. It is including direct sunlight and high temperatures. And it comes with a dual USB charger, giving drivers an extra USB charging port. However, some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of this device. So, it is the user’s responsibility to follow laws and privacy rights in their jurisdiction.
Regarding drawbacks, the Dash Cam requires manual pairing with the Garmin Drive app. The process can be complex if not done correctly. Some users have reported difficulty finding the right mounting solution for their vehicle. The included foam tape can fall off during hot summer months. Also, some users have reported difficulty in solving connection issues with VPN apps on their smartphones.
Nexar Pro Dual Dash Cam
The Nexar Pro Dual Dash Cam is a smart dash cam system. It provides professional-level protection and evidence by recording your car’s road and cabin. It is well-designed to connect with a smartphone. It is compatible with iPhones seven and above and most Android models. However, the Nexar does not work with Apple CarPlay.
The road view camera records crisp 135° wide video in 1080p Full HD quality. In contrast, the interior camera records sharp HD footage. It includes ten infrared light bulbs that provide superb night vision. In addition, the system is equipped with advanced G-force sensors. It also comes with memory options from 32GB to 256GB, providing up to 24 hours of loop recording.
One of the standout features of the Nexar Pro is its smart detection and free cloud backup. The camera detects critical situations on the road and saves them as short clips on the Nexar app. These clips are also automatically backed up to your free and unlimited Nexar cloud account. The camera also features a Parking Mode for 24/7 protection. It is sensing even the slightest impact. And it is starting to record immediately, even when your car is parked.
The Nexar Pro dashboard camera streams live footage to your phone every time you drive. It is making video evidence always just a tap away if needed. Besides, the Nexar app works in the background. So, you can use other apps (like navigation) while driving. The camera can also create detailed post-collision reports at the tap of a button. Then summarizing key information from the crash. That’s including video footage, driving speed, G-force impact, and location.
In terms of performance, the camera quality of the Nexar Pro is decent. It’s 1080p resolution providing enough detail to make out license plates. However, user experienced a problem losing footage from a 4-hour drive. This because the allocated phone storage was set to 50% on the app by default. So it is overwriting the previous journey. So it is best idea to increase distributed storage to avoid this such problem.
Garmin Dash Cam 47
The Garmin Dash Cam 47 is a small and discreet dash camera. It can records and saves video of incidents with GPS location, date, and time. This device has a wide 140-degree lens that records 1080p HD video with Garmin Clarity HDR optics. It makes crisp detail day and night. The dash cam features voice control in popular language. That’s like English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish. So, use spoken commands to save video, start/stop audio recording, take still pictures, and more. In addition, the Parking Guard feature monitors activity around your parked vehicle. And alerts you if an incident is detected. But, it requires a WiFi connection. Access via the Garmin Drive app on your compatible smartphone.
The dash cam also has a remote access feature for Live View monitoring. It is useful while you’re away from your parked car. Driver alerts such as forward collision, lane departure, and speed camera warnings. These help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness. In addition, the Garmin Drive app allows you to view video from up to 4 Garmin dash cams. But it sold separately for more awareness around your vehicle.
The camera’s durable design withstands harsh vehicle environments. That’s including direct sunlight and hot interior temperatures. The dash cam has a 16GB microSD card, low-profile magnetic mount, vehicle power cables, dual USB power adapter, and documentation. The device also supports up to 512 GB, Class 10, or faster microSD cards.
The Garmin Drive app and all the basic features do not need a subscription. However, if you use the Vault (cloud), it costs $4.99 a month. The dash cam can connect to up to four cameras for full coverage of the sides. The device is easy to use, and the image and audio quality are excellent. After about a year of use, the dash cam has had no problems recording video/audio on a 256GB micro SD card. The file retention with audio is about two weeks.
