Where to Put Dash Cam: Smart Placement for Best Coverage

Where to Put Dash Cam: Smart Placement for Best Coverage


It is important to place your dash cam at the right angle without blocking your view when you are setting it. A good position will help you record accidents, traffic signs and everything happening around you. This guide will show you where you can place your front and rear dash cams to get the clearest videos.

You'll find simple steps to keep your dash cam neat, out of your way and within the law. By following these tips, you can drive with confidence knowing your trips are being recorded. With a good setup, your Redtiger dash cams will help you make your drives even safer and more secure.

Why Dash Cam Placement Matters


Choosing the right spot for your dash cam is important if you want to get clear and useful videos. When you place your dashcam correctly, you can record license plates, signals and sudden events on the road. If it is placed in the wrong spot, it might block your view or miss important details.

If your dash cam isn’t mounted properly, it could shake, record blurry videos or even break windshield laws. To get the best results with your Redtiger dash cam, you should place it near your rearview mirror or high on the windshield. This will make sure your videos are stable and clear, and you will feel safe and follow legal requirements.

Where to Put a Dash Cam in a Car


You should place your front dash cam high on your windshield, right behind your rearview mirror. This spot will let you see the road clearly without blocking your view. If you have a rear dash cam, you can put it near the top center of your back window or close to your license plate for better coverage.

Tuck the wires into your car’s headliner and along the sides to make it look neat. After placing your dash cams, you should test them to make sure they show everything you need. If you are satisfied with the setup, you can fix them in place. This will help you get the coverage you need while keeping your car organized.

Front Dash Cam Placement for Best Performance


To get the most out of your front dash cam, where you place it matters. Below are the best mounting positions to ensure maximum visibility, safety, and a clean installation.

Behind Your Rearview Mirror (Driver’s Side)


The best place to put your dash cam is right behind your rearview mirror on the driver’s side. This spot will give you a wide view of the road ahead while staying out of your direct line of sight. You can also hide the wires in the headliner easily and also keep your setup neat and tidy.

Passenger-Side Upper Windshield


Another spot you can go for is behind the passenger sun visor. This will reduce the glare on the camera and help you avoid any issues with privacy glass or sensors. You’ll still get a clear view of both lanes, follow most windshield rules and also keep your dashboard looking clean.

Center of Your Windshield


Placing your dashcam in the middle of your windshield will allow you to balance the view of the road on both sides. This works well if your camera has a wide lens and you want to capture all lanes. Just make sure it is not blocking any important car systems like sensors or cameras.

Where to Put a Rear Dash Cam?


Choosing the right mounting position for your rear dash cam is key to capturing clear footage and protecting your vehicle from behind. Below are the most common and effective rear camera installation positions—both inside and outside your car.

Top Center of Your Rear Windshield (Inside)


You can place your rear dash cam at the top center of the inside rear window. This spot is perfect because it gives you a wide view of everything behind your car. It will help you in catching tailgaters or recording proof in case of an accident. This position also makes it easy to set up and manage wires without blocking your view.

Near Your License Plate (Outside)


If you want to mount your rear dash cam outside you can do so near the license plate. It will give you a clear view of what is happening behind your car and the lens will not get dirty easily. But you should make sure your dash cam like Redtiger’s is waterproof and can handle rain and dust.

Should You Mount Your Dash Cam Inside or Outside?


You can mount your dash cam inside your car for more safety and to keep it hidden and make it easier to hide the wires. On the other hand, mounting it outside can help reduce glare from rain or snow, but you will need a strong, waterproof camera and a sturdy mount to handle the weather.

Dash Cam Placement for Different Vehicle Types


Dash cam placement isn’t one-size-fits-all—different vehicles require different setups to get the best field of view. Here’s how to position your dash cams for optimal performance based on your vehicle type.

Sedans


If you have a sedan, you can place your rear dash cam at the top center of the rear glass. This spot will allow you to see traffic clearly behind you without blocking your view. It’s a simple and neat setup for your dash cam and will give you full coverage.

