Ever had a close call on the road and wished you had a crystal-clear recording? Dash cams are amazing tools for protecting yourself. But setting one up feels tricky, right? You want the best view without blocking your sight. Finding that perfect spot can feel like a guessing game.
Choosing the wrong place means missing important moments or even breaking rules. You might get a blurry video or a mount that keeps falling off. It’s frustrating when you invest in safety but don’t get the results you hoped for. We know that feeling!
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly where to place your dash cam for maximum effectiveness. You will learn the best spots for a clear view of the road ahead and behind. You will also discover tips to keep your camera secure and legal.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your dash cam? Keep reading as we explore the ideal positions for every driver.
Top Dash Cam Position Recommendations
No. 1
TERUNSOUl 4K+4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, Free 128GB Card Included, 5.8GHz WiFi Dash Camera for Cars, Built-in GPS, G-Sensor, 170°Wide Angle, 3" IPS Screen, 24H Parking Mode, Support 512GB Max
- Ultra HD 4K Front + 4K Rear Recording: The Terunsoul dash cam supports dual-channel simultaneous recording, capturing both front and rear footage. Both cameras record in 3840×2160P, ensuring clear footage of the road ahead and behind. The front camera features a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens, providing full coverage of six-lane roads and capturing more road details with this 4K dash cam
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor: The dash cam front and rear comes with a pre-installed 128GB memory card, ready to record instantly. Loop recording ensures continuous footage, while the G-sensor automatically locks collision videos to prevent overwriting. Support for up to 512GB memory card. A lock button on the dash camera also allows manual one-touch locking of emergency videos
- Super Starlight Night Vision: Enhanced WDR and sharper night vision technology deliver vibrant colors and clear details even in challenging lighting conditions. The front camera features an F1.5 large aperture and the rear camera an F1.8 large aperture, allowing more light into the lens for brighter, clearer footage in low-light environments, ideal for accident evidence
- Ultra-Fast 5.8GHz WiFi & Free Wireless App Control: The dash camera for cars features dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, allowing you to instantly view and manage recordings on iOS or Android devices via the Terunsoul App. Easily download recorded videos/photos to your phone at high speed, and share them on social media, with friends, family, or insurance companies.You can also remotely manage camera settings and update firmware wirelessly through the Terunsoul App
- Car Camera with GPS: The dashcam front and rear camera comes with built-in GPS which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen.It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed directly onto the video. You can track routes via the app using Wi-Fi or review videos with GPS data on Windows or Mac using the free GPS Player, providing additional evidence when needed
No. 2
3 Channel Dash Camera for Cars,Triple Lens 4K+1080P+1080P Dash Cam Front Rear Inside,Built-in 5G WiFi & App, Night Vision,24H Parking Mode,Loop Recording,170° Wide Angle,32GB Card Included(Black)
- 【Triple-Lens Dash Cam with 4K Front & Dual 1080P Recording】This advanced dash camera for cars features three lenses, capturing crystal-clear 4K footage ahead and full 1080P video inside and behind your vehicle simultaneously. It’s the ultimate car camera for complete coverage.
- 【Built-in 5GHz WiFi Dashcam for Instant App Access】Connect to this dash cam via high-speed 5GHz WiFi. Instantly view live footage, download recordings, and adjust settings directly from your smartphone with the free app, making every drive effortlessly manageable.
- 【Superior Night Vision Car Camera with WDR】This dash camera excels in low light. Equipped with WDR technology and a high-performance sensor, it ensures license plates and road signs remain visible at night, offering reliability beyond standard dash cams.
- 【24/7 Parking Mode with G-Sensor】Keep your vehicle protected around the clock. This dash cam automatically activates parking surveillance when the engine is off with a hardwire kit (sold separately). Its sensitive G-Sensor detects any impact, instantly triggering recording and locking the footage to preserve crucial evidence.
- 【170° Wide-Angle Dash Camera & Loop Recording】Maximize your view with a 170° ultra-wide front lens on this dash cam. It supports seamless loop recording, automatically overwriting the oldest files to ensure continuous operation, and works with cards up to 256GB.
No. 3
ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, FREE 128GB Card Included, 5G WiFi - up to 20MB/s Fastest Download Speed with App, 4K 2160P/FHD Dash Camera for Cars, 3" IPS, 24H Parking Mode
- 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR RECORDING – ROVE R2-4K DUAL dash cam offers dual-channel recording capabilities, capturing footage simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras. The front camera records at 3840x2160P @30fps, while the rear camera captures 1920x1080P @30fps footage, ensuring clear recordings of the road ahead and behind you. With a 150° ultra-wide angle for the front camera and a 140° angle for the rear camera, you'll capture more of the road with this 4k dash cam.
