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Guide
Where to Put a Dash Cam in Your Car
Mount the front camera high and close to the rear-view mirror where it has a clear road view without blocking yours. Keep it clear of sensor housings and airbag paths.
GGearjury editorial team · Updated 15 October 2026· 5 min
01
Where should a front dash cam sit?
Choose a high central position, normally behind or close to the rear-view mirror, with the lens looking through an area cleared by the wipers. Sit in your normal driving position and confirm that the camera and mount do not obscure your road view.
02
Check cameras and driver-assistance sensors
Identify the factory sensor housing before sticking anything to the glass. Keep the dash cam outside the visible and functional area of forward cameras, rain sensors and demisters; consult the vehicle handbook when the boundary is unclear.
03
Aim the lens before fixing the mount
Power the camera temporarily and use its screen or app to frame the view. Include useful road area without filling most of the image with sky or dashboard, then clean and dry the mounting spot.
04
Where does a rear dash cam go?
A rear camera usually sits high on the rear glass with a centred view. Allow for a moving hatch, heating elements, wiper coverage and the cable loop needed for the tailgate.
05
Route the cable away from airbags
Run the lead along trim without stretching or pinching it. Never lay a cable across a side-curtain airbag or interfere with pedals, steering or seat movement; use a professional installer if the safe route is uncertain.
06
Recheck the view on the road
After installation, confirm that the horizon is sensible, number plates are not hidden by reflections and both cameras save footage. Recheck the adhesive mount after hot weather and inspect the cable wherever trim moves.
Common questions
Questions before you buy
Where is the best place to put a dash cam?
High near the rear-view mirror is usually the cleanest position, provided it does not block your view or interfere with factory sensors.
Can I put a dash cam anywhere on the windscreen?
No. Its position must preserve the driver's field of view and comply with local rules; it also needs a clear lens view through the swept area of the glass.
Should a dash cam be behind the rear-view mirror?
That position can reduce distraction and obstruction, but only if the mirror, sensor housing and frit pattern do not block the lens.
Where should I put a dashcam in a car with driver-assistance cameras?
Keep it outside the factory camera and sensor zones described in the vehicle handbook. Ask the vehicle maker or a qualified installer if those zones are not obvious.
A plug-in installation suits basic driving recording; professional hardwiring is the safer route for neat cabling and parking mode. Keep every camera and cable clear of vision and airbags.
A two-channel system is the clearest choice when you want evidence from both directions. Prioritise rear-camera quality, cable length and an installation that keeps the driver's view clear.
Start with the coverage you need: front-only for simplicity, front-rear for broader evidence, or a dedicated motorcycle system. Then decide how you will power it.
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