Where should a dash cam be positioned?
Choose a high position near the rear-view mirror that gives the lens a centred view of the road. Sit in the normal driving position and confirm that neither camera nor mount blocks your view.
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Guide
Where to Put a Dash Cam in Your Car
Mount it high on the windscreen, commonly behind the rear-view mirror, while keeping the lens in a swept area and the unit outside the driver's critical view.
Keep the lens inside the wiper sweep
A clear recording needs glass that the wipers can clean. Leave space around dotted shading, mirror housings and vehicle sensors so the lens and adhesive sit on suitable glass.
Check the view before fixing the mount
Power the camera temporarily, display its live view and level the horizon. Include enough road and sky for context without filling the frame with the bonnet or dashboard.
Route the power lead away from airbags
Follow the supplied installation instructions and never tuck a lead across an airbag deployment path. If trim removal or fuse-box work is required, use a competent installer.
Place a rear camera with demisting in mind
Mount an interior rear unit where it sees through a clear, heated section of glass and does not obstruct the driver's rearward view. Check that the boot lid or tailgate can move without pulling the cable.
Review footage after the first drive
Check that reflections, trim and wiper edges do not dominate the image. Re-aim the lens within the mount's permitted adjustment rather than repeatedly removing an adhesive pad.
Common questions
Questions before you buy
Can I put a dash cam behind the rear-view mirror?
Often yes, and it can keep the unit out of the driver's direct sightline. Make sure the lens is unobstructed and the mount does not cover a vehicle sensor.
Which side of the rear-view mirror should a dashcam go?
Choose the side that keeps the camera outside the driver's view while preserving access to buttons and the memory card. The best side varies with the car and camera shape.
Should a dash cam be in the middle of the windscreen?
A central lens usually gives balanced coverage, but the physical unit must still meet visibility requirements. An offset mount can work if the lens remains correctly aimed.
Can a dashcam be mounted low on the dashboard?
Only if the manufacturer permits it and the view is clear. Low placement is more prone to dashboard reflection and may show less of the road.
Sources and how we chose
- UK Highway Code: vehicle maintenance, safety and security · 2026-10-15
- Nextbase fitting guide · 2026-10-15
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