Can I use a dashcam in my car in Switzerland?
It depends — permanent recording is largely inadmissible. Filming identifiable people with a dashcam is processing of personal data under the revised Data Protection Act (revDSG). The EDÖB treats permanent, continuous recording as disproportionate and largely inadmissible. Only proportionate use is acceptable: not continuous (e.g. loop/overwrite or event-triggered), limited to your purpose, no targeted filming of passers-by or neighbouring property, and no publishing of identifiable third parties. Footage from inadmissible surveillance may be unusable as evidence in court. In short: only proportionate and event-based, not continuous and not for publishing.
📋 The rules
- Filming = data processing (revDSG)
- EDÖB: continuous recording inadmissible
- Only proportionate and event-based
- No targeted filming of passers-by/neighbours
- Footage may be unusable as evidence
🔓 Exceptions
- Loop/overwrite or event-triggered: more likely admissible
- Keep data only as long as needed
- Publishing identifiable third parties isn't allowed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The revDSG penalises certain wilful breaches (e.g. of information or due-diligence duties) with fines up to CHF 250,000 against the responsible person; but everyday private dashcam use is mainly a personality-rights and evidence issue. Publishing footage of identifiable third parties risks civil claims. Beware a myth: "with a dashcam I have valid evidence in any accident" is not necessarily true — footage from inadmissible continuous surveillance can be unusable. Tip: use a loop function, save only on an event, and don't publish identifiable people.
📎 Official sources
- EDÖB · video surveillance by private persons →
- EDÖB · surveillance of public space by private persons →
- Fedlex · Data Protection Act (revDSG) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use a dashcam?
It depends on how you use it. Filming identifiable people is processing of personal data under the Data Protection Act. The EDÖB treats permanent, continuous recording as disproportionate and largely inadmissible. Only proportionate, event-based use without publishing third parties is defensible.
Why is continuous filming a problem?
A dashcam that films without interruption captures a large number of uninvolved people and vehicles, without this being necessary for your purpose. That breaches the principle of proportionality in data protection. A solution with overwriting or event-triggering is more likely to be acceptable.
Is the footage usable in court?
Not necessarily. Footage from inadmissible, disproportionate continuous surveillance can be unusable as evidence in court. The court carries out a balancing of interests case by case. So a dashcam doesn't guarantee valid evidence in an accident, despite recording the scene.
Can I publish dashcam videos?
No, not with identifiable third parties. Publishing footage showing identifiable people without their consent infringes their personality rights and can trigger civil claims. This also applies to uploading traffic scenes with recognisable people or number plates to social media platforms.
How do I use a dashcam correctly?
Use a loop function that automatically overwrites old footage, or event-triggering, so that recording isn't continuous. Keep the data only as long as needed, don't deliberately film passers-by or neighbouring property, and don't publish identifiable people from the footage.
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