04/09/2007
In an era where road safety and evidence collection are paramount, dashcams have become an increasingly common accessory in vehicles across the UK. From capturing spectacular meteor showers to providing crucial evidence in insurance claims, their utility is undeniable. However, a frequently asked question that sparks concern among drivers is whether fitting a dashcam could jeopardise their vehicle's annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. The good news is, with careful consideration and correct placement, your dashcam should pose no issue whatsoever. The key lies in understanding the specific regulations governing windscreen obstructions and driver visibility.
Understanding the MOT Windscreen Obstruction Rules
The MOT test is designed to ensure vehicles meet minimum roadworthiness standards, and a critical component of this is maintaining an unobstructed view for the driver. The rules are clear: anything that significantly impairs the driver's view of the road ahead could lead to a failed MOT. The relevant guidance often referred to is from the MOT Special Notice 2-2014, which provides specific clarity on this matter. It states:
"Where any damage or obstruction does not impair the driver’s view of the road, the vehicle should pass. If it only affects the driver’s view of the sky or the bonnet then this is not to be considered a reason for rejection. This is a general assessment of driver’s view – you are not required to speculate on the effects on tall or short drivers. Any manufacturer’s original design characteristics are to be accepted."
This statement is crucial. It highlights that the primary concern is the driver's view of the *road*, not necessarily the entire windscreen. Obstructions that only block the view of the sky or the vehicle's bonnet are generally acceptable. This directive aims to provide testers with a pragmatic approach, focusing on genuine safety implications rather than minor visual impediments.
The 'Swept Area' and Visibility Zones
To further understand the MOT's approach, it's essential to be aware of the 'swept area' of your windscreen – this is the area cleared by your windscreen wipers. Within this swept area, there are defined zones that are particularly scrutinised during an MOT:
- Zone A: This is a 290mm wide strip, vertically centred on the steering wheel, extending from the top to the bottom of the swept area. This is the most critical zone for the driver's primary line of sight. Any obstruction or damage within this zone that exceeds 10mm in diameter is likely to result in an MOT failure.
- Zone B: This encompasses the rest of the swept area outside of Zone A. Obstructions in this zone are less critical but can still lead to failure if they exceed 40mm in diameter.
The spirit of these rules is to ensure that the driver has a clear and uninterrupted view of the road, traffic, and hazards directly ahead. A dashcam, if placed correctly, should never infringe upon these critical visibility zones in a way that impairs safe driving.
Analysing Specific Dashcam Placement Scenarios
Let's consider a common scenario, such as fitting a Blackvue DR650S-1CH to a Hyundai Tucson, as described. Many modern vehicles, like the Tucson, feature a large enclosure behind the rearview mirror. This housing typically contains advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) sensors, such as rain sensors, light sensors, and sometimes even cameras for lane keeping assist or adaptive cruise control. This can indeed limit the ideal placement of a dashcam directly behind the mirror.
In such cases, moving the dashcam slightly lower, say 3-4 inches from the top of the screen and about 1 inch into the swept area, but positioning it so it's completely masked by the left side of the rearview mirror from the normal driving position, is a highly effective strategy. This placement leverages the existing obstruction (the mirror itself) to hide the dashcam from the driver's primary line of sight. If, from a typical driving posture, you cannot see the dashcam because it is entirely obscured by the mirror, then it effectively does not impair your view of the road. This aligns perfectly with the MOT special notice.
The point about being able to see the camera if leaning left is also important to address. The MOT assessment is based on a normal driving position. Testers are not expected to contort themselves or speculate on unusual driving postures. If the camera is out of sight during regular driving, it's unlikely to be deemed an obstruction. Furthermore, if the camera, even when visible from an unusual angle, only obscures the sky, this falls squarely within the acceptable parameters outlined in the MOT notice: "If it only affects the driver’s view of the sky or the bonnet then this is not to be considered a reason for rejection." This specific detail strongly supports the argument for a legal and compliant installation.
General Best Practices for Dashcam Placement
To ensure your dashcam passes its MOT and, more importantly, doesn't compromise your safety, follow these general guidelines:
- Behind the Rearview Mirror: This is almost always the ideal spot. It keeps the camera out of your direct line of sight while still allowing it to capture a clear view of the road ahead.
- High on the Windscreen: Place the dashcam as high as possible, preferably at the very top edge of the swept area, or just below it if necessary due to sensor enclosures.
- Out of Critical Zones: Ensure the dashcam, or any part of it, does not protrude into Zone A (the 290mm central strip) or Zone B (the rest of the swept area) in a way that would exceed the permissible obstruction sizes. If it is entirely masked by the rearview mirror, it bypasses this concern effectively.
- Consider Sun Visors: Make sure the dashcam doesn't interfere with the operation of your sun visors. You don't want to have to move your camera every time you need to block out glare.
