Dash cameras are increasingly common on Michigan roads, and for good reason. When a crash happens on Hall Road, I-94, or any other Metro Detroit corridor, footage from a dash cam can capture details that witnesses miss and that no police report fully documents. If you have a dash cam — or if the other driver does — understanding how that footage fits into a Michigan crash claim is useful information.

Are Dash Cams Legal in Michigan?

Yes. According to the Michigan State Police Traffic Laws FAQ, a dash camera does not violate Michigan’s Vehicle Code as long as it does not interfere with or obstruct the driver’s clear vision of the highway. Under MCL 257.708b, aftermarket visual devices may be mounted on the windshield or above the dashboard, but must not be mounted within the deployment profile of the vehicle’s airbags or in a manner that interferes with the operator’s view or control.

What Can Dash Cam Footage Capture?

A dash cam that was running at the time of a crash may capture the moments leading up to the collision, the impact itself, road and weather conditions, traffic signal states, vehicle speeds, and the conduct of other drivers. It may also capture the aftermath — including the positions of vehicles, statements made at the scene, and the conditions under which responders arrived.

In crashes where fault is disputed — a common situation in rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and left-turn accidents — that footage can provide objective evidence that neither party’s account can fully supply.

How Is Dash Cam Footage Used?

Under Michigan law, dash cam footage may be used as evidence if it can be properly authenticated and is relevant to the issues in the case. Generally, this means someone familiar with the recording or the events shown must be able to verify that the footage accurately reflects what occurred. Whether dash cam footage is ultimately admitted depends on the specific facts of the case and the applicable rules of evidence.What to Do If Your Dash Cam Captured a Crash

If your dash cam was recording when a crash occurred, preserve the footage immediately. Many dash cams loop and overwrite older recordings. Remove the memory card or transfer the footage to a secure location as soon as it is safe to do so. Preserve the footage and consider speaking with an attorney before providing copies to an insurance company so you understand how it may affect your claim. Footage that appears to support your account of the crash is evidence — and like all crash evidence, it should be preserved and reviewed by legal counsel before being produced to opposing parties.

What If the Other Driver Had a Dash Cam?

If you believe the other driver’s vehicle was equipped with a dash cam, that footage may be obtainable through the discovery process in a civil case. An attorney can take steps to preserve and request that evidence early in the process, before it is overwritten or lost.

What If No Dash Cam Footage Exists?

Dash cams are common but not universal. When no dash cam footage is available, other sources of video evidence may exist — surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic signal cameras, and footage from other vehicles in the area. Identifying and preserving those sources quickly is one of the reasons early legal involvement after a crash is valuable.

If you were involved in a crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County and have questions about evidence preservation or your legal options, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Sources: Michigan State Police Traffic Laws FAQ
Michigan Legislature – MCL 257.708b
Michigan Rules of Evidence
Michigan Courts Evidence Benchbook