Missouri
Missouri Dashcam Laws: Mounting Rules, Audio Recording, and Evidence (2026)
Dashcams are legal in Missouri, and mounting one does not require a specific permit. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402, Missouri is a one-party consent state, so a driver may record in-vehicle audio of any conversation they are part of. Mount the camera where it does not obstruct your view under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 307.180.
Dashcams are legal and widely used in Missouri. The state has no specific statute addressing dashboard cameras, so their use is governed by general traffic safety laws, the one-party consent wiretapping statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402), and federal motor vehicle regulations.
Are Dashcams Legal in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri does not prohibit dashcam installation or use. You can use a dashcam in any vehicle on Missouri roads.
Windshield Mounting Rules
Missouri law under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 307.180 regulates windshield obstructions. Devices affixed to the windshield that materially obstruct the driver's view may result in a traffic citation.
Best practices for mounting:
- Mount behind the rearview mirror
- Use a compact camera
- Ensure no obstruction of view or stickers
- Test visibility after installation
Dashcam Audio and Missouri Consent Laws
One-Party Consent
Missouri is a one-party consent state under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402. As the vehicle operator, your presence satisfies consent. You can record passenger conversations, traffic stop audio, and road incident exchanges without informing anyone.
Criminal or Tortious Intent Exception
The consent exception does not apply when recording is made for criminal or tortious purposes. Audio used for harassment or blackmail is illegal.
Unattended Vehicle Recording
If your dashcam runs while you are absent and captures others' conversations, you are no longer a party. Consider disabling the microphone for parking mode.
Dashcam Footage as Evidence
Missouri Comparative Fault
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 537.765. A plaintiff can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. Dashcam footage showing exactly how an accident occurred is critical for determining fault allocation.
Admissibility
Dashcam footage is admissible in Missouri courts when authenticated under the Missouri Rules of Evidence. The footage must be genuine, unaltered, and relevant.
Criminal Cases
Footage serves as evidence in DUI prosecutions, hit-and-run investigations, road rage cases, and traffic violations.
Commercial Use
Fleet operators in Missouri use dashcams for safety, liability protection, and FMCSA compliance. Rideshare drivers can legally use dashcams with one-party consent satisfied by the driver's presence.
Dashcams and Law Enforcement
You have a First Amendment right to record police during traffic stops. Your dashcam can continue recording. Police cannot order you to stop recording or confiscate your device without a warrant.
Penalties
| Violation | Statute | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield obstruction | Mo. Rev. Stat. 307.180 | Traffic citation |
| Audio recording without consent (not a party) | Mo. Rev. Stat. 542.402 | Class E felony: up to 4 years, $10,000 fine |
Civil damages under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.418 include $100/day or $10,000 minimum, plus punitive damages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell passengers my dashcam records audio in Missouri?
No. Missouri is a one-party consent state under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402. Your presence in the vehicle satisfies consent.
Can dashcam footage be used in Missouri courts?
Yes. Dashcam footage is admissible when authenticated as genuine, unaltered, and relevant under Missouri Rules of Evidence.
Where should I mount my dashcam in Missouri?
Mount behind the rearview mirror or in a corner. Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 307.180 restricts windshield obstructions that block the driver's view.
Can my dashcam record while parked without me?
Video is fine. Audio recording when absent could capture others' conversations without consent, potentially violating Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402. Disable the microphone for parking mode.
Can police order me to turn off my dashcam?
No. The First Amendment protects recording police in public. Your dashcam can continue recording during any traffic stop.
Sources and References
- Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.402 - Wiretapping Penalties and Exceptions(revisor.mo.gov).gov
- Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 307.180 - Windshield Requirements(revisor.mo.gov).gov
- Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 542.418 - Civil Remedies(revisor.mo.gov).gov
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)(fmcsa.dot.gov).gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)(nhtsa.gov).gov