- Secure Mounting: Use the manufacturer's recommended mounting method (adhesive pad is often best for stability). A poorly secured dashcam could fall and distract you while driving.
- Tidy Wiring: While wiring itself isn't an MOT failure point unless it's dangerously placed (e.g., obstructing pedals), neat wiring is crucial for safety and aesthetics. Route cables along the windscreen trim and tuck them away.
Here's a quick comparison of good versus problematic placement:
Dashcam Placement: Good vs. Bad
| Placement Aspect | Good Practice (MOT Compliant) | Bad Practice (Potential MOT Failure) |
|---|---|---|
| Location on Windscreen | High up, behind the rearview mirror, or completely obscured by it from the normal driving position. | Low on the windscreen, in the direct line of sight, or obstructing Zone A/B significantly. |
| Visibility from Driver's Seat | Not visible, or only visible when leaning, and only obscures sky/bonnet. | Clearly visible and obstructing the view of the road ahead. |
| Interference with Vehicle Features | Does not impede sun visors, ADAS sensors, or other controls. | Blocks sun visor movement, interferes with sensors, or covers warning lights. |
| Wiring Management | Neatly tucked away, not dangling or obstructing pedals/controls. | Loose, dangling wires that could distract, obstruct, or become tangled. |
| Number of Devices | One dashcam, strategically placed. | Multiple devices (sat nav, phone holder, dashcam) creating excessive clutter. |
Dashcams and Police Enforcement
A common and sensible assumption is that if a dashcam installation is compliant with MOT regulations, it should also be acceptable to the police. This is generally true. Police officers enforce road safety laws, and a primary concern is anything that could impair a driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely. The legal basis for this often stems from the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, specifically Regulation 30, which states that a driver must have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead. The MOT test effectively evaluates a vehicle's compliance with these regulations.
Therefore, if your dashcam is positioned such that it does not obstruct your driver's view of the road from your normal driving position, and particularly if it's masked by the rearview mirror or only obscures the sky, then it's highly improbable that a police officer would raise any objection. The focus is always on practical safety. It's about preventing anything that could genuinely impede your ability to react to hazards or see critical road information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I have more than one dashcam?
A: Yes, you can have multiple dashcams (e.g., front and rear). The MOT rules primarily concern the front windscreen. A rear dashcam, typically mounted on the rear window, does not affect the MOT test regarding driver's view of the road ahead. For front-mounted cameras, the same rules apply to each device individually; ensure neither obstructs your view.
Q: Does the wiring for the dashcam matter for the MOT?
A: While untidy wiring is not a direct MOT failure point for visibility, excessively loose or dangling wires could be considered a defect if they pose a safety risk, such as obstructing pedals or controls, or dangerously distracting the driver. It's always best practice to route cables neatly along the vehicle's trim.
Q: What if my dashcam has a screen?
A: Many dashcams have small screens for setup or playback. During driving, these screens should generally be off or displaying minimal information that isn't distracting. The presence of the screen itself isn't an MOT issue, but if it's large and positioned in a way that creates a significant visual obstruction or distraction, it could be problematic. Again, placement behind the rearview mirror is ideal as it keeps the screen out of your direct line of sight.
Q: Are suction cup mounts acceptable for MOT?
A: Suction cup mounts are generally acceptable, provided the dashcam itself is placed according to the visibility rules. The mount itself should be secure and not fail during driving. However, adhesive mounts are often preferred for long-term stability and a cleaner look, as suction cups can sometimes lose their grip, especially in extreme temperatures.
Q: Where exactly is 'Zone A' on my windscreen?
A: Zone A is a 290mm wide strip, centred vertically on the steering wheel, extending from the top to the bottom of the windscreen's swept area. Imagine a vertical strip about the width of an A4 piece of paper held portrait, directly in front of your steering wheel. This is the most critical area for obstruction.
Q: What if my car has a heated windscreen with visible elements?
A: Manufacturer's original design characteristics, such as heated windscreen elements, are accepted and will not cause an MOT failure. The rules apply to aftermarket additions or damage.
Conclusion
Fitting a dashcam is a sensible and beneficial decision for any driver, offering peace of mind and valuable evidence should an incident occur. The concern about MOT compliance is valid, but easily mitigated with informed placement. By understanding the MOT Compliance rules regarding windscreen obstructions, particularly the emphasis on the driver's view of the road and the specific exemptions for obstructions only affecting the sky or bonnet, you can confidently install your dashcam. Placing it high up, preferably behind the rearview mirror and out of your swept area or direct line of sight from the normal driving position, ensures it remains a helpful tool rather than an MOT headache. Always prioritise safety and maintain a clear view of the road ahead, and your dashcam will pass its MOT with flying colours.
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