Dash Cam Black Box: What It Records and How It Works

People often use the terms interchangeably, but a dash cam is not the vehicle's built-in event data recorder. The dash cam primarily captures video and model-dependent metadata.

All models save video; some also log audio, time, location, or speed. Check settings because several of these fields can often be disabled.

Loop recording normally overwrites the oldest unprotected clips when storage fills. Locked files may be retained separately and can eventually consume card space.

Footage can provide useful context, but its handling and legal weight depend on the situation and jurisdiction. Preserve the original file and avoid altering it.