A dedicated video recording device mounted on the dashboard or rearview mirror that captures forward-facing or interior views while driving. These units typically record on a continuous loop to an SD card, saving locked files automatically if a built-in accelerometer detects an impact. Drivers and fleet managers rely on the footage to prove fault in collisions, dispute traffic tickets, or monitor driver behavior.
Heard on the job
Pull the SD card from the dashcam and see if it caught that guy running the red light before he clipped our fender.
Insider tip
Hardwiring a dashcam directly to the fuse box allows for parking mode recording, but always use a low-voltage cutoff module to prevent draining the starting battery.
Also heard as
- dashboard camera
Do not mix it up with
- EDR: An EDR records vehicle telemetry and crash data, while a dashcam records video and audio.