Rove R2-4K Dash Cam
The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam is a high-quality dash camera. It provides ultra HD recording with a resolution of 2160p. This camera stands out from its competitors with its 4K recording capabilities. More technology like built-in WiFi and GPS features. In addition, the camera comes with state-of-the-art technology. Those are as a 150° A+ wide-angle lens, G-sensor, loop cycle recording, and more.
One of the key benefits of the Rove R2-4K Dash Cam is its ultra HD recording quality. The camera has a revolutionary Super Night Vision Technology. These are Ultra-low liensor NT96660 and SONY IMX335. Both helps get more apparent footage and images, even in low light conditions. Also, the built-in WiFi feature allows users to view and manage recordings on their Phones. The dash cam also has a built-in GPS that accurately records the driving location and speed. User can access it via Google Maps via the app or with the Car DV Player.
The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam also includes a speed stamp option in the settings, which can be disabled if desired. The camera has an internal battery that is meant to last 3-5 minutes only when fully charged. And it is not meant to last more than this due to fire safety concerns. Therefore, the Dash Cam should always be plugged into the power for its operation. With a 64GB memory card, the camera can record for 5+ hours at 4K before looping. And with a 128GB memory card, it can record for 10+ hours.
Nextbase 622GW
The Nextbase 622GW is a top-of-the-line device that offers excellent video quality. It has a range of features to enhance the driving experience. The camera captures ultra-clear 4K video at 30 frames per second. And it can record in 1440p HD at 60fps and 1080p HD at 120fps. In addition, the rear camera module can still record in full HD quality of 1080p at 30fps. It is providing a comprehensive view of the car from multiple angles.
One of the key features of the 622GW is the “what3words” integration. This provides the exact location of the vehicle even when offline. This vital safety feature helps emergency services or friends locate the car quickly. The camera also has image stabilization technology. This technology reduces vibrations and improves footage clarity. So it produce a smooth and crystal-clear image.
The 622GW has enhanced night vision and an extreme weather mode that allows you to see through the fog. In addition, the camera has a new sensor with larger pixels that will enable more light into each one. The camera can detects light levels and enhances the image as it’s being recorded. The camera also has Alexa built-in, providing access to thousands of skills. That’s like playing music, making calls, getting directions, and more.
COOAU 1080p FHD Built-in GPS WiFi Dash Cam
The COOAU 1080P FHD Built-in GPS WiFi Dash Cam is a high-quality dash camera. It designed to give drivers a second set of eyes on the road. With its dual cameras, the dash cam captures sharp details both inside and outside of the vehicle. So, it is an excellent choice for Uber and Lyft drivers. Also for anyone who wants to record their driving experiences. The front camera has a 170° field of view and records at 1920x1080P@30fps. While the cabin camera has a 150° field of view. It has four infrared LED lights to enhance night vision.
One of the standout features is its built-in WiFi connectivity and dedicated free app. This app allows users to check, download, share videos, and make all the necessary settings. In case of an accident, the footage is accessible to law enforcement. It does not need to pull out the SD card and looking for a laptop. The built-in GPS module pinpoint the vehicle’s location and routes on a map. The super capacitor ensures the high performance and long-term reliability, even in extreme temperatures.
Another key feature of the COOAU dash cam is its adjustable G-sensor and 24-hour parking mode. The G-sensor helps the dash cam to adapt to various road conditions. Once it detects sudden shaking or collision, it will save the videos as locked files. The 24-hour parking mode allows both cameras to turn on and record when a shake or collision detected. It is providing drivers with peace of mind even when their car is parked.
The dash cam also features automatic loop recording and file overwriting. It is eliminating the need to set “start recording” before each drive manually. In addition, the compact design of the D30 makes installation easy, even for novice users. COOAU provides a lifetime warranty for this dash camera. This also with 7*24 high-quality customer care and technical support.
Conclusion
Dash cam audio recording is a feature that some dash cams have, but it is only a standard feature in some dash cams. In addition, the legality of recording audio in a vehicle can vary by region. so check local laws and regulations. If your dash cam can record audio, you may have the option to enable or disable this feature.