Do any new cars come with a built-in dash cam?
Yes. The clearest example is Tesla, whose vehicles include built-in dash cam functionality (TeslaCam) and Sentry Mode. A small number of other models and markets offer factory-integrated dash-cam features or options, but most new cars still rely on aftermarket dash cams if road-facing video footage is desired.
What is a built-in dash cam and how common is it?
As car cameras proliferate for safety and driver monitoring, some automakers are beginning to offer integrated dash cams. These systems typically use the car’s existing camera network and store footage to internal memory or a USB drive. Availability varies by region, trim level, and model.
- Tesla vehicles have a built-in dash cam system (TeslaCam) that records footage from the car’s forward, rear, and side cameras when enabled; footage is saved to a USB drive plugged into the vehicle. Sentry Mode records security footage when parked and can save clips after events.
- Other brands sometimes offer integrated dash-cam capabilities as part of ADAS packages or dealer-installed options in certain markets. These features are less uniform and may depend on the camera setup and regional regulations.
- In many cars, the cameras used for driver monitoring or ADAS are not the same as a traditional road-facing dash cam, though some systems can save footage from ADAS cameras during incidents. Always verify how footage is captured and stored before purchase.
In short, Tesla remains the most established example of a factory-installed dash cam in a mass-market vehicle, while other makers are testing similar capabilities in limited markets or as optional packages.
What to consider if you want a built-in dash cam
Before choosing a car for a built-in dash cam, think about how footage is stored, how to retrieve it, and legal considerations. The following points can help guide your decision.
- Storage and access: Dash cams typically save video to a USB drive or internal memory; check the required media type, file format, and how easy it is to retrieve footage after an incident.
- Event triggering and parking mode: Some systems trigger recording on collisions or events; others run continuously with event-based saving. Understand how parking mode works and power consumption.
- Privacy and data rights: Footage may include bystanders or private property; know who owns the footage and how it can be used or shared, especially if the vehicle is leased or shared.
- Regional availability and laws: Dash cam footage laws and privacy rules vary by country or state; ensure the feature complies with local regulations and that you have consent where needed.
- Aftermarket vs factory: If your model doesn’t include a built-in dash cam, you can add one aftermarket, often with similar storage and recording capabilities. Compare costs, warranty implications, and ease of use.
Is it a genuine dash cam or a driver-monitoring camera?
Some cars include interior cameras for driver monitoring, which are not dash cams recording the road. Distinguish between inward-facing monitoring cameras and outward-facing road-recording features when evaluating options.
Conclusion: Built-in dash cams are not yet widespread, but the technology is expanding. Tesla remains the most accessible example, with others offering limited, market-specific, or optional capabilities. For broad choice or flexible installation, aftermarket dash cams continue to be a popular route.
Summary
The adoption of factory-installed dash cams in new cars is growing but uneven. Tesla leads with a robust, built-in road-video system, while other automakers offer limited or optional options in select regions. If a built-in dash cam is important, verify how footage is stored and accessed, and be aware of local privacy laws. For most buyers, aftermarket options remain a reliable alternative with broad compatibility.
How much does it cost to have a dash cam installed in your car?
Average Dash Cam Installation Cost by Type
| Camera Type | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| Front Dash Cam | $50-$100 |
| Front and Rear Dash Cam | $100-$200 |
| Mirror Dash Cam | $120-$250 |
What is the downside of a dashcam?
Disadvantages of dash cams include potential distraction from the road if not mounted correctly, privacy concerns for both the driver and passengers, and the risk of theft due to their visibility. They can also be costly, and the footage, if not clear, could be used against the driver in a legal case.
Privacy and legal issues
- Privacy concerns: Dash cams record footage inside and outside the vehicle, which can be seen as an invasion of privacy for passengers and others.
- Use against you: Footage can be used as evidence against you if you are at fault in an accident or caught breaking a traffic law.
- Admissibility issues: The use of dash cam footage in legal proceedings can be restricted by local laws and may not always be admissible in court.
Cost and performance
- High cost: High-quality dash cams can be expensive, and some advanced features come with extra costs.
- Video quality: Not all dash cams have high-quality video, especially in low light or at high speeds, which can make it difficult to read license plates.
- Storage costs: There may be ongoing costs for cloud storage or extra SD cards.
- Battery drain: If not installed correctly, a dash cam can drain your car's battery.
Safety and security
- Driving distraction: Adjusting, viewing, or fiddling with the camera while driving can divert your attention from the road.
- Obstruction: Improper mounting can block the driver's view, creating a safety hazard.
- Theft target: A dash cam in plain sight can attract thieves who see it as a valuable piece of tech to steal.
This video discusses the pros and cons of dash cams and their quality: 1mSmart Drive TestYouTube · Feb 21, 2024
Do any new cars come with a dash cam?
For example, Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz offer dashcam technology on most of their products. However, some unexpected brands, such as electric vehicle startup Lucid, don't currently provide video recording capability.
Which car comes with an inbuilt dashcam?
Several car brands, including Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, offer models with integrated dashcams that record video while driving or when an impact occurs. These systems vary, with some using existing driver-assistance cameras and others having dedicated hardware, but all provide the convenience of built-in recording functionality.
This video explains the built-in dashcam features on BMW vehicles: 26sSimpleCarGuyYouTube · Apr 28, 2024
Examples of cars with built-in dashcams
You can watch this video to learn about the built-in camera system on Hyundai vehicles: 1mHyundaiUSAYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
- Tesla: Includes a dashcam function in all new models that records while driving and uses its cameras for "Sentry Mode" to record incidents when parked.
- Mercedes-Benz: Offers a "Drive Recorder" system as an option on many models, which can record both front and rear views, though sometimes only the front footage is saved to a memory stick.
- BMW: The "Drive Recorder" system can be activated through the iDrive menu and repurposes surround-view cameras to record up to 30 seconds before and after an incident.
- Lexus: Offers an integrated dashcam that is discreetly tucked behind the rearview mirror.
- Toyota: Has its own "Genuine Dashcam" option available on many models, which can record continuously or automatically preserve footage of events.
- Cadillac: The XT6 model offers the "Surround Vision Recorder" which allows for driver-controlled recording from front and rear cameras.
- Hyundai: The Palisade has an available built-in camera system that can record video while driving or parked.
- Mini: Offers the "Mini Drive Recorder" system, benefiting from BMW's technology.
