Getting a Ticket for an Obstructed View From a Dashcam
In states like Michigan, you can get a ticket for having your dashcam become an obstruction in your view. The procedure for issuing a ticket is a pull-over by a police officer. If he finds that the dashcam is an obstruction for you, he will charge a ticket. Moreover, he will write the citation number on a writing pad and send it to another officer or keep it for security records.
What Should You Do When the Officer Tells You There Is an Obstructed View?
You have a few possible options when the officer tells you that there is an obstructed view.
1) Tell the officer that you have a dashcam and ask whether you can show your video to them. The officer will see the video and not likely hand over a ticket unless it is confirmed.
2) If you live in a state without laws, refuse to accept the ticket and sue the officer for violating your First Amendment rights. You will also need to prove that the officer gave the ticket because of your dashcam and not because they witnessed you hitting another vehicle.
3) If you received a ticket for an obstructed view but can’t fight it, pay your ticket and ask for any points on your driving record to be dismissed by filing a motion with the court.
One of the main reasons to use a dashcam is for protection against an unexpected car accident. Most drivers, even those who don’t have accidents often, will buy a camera and place it on their dashboard to have footage of striking someone else’s vehicle.
The answer is yes – but only in some states. In other states, no – but the officer must have seen you strike another vehicle.
What Does an Obstructed View Mean?
An obstructed view means a blockade that comes in your driving sight. It could be the dash camera, a tear in your window or an object hanging from the rearview mirror. In any case, it will obstruct your vision while driving. It is illegal to drive with an obstructed view in most states – including Colorado.
Dangers of an Obstructed View
If you’re driving with an obstructed view, you risk hitting something. This obstructed view can lead to a massive accident with severe injuries or death. If your dash camera is recording, an officer will most likely have footage of when this happened. It could also lead to receiving a ticket for failure to yield while entering a highway intersection.
What States Prohibit Dash Cameras?
Some states allow dashcams while driving but prohibit them when you are in motion. The states that prohibit dashcams are:
1) Illinois: You can have a dashcam while driving but cannot use it while in motion.
2) New Jersey: Dashcam use is prohibited while driving.
3) New York: You can have a dashcam when parked but cannot use it while in motion.
4) Texas: It is illegal to use a dashcam when you are driving.
5) Washington: Dashcam use is prohibited while you are driving.
6) Wisconsin: You can have a dashcam while parked but cannot use it while you are in motion.
The state with the strictest rules against dash cams is Illinois. The state laws acts by suspending the driving license if caught driving with an obstructed view. In addition, the insurance company can cancel your coverage if you use a dashcam while in motion.
Conclusion
Dash cameras are an excellent way to keep a record of your driving, but many states do not allow them. If the officer tells you that there is an obstructed view, ask for the reason and respond accordingly. If they say it’s because of something on your dashcam, then you know what to look for. If they don’t have a valid reason, you’ll have to pay your ticket and hope that there aren’t any points on your driving record.