Where Should I Mount My Dashcam?

Dashcams used to be used by law enforcement only or perhaps by professional commercial drivers or other types of workers. These days, however, more and more people have dash cams, and one of the most important questions they ask is: "Where should I mount my dashcam?"

Here on Long Island, where traffic congestion, aggressive driving, and frequent accidents are part of daily life, having a dash camera is one of the smartest investments you can make. It can show amazing evidence following a crash, help resolve disputes with insurance companies, and even protect against fraudulent claims.

However, owning a dash cam isn't enough. Where you place the device plays a major role in its effectiveness. Poor placement can result in obstructed views, unusable footage, or even legal complications. For those who want clear and admissible evidence in the event of an accident, proper dash cam placement is extremely important.

Here, we will look at the best place to mount a dash cam, what to avoid, and how to ensure the footage is clear, useful, and legal.

Why Dash Cam Placement Matters More Than Most Drivers Think

Many drivers assume that as long as their dashboard camera is recording, that it will do its job. However, in reality, the placement of the dash cam directly affects whether or not it can be used effectively in a legal claim.

A dashcam that is not positioned well can:

• Miss key details like license plates or traffic signals

• Capture too much glare or dashboard reflection

• Be partially blocked by mirrors or windshield tinting

• Obstruct the driver’s view, creating a safety hazard

In a legal context, these issues can weaken a claim. Attorneys rely on clear and uninterrupted footage to reconstruct accidents and establish fault. if the camera angle is off, or the recording is compromised, the evidence can be worthless. They can also help with questions like Does having a dashcam lower insurance in NY?

The Best Place to Mount a Dashcam: Behind the Rearview Mirror

The best place to mount dash cams is directly behind the rearview mirror, or below the rearview mirror. It should be centered on the windshield.

Why This Spot Works Best

You Get an Unobstructed View of the Road

Placing the dashcam near the center of the front windshield allows it to capture a balanced, wide-angle view of the road ahead. This positioning ensures that multiple lanes, traffic signals, and surrounding vehicles are visible.

There is Minimal Driver Distraction

When placing the dash cam high on the windshield and in the center, it remains out of the driver's view. This helps to reduce distractions and helps to maintain safe driving conditions.

Glare and Reflections are Reduced

When placing front dash cams in this spot, there is also less glare. This improves video quality and clarity, especially when the sun is rising or setting.

Clearer, More Professional Footage

A centered, elevated angle closely matched the perspective of the driver. This makes the footage easier to interpret and more persuasive in legal situations.

Alternative Mounting Locations (And When They Make Sense)

While near the rearview mirror is the best place, there are other places you can put a dash cam.

Lower Windshield (Passenger Side)

Some drivers prefer to mount their dash cam on the lower corner of the passenger side windshield. This helps to keep the device totally out of the driver's way, and it allows for easy access for adjustments or removing the device.

However, there is a more narrow field of view and more possibility for glare. It's also less effective for capturing clear footage of traffic signals.

This option might work for smaller vehicles or for drivers who want to be more discreet, but the quality might not be as good.

Dashboard Mount

Some dashcams come with dashboard mounting options rather than windshield mounts. With these cams, when mounted properly, they will not obstruct the windshield. However, the lower angle can make perspective seem off, and they are more probe to glare. Typically, dashboard cameras that are actually placed on the dashboard have limited perspective.

Rear Dash Cam (For Rear-Facing Cameras)

Many drivers have both a front and rear window dash cam. These dashcams record both the front and rear of the vehicle. For rear-facing dash cams, it's best to center them on the windshield, and not more on the driver or passenger side. They also must be high enough that they aren't obstructed.

Legal Considerations for Dashcam Placement in New York

Whether you are placing your dash cam on the front or rear windshield, there are state laws that come into play too. To place a dash cam properly, you must follow these laws.

New York State doesn't allow objects on the windshield that will obstruct the driver's view of the road. While dashcams are allowed, if they are not placed in the correct spot, you could get a citation.

