Positioning Matters More Than You Think
You’ve bought a dash cam. You’ve unboxed it. Now comes the part most people get wrong: where to actually put it. A poorly positioned dash cam can miss crucial footage, obstruct your view, or even get you a fine. Here’s exactly where to mount it — and where you definitely shouldn’t.
The Golden Rules of Dash Cam Positioning
1. Behind the Rearview Mirror (Driver’s Side)
The ideal position is on the passenger side of the rearview mirror, tucked behind it from the driver’s perspective. This keeps the camera out of your line of sight while maximising its field of view. You should be able to see the camera’s screen (if it has one) without leaning forward, but it shouldn’t be in your peripheral vision while driving.
2. High Enough to See the Horizon
Mount the camera in the top third of the windscreen — roughly level with the rearview mirror. This gives the lens a clear view of the road ahead including number plates, traffic lights, and the horizon. Too low and you’ll get excessive dashboard reflection; too high and the camera may be blocked by the windscreen’s tinted strip at the top.
UK Legal Requirements
- The camera must not obstruct your view of the road — this is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act
- It should sit within the swept area of the windscreen wipers (so rain doesn’t block the lens)
- Position it at least 4cm into the swept area from the edge of the screen
- If you’re stopped by police and the camera is blocking your vision, you can be fined £100 and get 3 points
3. Clean the Glass First — Properly
This step makes the difference between crystal-clear footage and a blurry mess. Use isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated glass cleaner on the inside of the windscreen where the mount will sit. Let it dry completely before attaching the adhesive pad. A single fingerprint or smudge under the mount will weaken the bond, and on a hot UK summer day, that can mean your dash cam falling off mid-journey.
4. Cable Routing — Hide the Mess
Nothing ruins a clean installation like a dangling power cable. Route the cable along the headliner (tucked under the edge), down the A-pillar (behind the rubber door seal, NOT across the airbag), under the glovebox, and to your 12V socket or hardwire kit. Use the included trim tool or a plastic pry tool — never a metal screwdriver, which will scratch your interior.
Rear Camera Positioning
If you have a dual-channel system, the rear camera goes at the top centre of the rear window. The same rules apply: within the wiper sweep, clean glass, hidden cables. For saloon cars, the rear parcel shelf can work, but the camera will pick up interior reflections at night. Top of the rear window is always better.
Common Mistakes
- Mounting directly in front of the driver: Illegal and dangerous. The camera should be on the passenger side of the mirror.
- Forgetting to adjust the lens angle: Aim for roughly 60% road and 40% sky. Too much sky and the auto-exposure will darken the road into silhouette.
- Leaving the suction cup in direct sun: Suction mounts degrade faster in heat. Adhesive pads (3M VHB tape) are more reliable long-term.
- Not testing before finalising: Plug the camera in, check the live view on the screen or app, and confirm the field of view BEFORE you stick it down permanently.
Want a step-by-step wiring guide? Read our Dash Cam Installation Guide for the full walkthrough — including hardwiring to your fuse box.