SUVs


If you have an SUV, you can mount your rear camera higher on the back glass. This will give you a longer, downward view which is great if you want to watch traffic and keep an eye on your parking space. The wires are also easy to hide in the larger interior of your SUV.

Vans


In vans, you can mount the front camera high behind your mirror so you can capture the road ahead. For the rear camera, you can put it near the roof or in the center of the rear window. This setup will give you maximum coverage at the back of your van.

Pickup Trucks


In pickups, the rear dash cam might be blocked by seats or headrests if you are placing it inside. It is better to mount the camera outside like on the tailgate or bumper. This way, you will get a clear view behind your truck and your camera will also stay out of sight.

RVs


RVs are big, so you will need a wide-angle lens for better coverage. You should mount the cameras higher, either near the roof or license plate. This will give you a wide, clear view of the road or parking area. Avoid placing cameras too low inside, as they might miss important views.

Legal Considerations for Dash Cam Placement


  • Make sure your dash cam is not blocking too much of your windshield. You can place it behind your rearview mirror to stay safe and follow the law.
  • If your window has tint or privacy film, it can block the camera’s view or affect how sensors work. You should put your dash cam above these areas for a clear view.
  • Don’t put your dash cam near airbags or sensors as low placement on your side pillars can interfere with airbags in a crash.
  • Bright dash cam lights or screens can distract you while driving at night. You should use a dash cam with dim or low brightness settings like many Redtiger models to stay focused.
  • You should keep your camera wires neat and hidden to avoid distractions or rattling. Tucked cables will keep your car cleaner and your recordings smooth.

Where Not to Mount a Dash Cam


  • Don’t place your dash cam directly on your dashboard as it can block your view and might not follow local rules.
  • Avoid putting the camera near the windshield pillar because it could block airbags or get in the way of your vision.
  • Stay away from placing the camera on the center console glass or on defroster lines. This can cause glare and make your videos unclear.
  • Don’t put the camera too low under your rearview mirror. This can make your footage shaky and miss important views.
  • Make sure wires are neat and the camera is secure. Hanging dash cams or messy wires can distract you while driving and may even get you fined.

Front Mount Spots


Mount Spot
Visibility
Pros
Cons
Behind Rearview Mirror
Forward & road signs
Keeps camera legal and hidden, captures wide view
May record more of the right side than center
Passenger-Side Upper Glass
Both lanes
Avoids glare and works with sensors
Driver’s view in mirror could be limited
Center Windshield
Balanced view
Symmetrical and wide footage
May block some built-in sensors

Conclusion


Now that you know where to place your dash cam, you can protect both the front and back of your car. Place your front camera behind your rearview mirror and your rear camera either high inside or near your license plate for the best coverage. This helps you get clear video, follow the rules and keep things tidy.

Redtiger dash cams are designed to make this easy for you. They include simple designs and cable guides to keep everything neat. By following these tips, you can set up your cameras quickly and protect your car from every angle without any hassle.

FAQs


Should dash cam go on driver or passenger side?

Putting your dash cam on the driver’s side is best for a direct view and easy wire access, but the passenger side can work if you want to avoid blocking sensors or window tint.

Where is the safest place to put a dash cam?

The safest place to install your dash cam is right behind your rearview mirror. This spot gives you a full road view while keeping your windshield clear and legal.

Should I hide my dash cam?

Yes, hiding your dash cam behind your mirror keeps it out of view and away from thieves. It helps reduce glare and still captures a good viewing angle.

Where to put rear dash cam for best proof?

The top-center position on your inside rear windshield captures a full picture of what’s behind. An exterior mount by your license plate also gives a clear, wide shot without window glare.

Can mounting on pillar affect safety systems?

Mounting your dash cam near airbags or sensors on door pillars could block or set off safety systems. Always avoid pillar areas so airbags and sensors work as designed.