Can I record with a car dashcam?
Yes: a dashcam is legal, observing GDPR rules. Using a car dashcam is legal in Poland, provided the device records events in public space (roads, car parks) and doesn't obstruct the driver's field of view. Recordings that allow people or number plates to be identified are personal data under GDPR — but you may collect and store them for personal use without anonymising them. The situation changes with publication: by sharing a recording online, you become a data controller and must blur the faces and plates of third parties. It is, however, allowed to send a recording with a visible number plate to the police — this often results in a fine for the offender.
📋 The rules
- Dashcam legal when recording public space
- The device must not obstruct the driver's field of view
- Recordings for personal use — no anonymisation needed
- Publication: you must blur faces and plates (GDPR)
- You may send a recording of an offender to the police
🔓 Exceptions
- Handing a recording with a visible plate to the police is allowed
- Recordings in your own archive need no censoring
- Camera mounting must not limit visibility or airbag operation
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Merely owning and using a dashcam risks no fine, as long as it doesn't obstruct the field of view. The problem arises with publication: sharing online a recording with recognisable faces and plates of third parties, without blurring them, may breach GDPR and personal rights and expose you to claims and liability. So keep recordings to yourself, and if you want to report an offence — send the material directly to the police (e.g. via the National Threat Map or a submission inbox). Also ensure correct mounting of the camera so it doesn't limit visibility or interfere with airbag operation.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Is a dashcam legal in Poland?
Yes. Using a car dashcam is legal, provided it records events in public space, e.g. on roads and car parks, and doesn't obstruct the driver's field of view. You may collect and store recordings for personal use without needing to anonymise them.
Can I publish a dashcam recording online?
Only after blurring the faces and number plates of third parties. By publishing a recording you become a controller of the personal data visible in it and must protect others' privacy. Publishing without hiding these data may breach GDPR and expose you to liability.
Can I send a recording to the police?
Yes. Sending a recording with the visible number plate of an offender to the police is allowed and often results in a fine for the driver. You can do this e.g. via the National Threat Map or a police unit's electronic submission inbox.
Must I censor recordings for personal use?
No. If you store recordings in your own archive and don't share them, you don't have to blur faces or plates. The duty to protect data arises only on publication or other sharing of the material with third parties.
Where can I mount the camera in the car?
So that it doesn't obstruct the driver's field of view or limit visibility of the road. The camera also must not interfere with airbag operation. It's most often mounted by the rear-view mirror, in the upper part of the windscreen, outside the main field of view.
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