To stay compliant with state law, keep your dash cam small and discreet, place it near the center of the windshield (or back window, for a rear camera), and avoid placing it directly in the line of sight of the driver.

Proper placement not only ensures safety, but also ensures that the dashcam footage is not challenged.

Key Factors to Consider When Mounting a Dashcam

There are several key factors to consider when mounting your dash cam, whether its a front camera or a rear one.

1. Field of View

The camera should capture the entire width of the road, traffic signals, and vehicles in other lanes. This is why it's often best to center the dashcam, especially if it has a wide angle lens.

2. Angle and Alignment

The camera should also be level and pointed straight ahead. It shouldn't be angles too far up or down. If it's too high, you see too much sky. If it's too low, you won't see enough traffic.

A good rule of thumb is to position the horizon line slightly above the center of the frame.

3. Stability

The dashcam should also be stable and not shaky. If it's shaking, it can be difficult to see everything. Use a strong adhesive instead of a suction cup mount when possible, and make sure it vibrates as little as possible.

4. Power Cable Routing

Also, do your best to tie up loose or dangling cables. They can be distracting and dangerous. The best thing to do is to route the cable along the windshield edge or tuck it into the trim or headliner. Don't obstruct airbags or other controls. If you want to avoid windshield obstructions, you can consider professional installation.

5. Visibility at Night

Placement can also impact the quality of nighttime recording. Mounting too low will increase glare from headlights, while a higher position will reduce direct light. Proper placement ensures good visibility in all conditions, even at night.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make When Mounting Dashcams

Even experienced drivers often make errors when installing their dash cams:

Mounting Too Low

One of the most common issues drivers have is that they mount their dash cam too low. This captures more of the hood and dashboard and not enough of the road.

Blocking the Lens

Placing the dashcam behind a tint strip, defroster lines, or windshield stickers can obstruct the view of the lens and reduce clarity.

Ignoring Local Laws

There are laws in place that can lead to fines if your dash cam is not in the right place.

Poor Angle Adjustment

Even if your location is correct, the angle of the dash cam can ruin the footage. A quick test to check after the camera is installed can stop this.

Using Weak Mounts

Adhesive mounts are netter than suction cup mounts, as they can fall off, especially in hot temperatures.

How Proper Dashcam Placement Can Strengthen a Legal Claim

For drivers involved in accidents on Long Island, dashcam footage can be a powerful form of evidence—but only if it is clear, comprehensive, and properly captured.

When mounted correctly, a dashcam can:

• Show exactly how an accident occurred

• Capture traffic signals and right-of-way violations

• Record reckless or negligent driving behavior

• Provide timestamps and location context

In short, accident attorneys in Long Island often use dashcam footage to build stronger cases, negotiate settlements, and challenge false claims. In some situations, clear video evidence can significantly speed up the legal process.

On the other hand, poorly placed dashcams may produce footage that is incomplete or ambiguous—making it far less useful in court or during negotiations.

Should You Install Your Dashcam Professionally?

While many dashcams are marketed as easy DIY installations, professional installation offers several advantages:

• Clean, hidden wiring

• Optimal placement and angle adjustment

• Secure mounting that withstands heat and vibration

• Proper integration with the vehicle’s power system

For drivers who want the most reliable performance—especially those concerned about legal protection—professional installation is often worth the investment.

Make Small Adjustments with Your Dash Cam and See a Big Impact

Mounting a dash cam can seem like a minor task, but it has a major impact on the quality and usefulness of the footage. The difference between a dashcam that is mounted correctly and one that isn't can determine whether or not important details are captured or totally missed.

The safest choice is to mount the dash cam behind the rearview mirror. It should be centered and angled in a way to capture details on the road ahead.

If you have legal questions about dash cams, or you have been in an accident and have dashcam footage showing someone else is at fault, reach out to The Law Office of Carl Maltese for a free consultation.