- SONY STARVIS 2 SENSOR/SUPER NIGHT VISION – Equipped with a Sony IMX675 STARVIS 2 Image Sensor for the front camera, this dash cam delivers exceptional image quality with vivid colors and sharp details, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the front camera's F1.5 aperture and the rear camera's F1.8 aperture allow more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and clearer recordings, particularly in low-light environments.
- ULTRA FAST 5G WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED – With its built-in dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. By using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 20 MB/sec and then easily share these on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS – The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
No. 4
ROVE R2-4K Dash Cam Built-in WiFi 6 GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder with UHD 2160P, 2.4" IPS Screen, 150° Wide Angle, WDR, Night Vision
- 4K ULTRA HD RECORDING – The ROVE R2-4K dash camera can record videos up to a resolution of 2160P. The Ultra HD video recording quality is so good that you will notice so much more clarity and quality difference than all other car dash cams. Revolutionary Super Night Vision Technology (6 Glass Lens + F1.5 Aperture + SONY IMX335) helps to get comparatively clearer footage and images from the recording in low light conditions.
- BUILT-IN WiFi 6 — Use the ROVE App to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone (iOS) or Android smartphone. Download your recorded 4K videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 6MB/s, and easily share them on social media with friends and family.
- DASH CAM WITH GPS – Built-in GPS accurately records your driving location and speed. You can view your driving route and tracker on Google Maps via Wi-Fi using the app or with our GPS Player. We provide FREE firmware upgrades for this car camera, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free over-the-air updates via the ROVE App.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – The car dashboard camera comes with a built-in Supercapacitor, f1.5 apertures (the largest in the industry), parking mode, motion detection, 150° A+ wide angle lens, G-sensor, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse video, supports up to 512GB class 10 - U3 speed micro SD card (NOTE: MEMORY CARD NOT INCLUDED - We recommend ROVE Ultimate Micro SD Cards)
- 100% USA-CHICAGO BASED CUSTOMER-CENTRIC COMPANY & CUSTOMER CARE – This dash camera for cars is backed by a full 1-YEAR WARRANTY. You can text us for (Faster Response) or Email our customer care and we will answer any of your questions and resolve arising issues fast.
No. 5
TERUNSOUl 4K+1080P+1080P Dash Cam Front and Rear, 3 Channel Dashcam, Free 128GB Memory Card, Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi Built-in GPS, Collision Sensor, Night Vision, 3.16" IPS, 24H Parking Mode（Black）
- UHD 4K Front + 1080 Rear + 1080P Cabin Recording: Supports simultaneous triple-channel recording, delivering crystal-clear details for every driving scenario. Equipped with a 3.16" IPS screen, it’s ideal for family road trips, commercial drivers, and rideshare use
- 3 Channel Dashcam: Front, rear, and cabin cameras deliver near 360° panoramic coverage. The front camera has a 170° ultra-wide angle, while the rear and cabin cameras both feature a 165° wide angle—capturing broader road views and in-car details simultaneously for all-around protection
- Reliable Accident Capture: Pre-installed with a 128GB Memory Card . When a severe impact is detected by the collision sensor, collision footage is locked and saved automatically. When storage is full, it overwrites the oldest recordings for seamless loop recording
- Built-in High-Precision GPS: The dash cam records driving routes, real-time speed, location, compass and timestamp, with GPS data directly embedded in videos. Review GPS-tagged footage via the free GPS player for Windows and Mac or the app—providing solid evidence for accidents
- 5.8GHz WiFi and Free App Control: Connect the dashcam to your iOS/Android via dual-band 5.8GHz & 2.4GHz WiFi. Use the TERUNSOUl app for seamless operation, instant preview, 20MB/s downloads, sharing with friends, family or insurance, and wireless firmware updates
No. 6
TERUNSOUl 4K+4K+1080P Dash Cam Front and Rear with Cabin, Free 128GB Card Included, WiFi 6 - up to 20MB/s, IR Night Vision, Built-in GPS, G-Sensor, 170°Wide Angle, 24H Parking Mode, Support 512GB Max
- UHD 4K FRONT + 4K REAR + 1080P CABIN RECORDING: The dash cam features true 3-channel simultaneous recording, covering the front, rear, and cabin. Both the front and rear cameras capture 3840×2160P footage, while the cabin camera records in 1080P, providing detailed visibility inside and outside your vehicle. With a 170° front, 150° cabin, and 150° rear view, this dashcam offers near-360° protection. Ideal for family road trips, commercial drivers, rideshare vehicles, and security-focused users
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor: Built with a high-performance 128GB microSD CARD tested for stable 4K recording with zero frame drops, the dash camera for cars is ready to use right out of the box. Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest files for continuous, uninterrupted footage. The built-in G-sensor detects collisions and instantly locks important videos to prevent them from being overwritten. Supports up to 512GB memory card
