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Americans get into roughly 20,000 car crashes per day. Every day, police officers write over 100,000 traffic tickets for speeding, parking violations, and just about every conceivable transgression. Therein lies the importance of a dash cam. Your trusty recording device could help you prove your innocence in a wreck. So, can you use your camera to contest a traffic ticket? 

Your dash cam footage could be the difference between paying for a traffic ticket and not– or it could be your undoing

In short, yes, your dash cam could pay off when contesting a ticket. Admittedly, I’ve been lucky. During my time with my Nextbase 622GW dash cam, I’ve recorded the odd distracted driver ignoring the etiquette of a roundabout or absent-mindedly invading my lane. That, and some manic deer attempting a brazen road crossing. 

However, my dash cam could go much further should I get a traffic ticket that I don’t deserve. Sure, it’s not likely to be a smoking gun in a courtroom. However, your footage can support your efforts to contest a ticket. According to the American Bar Association, your camera’s footage can establish a few helpful points in court.

  • It displays your speed at the time of your alleged violation
  • Accurate depiction of where police officers pulled you over
  • It can record your interaction with law enforcement
  • Should you have hit something or broken the law to avoid further damage, your camera can illustrate that point
  • If your camera has a cabin recording feature, it can prove that you weren’t distracted and wore your seatbelt

Conversely, your dash cam footage can be a nail in your legal coffin. If you’re breaking traffic laws and capture it on your camera, law enforcement could subpoena your camera’s memory and use it against you in court.

A dash cam points at a highway.
A Nextbase 622GW dash cam | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

However, if you’re a responsible, reasonable motorist, a camera could be an invaluable tool while contesting a ticket. Moreover, your camera footage could be instrumental in other capacities, like proving fault after a crash. While most insurance providers won’t offer a discount for using a camera during your drives, your footage can help you prove that you didn’t cause an accident.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).