Do cars automatically have a dash cam?

In most passenger cars, dash cams are not standard equipment. Some vehicles offer factory-installed or optional dash-cam functionality, and many drivers rely on aftermarket dash cams. A notable exception is Tesla, whose cars can record video from built-in cameras using a Dashcam feature and Sentry Mode, though you must set up external storage. Availability varies by region, model, and trim.

Current reality: built‑in, optional, or aftermarket options

Below is a snapshot of how dash cam capability can appear in modern cars. This list notes the different ways automakers handle camera-based recording, from factory options to vehicle-integrated features and third‑party solutions.

• Factory-installed or factory‑enabled dash cams (rare and region/market dependent). Some markets offer OEM dash cam kits or camera systems that can function as a dash cam, often as a dealer-installed option.


• Vehicle‑integrated camera features that can function like a dash cam. Examples include Tesla’s Dashcam and Sentry Mode, which use the car’s own cameras to record events, provided you configure storage on a USB drive.


• Aftermarket dash cams (the most common route). Independent devices you install yourself or have installed by a shop, typically powered from the vehicle and recording to a microSD or USB storage card.


• Driver-monitoring or surround-camera systems. These are related camera technologies (for cabin monitoring or 360° views) but are not always considered dash cams, even though they may record footage in some modes; their primary purpose is safety or parking assistance.

As these options show, there is no universal standard: some cars offer built‑in solutions in certain regions or trims, while most buyers rely on aftermarket dash cams for consistent coverage.

What to know if you’re considering a dash cam in your car

The following considerations help distinguish whether you’re dealing with an OEM option, an integrated feature, or an aftermarket setup, and what to watch for when choosing one.

1. Regulatory and privacy considerations. Laws vary by country and by state or province regarding recording in public and private spaces, as well as how footage can be used or shared.


2. Storage and power needs. Dash cams require a storage medium (USB drive or microSD) and power from the vehicle, which can affect battery life and wiring.


3. Video quality and features. Look for resolution, frame rate, field of view, night recording, parking mode, motion detection, loop recording, and G‑sensor support.


4. Installation and warranty. Factory options may preserve warranties differently than aftermarket devices; aftermarket installs can vary in complexity and may affect vehicle electronics.


5. Data management and insurance implications. Footage can be useful for claims, but consider who owns the footage, how it’s stored, and how it might be used by insurers or law enforcement.

In practice, your best approach is to check the specific model and market you’re purchasing in, as availability and features can differ significantly between regions and trim levels.

Summary

Most cars do not come with a dash cam by default. A growing number of vehicles offer OEM or integrated camera features that can function like a dash cam in certain markets, with Tesla leading as a prominent example of built‑in dashcam capabilities. For broad compatibility and choice, many drivers opt for aftermarket dash cams. Always consider local laws, storage needs, and how footage will be used before installing or relying on a dash cam.

How do I tell if there is a recording device in my car?

To find a hidden recording device in your car, begin with a thorough visual inspection of common hiding spots inside and out, followed by using a handheld RF detector to scan for unauthorized signals. You can also listen for faint buzzing or clicking noises and check the OBD-II port for any unusual devices. If you find something suspicious, it's best to consult a professional for removal.
 
This video demonstrates how to find hidden devices inside and outside your car: 1mThe PI GuyYouTube · May 5, 2025
Step 1: Visual inspection

• Inside the car: Look for unusual objects, wires, or small holes in and around the dashboard, center console, under seats, in storage compartments, and the overhead console. Pay close attention to devices plugged into the OBD-II port under the steering wheel, as they can be easily powered. 
• Outside the car: Check under the bumpers, in the wheel wells, under the hood, and the underside of the vehicle. A mirror can be helpful for inspecting hard-to-see areas. 

This video explains where to look for hidden cameras and recording devices: 58sJason HansonYouTube · Jan 20, 2024
Step 2: Technical detection

• Use an RF detector: A Radio Frequency (RF) detector or bug sweeper can identify devices that transmit signals, such as wireless bugs and GPS trackers. 
• Use your phone: Some apps can detect Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled trackers, though they may not catch all types of devices. 
• Use a flashlight: Shining a flashlight around the interior can help reveal small lenses on hidden cameras, especially in dark corners. 

Step 3: Listen and observe

• Listen for interference: Some older or poorly made devices may emit a faint buzzing or clicking sound. Pay attention to any unusual noises you hear in the car. 
• Watch for suspicious signs: Keep an eye out for things that seem out of place or have been recently altered. This could include unusual wiring, decorations that seem strange, or objects that don't belong. 
• Note unusual behavior: If a person knows your personal information, such as your location or plans, despite you not having shared them, it could indicate you are being tracked. 

Step 4: Get professional help

• If you are unable to find a device or are still concerned, a professional with expertise in counter-surveillance can conduct a more thorough sweep. 

Do all new cars have a dashcam?

It's not that the technology isn't readily available, and cheap. Manufacturers have long had the capacity to install forward and rear-facing cameras that record continuously while driving. But while some high-end models do include “drive recorders” or “event cameras”, these are few and far between.

Which cars have a factory dash cam?

Cars With Built-In Dashcams

• Mercedes-Benz. Most vehicles in the 2024 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz lineup roll out of the showroom with an in-vehicle dashcam as a software-based Digital Extra.
• BMW. Drive Recorder is BMW's dashcam system.
• Mini. Thanks to Mini's relationship with BMW, it offers the Mini Drive Recorder.
• Tesla.

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.