Common 'Zone X' dashcam error risks £200 fine and penalty points, drivers warned

15 February 2023 , 02:49

592     0

Drivers could be hit with large fines or points on their licence if they put their dashcam in the wrong place (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Drivers have been warned they could face a £200 huge fine and three penalty points with a common dashcam error.

These increasingly popular video recording devices allow motorists to record their point of view on the road in case of accidents, and are often encouraged by insurance firms as an easy way to settle claims.

But while dashcams should be placed on the windscreen in order to capture the best perspective of what is going on, it is important that the gadgets do not obstruct the driver's line of sight in any way.

The Highway Code clearly states that objects must not block any view of the road, as the windscreen has to be kept free from any obstructions to vision.

The Department for Transport further states that dashcams cannot be placed any more than 40mm into the swept area of the windscreen wipers (zone 'B') and no more than 10mm of intrusion of zone 'A'.

'Dangerous' driver sparks fury after placing 'insane' note on back window

The Department for Transport says the gadgets must not be placed in Zone 'X' of the windscreen to avoid obstruction of the road (Road Angel)

Zone 'X' above the steering wheel is the danger zone, and any dashcam placed here will mean the motorist is subject to serious driving offences as it will obstruct a clear vision of the road ahead.

If placed in this zone, drivers will be breaking the law and can be punished with a minimum of three penalty points on your driving licence, a £200 fine, or even a charge of dangerous driving in Scotland.

Any footage taken from the dashcam could also be deemed unreliable if it was blocking full view of the road ahead.

Experts have found that many drivers believe the devices should be placed in their own line of sight, as they think the screen must be there to be looked at.

Gary Digva, founder of car safety tech manufacturer Road Angel, told MyLondon that the best place to put your dashcam is instead "up high up right by your rear view mirror", as that way the camera can "capture both sides of the road and doesn’t cause any obstruction".

"Any footage which was captured from a dashcam blocking the view of the road ahead could be deemed as insufficient and actually be used against you for driving dangerously without clear vision", he added.

Improper placement could also cause you to be charged with dangerous driving and not having proper control of the vehicle, Mr Digva said, which can result in a unlimited fine and potential driving ban.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas