Where to Mount Dash Cam

You’ve just purchased your Nexar dash cam – congratulations! Whether you chose a Legacy or Connected dash cam, it’s time to install your camera. However, before you install the camera, you have to decide on where to mount the dash cam.

One of the most important decisions regarding installation is where to position your dash cam – which is typically called mounting.

Where to mount dash cam… you might have some ideas. You’re probably thinking either the windshield or the dashboard – and in certain cases either choice might be optimal for your specific circumstances. The important items to keep in mind when mounting your dash cam are to make sure you’re getting a good picture, meaning your camera can clearly see what’s in front of you and/or behind you (if you’re mounting a front and rear dash cam). 

Read on for some general information about best practices when it comes to the best place to mount a dash cam.

Consider Dash Cam Laws Regarding Where to Mount Dash Cam

Knowing the laws and regulations in your state regarding dash cam placement is a good place to start. Not all states have the same laws as far as where you can place your dash cam. For instance, in Alabama, dash cams are perfectly legal, however, you cannot mount a dash cam to your windshield. It has to be mounted to your dashboard. As a matter of fact, suction cup dash cam mounting systems are prohibited.

Dash cam laws are put in place typically to prevent hazards on the road. Most of the laws related to dash cam placement are in an effort to ensure dash cams do not obstruct a driver’s view. 

Discover the best places to mount your Nexar dash cam for optimal visibility and safety. Follow our guide to ensure the perfect placement for your Nexar dash cam.

Where to Place Dash Cam (Roadview Camera) 

Where to mount the dash cam for roadview cameras can be tricky. Make sure to review the laws and regulations of your state. Typically, front dash cams are best mounted in (or near) the center of the front windshield. Typically, right underneath the rearview mirror.

In any case, front dash cams should typically be mounted somewhere near the center of the front windshield. This will ensure that you record an even field of view. 

However, if your state prohibits windshield mounting, the best place to put your roadview dash cam is on the dashboard, somewhere where the dashboard camera isn’t obstructing your view. 

Pro Tip: Experiment with tilting your dashboard camera lens slightly upwards – this in many cases provides a better recording angle. Typically, at a slightly upward angle, the footage will display roughly 60% road and somewhere around 40% sky. Doing this may provide a better balance of exposure. It may also boost the clarity when it comes to capturing important details like license plates and road signs.

Best Place to Put Dash Cam (Rear Camera) 

The rear view camera placement provides a little more wiggle room. Where to mount dash cam in the rear depends on your preferences. No state currently explicitly forbids rear windshield dash cam placement. However, many states (such as Washington D.C. and Delaware) require rear dash cams to be mounted on the dashboard in lieu of the windshield. 

If your state has a problem with windshield placement, simply mount the camera on the rear deck (also referred to as the rear dash).

The best place to put a dash cam has to do with striking the right balance between angle of camera (for recording) and obstruction of view (for driving). You want to get the best picture with the widest field of vision possible while as small of a windshield or dashboard footprint as possible.

Once you decide where you’ll mount your front and rear dash cam, your Nexar is ready to work right out of the box. Nexar dash cams come with an installation kit and installation guide included, which provides drivers with a simple setup process that can be accomplished in 10 minutes or less.