- Auto IR Cabin & Super Starlight Night Vision: Advanced WDR and enhanced night vision technology ensure vivid colors and sharp details in low-light conditions. The front camera features an F1.5 large aperture, while the rear camera uses an F1.8 large aperture, allowing more light intake for brighter, clearer nighttime footage. The cabin camera is equipped with four invisible infrared LEDs, enabling clear recording even in complete darkness
- Dash Cam with GPS: The dash cam features built-in GPS to display real-time speed, compass direction, and timestamps on the 3.18" IPS wide screen. It accurately records driving routes, locations, and speed data directly into the video footage. GPS-tagged recordings can be reviewed in the mobile app or played back using the free GPS Player for Windows and Mac, providing reliable, detailed evidence whenever it matters most
- 24-Hour Parking Monitoring: Protect your vehicle around the clock with time-lapse recording and collision detection. This dash cam supports 24-hour time-lapse parking mode, recording continuously at low frame rates of 1/2/5 FPS to reduce power consumption while capturing critical events. When parked, any impact automatically triggers recording and locks the footage for protection. Note: Parking mode requires a separate hardwire kit (ASIN: B0FN848PK2)
No. 7
REDTIGER 4K Dash Cam Front Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, Free Card Included, 5.8GHz WiFi-20MB/s Fast Download, Dash Camera for Cars with GPS, WDR Night Vision, 170°Wide Angle, 24H Parking Mode(F7NP)
- [4K+1080P Front & Rear Recording] REDTIGER F7NP dash cam captures every detail with stunning 4K front and 1080P rear video. Featuring the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor plus the 170° front and 140° rear wide-angle lens, this dash camera delivers sharper images, balanced lighting, and reliable evidence day or night. Ideal for commuting, road trips, rideshare drivers, and new drivers.
- [STARVIS 2 Sensor & WDR Night Vision] Equipped with the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, F1.5 large aperture, and 6-layer optical lens, F7NP 4K dual dash cam delivers clear, high-contrast footage in any lighting. WDR and HDR technology balance highlights and shadows, ensuring sharp night vision and crisp details day or night, providing reliable evidence and enhanced safety for every drive.
- [Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi & Smart App] Connect your smartphone to the dashcam’s built-in 5.8GHz WiFi to enjoy ultra-fast downloads up to 20MB/s. Using Redtiger Cam app, you can preview, download, and replay videos in real time, check GPS ata (route, speed, and location), and manage settings effortlessly, making it simple to review footage and share important moments.
- [Loop Recording & Free Memory Card] This car camera supports seamless loop recording to ensure continuous coverage without interruption. Older files are automatically overwritten when storage is full, while important events are safely locked. A free memory card is included, giving you ample space for 4K recordings and allowing you to use the camera right out of the box.
- [24/7 Parking Mode* & G-Sensor] Enjoy round-the-clock protection with two parking modes: time-lapse recording for continuous low-bitrate monitoring and G-sensor mode that records when collision is detected. The car security camera with G-sensor automatically locks important clips, ensuring crucial evidence is safely preserved even while your vehicle is parked.(*Hardwire kit needed.)
No. 8
galphi 4K Dash Cam Front, Built-in 5G WiFi, 64GB Card Included, Dash Camera for Cars, Mini Dashcam with Super Night Vision, Loop Recording, G-Sensor, 24 Hours Parking Monitor, Support 256GB Max
- 【4K 2160P Resolution Dash Cam】Capture every drive in stunning 4K UHD resolution with the Galphi front dash cam, featuring a 160-degree wide-angle lens for clear, cinematic video footage. Ideal for family cars, new drivers, and Uber/Lyft drivers, it provides reliable video evidence for accident disputes and insurance claims.
- 【Advanced 5GHz WiFi with App】 Featuring cutting-edge 5GHz WiFi and a free app, the video download speed reaches up to 8MB/s, compared to just 2MB/s with the 2.4GHz option. This greatly reduces download times and minimizes lag during video playback.
- 【No Screen & Less Distraction】This dash camerma features a screen-free design, minimizing distractions while you drive so you can stay focused on the road. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your camera is recording without taking your attention away from the journey.
- 【Compact and Super Easy to Install】The dash cam's slim and compact design ensures it won't obstruct your view. With easy installation and clear, detailed instructions included, even first-time users can set it up without any hassle.
- 【24-Hour Parking Mode】 A Type C hardwire kit (ASIN: B09SPN811C, NOT included) is required. When parked, the dash cam switches to parking mode, recording in time-lapse with low power consumption and a reduced frame rate, ensuring footage for various scenarios.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dash Cam Position
Picking the right spot for your dash cam is super important. A good position helps you catch everything on the road. A bad spot can block your view or miss key moments. This guide will help you find the perfect home for your new camera.
Key Features to Look For in a Dash Cam
When you shop for a dash cam, some features really matter. These features help the camera do its job well, no matter where you put it.
