Why an increasing number of drivers in France are using dashcams

An increasing number of drivers in France are using ‘dashcams’ on the roads as proof of their safe driving habits in the event of an accident or collision. 

These small cameras, mounted to the front and sometimes back of vehicles, provide a similar view to that a driver can see from behind the wheel or from their rearview mirror. 

In the event of an accident or altercation, they provide information that can show that a driver was following road rules or was otherwise not at fault in an incident. 

Estimates suggest around 70,000 vehicles in France have a dashcam.

The cameras are becoming popular with other road users also, with cyclists using them for a similar purpose.

Costs can range from €30 to €70 for a simple front camera, to some €380 for a combined front and rear camera. 

Certain models can also be linked to smartphone apps, and can continue recording when you are not in the car, informing you of any incidents that took place whilst not driving. 

Although basic models can be installed by drivers simply by setting up the camera on the dashboard, professionals can be hired to wire up more complicated and inter-connected systems. 

Are they legal? 

Dashcams are common in countries such as the US and Russia, however in France there have long been concerns over their use. 

Although the cameras are legal, because they film a public space (the road) the images captured must not be automatically shared, so ensuring data protection rules are not broken. 

Data protection rules require identifying features of anyone in the footage to be blurred out. This includes driver faces, number plates on vehicles, etc. 

A landmark court ruling in 2025 confirmed that dashcam footage can be used in courts even without information being blurred out. 

However, it is up to the judge’s discretion whether to accept dashcam footage as evidence, and it is not guaranteed to be accepted.

Useful in the event of an incident 

Drivers say the cameras are particularly useful for insurance disputes. 

“If there is a problem, I will be able to prove to my insurance company that it was not my fault,” said one driver who spent €500 to have a professional install a top-of -the-range model to TF1.

“It is mainly for prevention” (in the event of another driver lying to their insurance company about an incident) said another.

A cyclist who uses a dashcam also told the media outlet how they could be useful for identifying drivers who cause issues. 

“The license plate does not necessarily match the driver [of a vehicle in an incident…] so it's important to have video evidence of the person who caused the accident, which allows the perpetrator to be identified,” they said. 

Although dashcam footage can be helpful in proving you were driving safely following an accident – and protect your no-claims bonus – insurers do not always accept the footage. 

“Dashcams have their limitations. They have a limited field of vision,” said Stéphane Muller, at insurance company Matmut to TF1. 

“They are also among the video devices that, with the advent of artificial intelligence, we know can be disguised and manipulated,” he added.

To improve the chances of dashcam footage being accepted by your insurer, it should be dated and geolocalised, showing it corresponds to other information about an incident.