Dashcams continue to spark debate, often striking a delicate balance between public safety and individual privacy rights. In this article, we examine the current legal situation of dashcams in Germany as of 2025, with a focus on the evolving rules surrounding the blurring of faces and license plates in dashcam recordings.
The Evolution of Dashcam Regulations in Germany
Germany’s regulatory approach to dashcams remains heavily influenced by robust data protection laws. Since the landmark 2018 decision by the Federal Court of Justice, dashcam footage has been admissible in court for traffic accident evidence—but under strict conditions. Recordings must be non-continuous and event-triggered, typically activated by incidents such as sudden braking or collisions. This ensures that only relevant data is saved while minimizing unnecessary surveillance.
In 2025, the legal use of dashcams is still permitted, provided they adhere to these constraints. The emphasis is clear: dashcams must enhance traffic safety without infringing on the privacy rights of others.
Blurring Requirements in Dashcam Footage
To remain compliant with both the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz, BDSG) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), dashcam users must ensure that identifiable personal data—such as faces and license plates—is blurred in any shared recordings.
The German Data Protection Authority (Datenschutzbehörde) continues to stress that dashcam recordings are for personal use and should not be made public without proper anonymization. Uploading unedited dashcam footage to social media or video platforms without blurring is generally prohibited, as it can violate privacy laws.
BlurIt: A Privacy-Compliant Blurring Solution
To address these legal requirements efficiently, tools like BlurIt offer advanced blurring technology that ensures GDPR-compliant anonymization. By automatically detecting and masking sensitive information in video footage, BlurIt empowers users to share dashcam content while respecting data protection standards.
Whether you’re a casual driver or part of a fleet management team, BlurIt provides scalable solutions to protect both legal interests and personal rights.
Conclusion
As of 2025, dashcams remain legal in Germany, but their use is tightly regulated to protect privacy. The obligation to blur faces and license plates underscores the country’s commitment to data protection, even as dashcams become more popular.
If you plan to use a dashcam in Germany, make sure your recordings are event-triggered, used for private purposes, and that any shared content is properly anonymized. Tools like BlurIt make compliance simple, helping you stay on the right side of the law—while still capturing what matters most on the road.