1. Video Quality and Resolution
- Clarity is King: Look for 1080p (Full HD) at least. Higher resolutions like 2K or 4K give you sharper details, like license plates.
- Frame Rate: A smooth video needs a good frame rate. Aim for 30 frames per second (fps) or more.
2. Field of View (FOV)
- Wide View: The FOV tells you how much the camera sees. A wider angle (like 140 to 170 degrees) covers more lanes. Be careful, too wide can make the edges look bent.
3. Night Vision
- Seeing in the Dark: Good night vision uses sensors or special lenses to keep video clear when it’s dark outside.
4. G-Sensor and Parking Mode
- Safety Locks: The G-sensor detects sudden bumps or crashes and saves the footage automatically. Parking mode keeps watching even when your car is off.
Important Materials for Durability
The materials used in the dash cam body affect how long it lasts, especially when it gets hot inside a car.
Housing Material
- Sturdy Plastic: Most cameras use strong plastic. Make sure it is high-quality, heat-resistant plastic.
- Metal Casing: Some premium models use metal (like aluminum). Metal handles extreme heat better than plastic. This is important for very hot climates.
Lens Quality
- Glass vs. Plastic Lenses: Glass lenses are much clearer and resist scratching better than plastic ones. Clear lenses mean better video quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Where you place the camera directly impacts the quality of the recording.
Factors That Improve Quality (The Good Spots)
- Behind the Rearview Mirror: This is the best spot. It is centered, high up, and usually out of the driver’s direct line of sight. The camera gets a clear view of the road ahead.
- Centered Placement: Keeping the camera in the middle gives you balanced coverage of both sides of the road.
Factors That Reduce Quality (The Bad Spots)
- Low Placement: Putting the camera too low on the windshield means the dashboard might block the bottom of the video.
- Near Tinted Areas: Some parts of the windshield have special tints (like for rain sensors). Placing the camera over these spots can make the video look strange or block the signal.
- Direct Sun: If the sun shines directly onto the lens for long periods, it can cause lens flare and ruin the video during those times.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your car. This helps decide the best mounting solution.
Daily Commuting
If you drive mostly in the city, you need reliability. A simple stick-on mount behind the mirror works great. You want the camera to start recording right away every time you turn the key.
Long Road Trips
For long drives, battery life and storage matter. A camera that uses a car’s power adapter (cigarette lighter) is best. Make sure the memory card is large enough to hold hours of footage.
Two-Channel Recording
Many drivers buy a two-channel system (front and rear cameras). The front camera goes in the standard spot. The rear camera mounts near the back window. Ensure the cable running between them does not interfere with the rear hatch or window movement.
Dash Cam Position FAQs
Q: Where is the absolute best place to mount a dash cam?
A: The best place is centered on the windshield, just behind the rearview mirror. This spot hides the camera from the driver but gives it a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead.
Q: Should I mount the camera on the passenger side?
A: Mounting it on the passenger side is okay, but it is not ideal. The camera might be slightly angled toward the right side of the road, making it miss action happening on the left side of the car.
Q: Will the suction cup mount damage my windshield?
A: No, modern suction cup mounts usually do not damage the glass. However, if you live where it gets very hot, the suction cup might lose its grip over time. Stick-on mounts are often stronger once placed.
Q: How high should the camera be mounted?
A: The camera should be as high as possible without blocking the driver’s view. Mounting it near the top edge of the windshield is usually perfect. This ensures the hood of your car does not take up too much of the bottom of your video.
Q: Does the window tint affect the camera quality?
A: Yes, if you have very dark tint over the area where the camera is looking, it will reduce the camera’s ability to see clearly, especially at night. Try to place the camera where the tint is lightest or absent.
Q: Can I mount the dash cam on the dashboard instead of the windshield?
A: You can, but it is less common. Dashboard mounts can sometimes cause glare from the sun reflecting off the dash onto the lens. Also, the angle might be too low to capture traffic signs or high vehicles clearly.
Q: What if I have an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)?
A: Many new cars have systems like lane assist that use a camera in the windshield. You must mount your dash cam *below* or *next to* that factory camera, never blocking it. Blocking the factory camera can cause safety features to stop working correctly.
Q: Should I mount the rear camera inside the back window?
A: Yes, the rear camera should mount inside the rear window. Place it near the center, usually below the defroster lines so they do not interfere with the view.
Q: How do I hide the wires neatly?
A: For the cleanest look, tuck the power cable along the top edge of the windshield, down the passenger side A-pillar (the trim next to the windshield), and then to the power outlet. This keeps wires out of sight.
Q: Does the camera position affect battery drain when parked?
A: It doesn’t affect the drain itself, but the *type* of power connection does. If you use a hardwire kit for parking mode, the camera is designed to use very little power. If you use the standard cigarette lighter adapter, the car accessory power usually turns off when the car is off, preventing drain.