For many drivers, a dash cam has become a necessity for peace of mind that you’re sufficiently covered should you run into trouble - plus the cheaper insurance premiums are a bonus. But if you’re planning on taking a trip to Europe - for business or pleasure - you need to make sure you’re clued up on whether you’re allowed to use one or not, as the consequences of being caught can outweigh the benefits.
Some European countries do not allow the use of dash cams as it breaches various laws related to privacy and data protection. So to make sure you’re adequately prepared, we’ve created this simple guide to what countries you can use a dash cam in:
| Country | Legal to own? | Legal to use? | Potential Penalties | Requirements |
| Austria | No | No | €10,000 fine (€25,000 for repeat offenders | - |
| Belgium | Yes | Yes | - | - Private use only - Can be used as evidence but parties must be informed |
| Bosnia-Herzegovina | Yes | Yes | - | - |
| Denmark | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| France | Yes | Yes | - |
- Cannot obscure driver's view - Private use only cannot upload to internet |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | - | - Cannot obscure driver's view - Can use footage for insurance purposes - Should not record people's faces, number plates |
| Italy | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Luxembourg | Yes | No | - |
- |
| Malta | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Norway | Yes | Yes | - |
- Cannot obscure driver's view |
| Portugal | No | No | - |
- |
| Serbia | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes | - |
- |
| Switzerland | Yes | Yes | - | - Legal to use but is strongly discouraged - May contravene data protection rights |
| UK | Yes | Yes | - |
- Cannot obscure driver's view - Cannot show footage/view of road while driving |
Find Snooper sat navs and driving assistance technology directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.