Can I use a dashcam in my car?
Yes: a dashcam is legal, observing GDPR rules. Using a dashcam is legal in Romania if the device is correctly mounted and doesn't obstruct the driver's visibility. The updated Road Code (2024) explicitly permits these devices, recognising their role in road safety. Recording public space must have a legitimate purpose (safety, evidence). Audio recording of conversations inside the car may require the passengers' consent. Beware of publication: sharing on social media images with people or number plates can breach the rights of those filmed — you must blur faces and plates before posting. Exception: handing recordings to the authorities or to the insurer as evidence. It's advised to delete recordings after a reasonable period (around 30 days).
📋 The rules
- A dashcam is legal if it doesn't obstruct visibility
- The Road Code (2024) explicitly permits the devices
- Recording public space: with a legitimate purpose
- Audio in the car: may require the passengers' consent
- Publication: blur faces and plates (GDPR)
🔓 Exceptions
- Handing the recording to authorities or insurer as evidence: allowed
- Recordings for strictly personal use, not shared: lighter requirements
- Audio without consent: can be legally problematic
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Merely using a dashcam isn't sanctioned, as long as it doesn't obstruct visibility. Problems arise on publication: sharing online images with recognisable faces and number plates, without blurring, can breach GDPR and the rights of those filmed, exposing you to complaints and fines (GDPR sanctions can be significant). To use the camera correctly: mount it so it doesn't obstruct the field of view, keep recordings for personal use or as evidence, blur personal data before publishing anything, consider a warning sticker about recording, and delete the material after a reasonable period. To report an offence, send the recording directly to the police.
📎 Official sources
- National Supervisory Authority (ANSPDCP) · GDPR →
- GEO 195/2002 · Road Code →
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a dashcam legal in Romania?
Yes. Using a dashcam is legal if the device is correctly mounted and doesn't obstruct the driver's visibility. The updated Road Code explicitly permits these devices. Recording public space must have a legitimate purpose, such as safety or obtaining evidence.
Can I publish a dashcam recording online?
Only after blurring the faces and number plates of third parties. Publishing on social media images with recognisable people can breach GDPR and the rights of those filmed. The exception is handing recordings to the authorities or the insurer, as evidence.
Can I send a recording to the police?
Yes. Handing a recording with an offender's number plate to the police is allowed and can serve as evidence. Likewise, recordings can be handed to the insurer after an accident. In these situations blurring isn't needed, as it's a use as evidence.
Must I ask passengers for consent to record audio?
Possibly, yes. Audio recording of conversations inside the car may require the passengers' consent, as it concerns their privacy. Video recording of public space is less restrictive, but for audio it's advisable to inform and get the consent of those present.
Where can I mount the dashcam?
So that it doesn't obstruct the driver's field of view or reduce visibility of the road. It's usually mounted in the upper part of the windscreen, near the rear-view mirror. Wrong mounting that covers the field of view can bring sanctions at a check.
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