Portugal has officially joined Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg in banning the use and possession of dash cams. This move adds to growing privacy concerns for tourists driving through Europe this summer. Authorities in these countries treat dash cams as illegal surveillance tools. Travelers who use or even carry a dash cam in their car may face serious legal trouble, with fines reaching as high as €25,000.
Portugal Takes Firm Stance Against Dash Cams
Portugal is now one of the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to dash cam laws. Not only is using a dash cam illegal, but simply having one inside the vehicle—whether it is turned on or off—can lead to police action. According to Portuguese authorities, storing a dash cam in plain sight, in the glove box, or even in the trunk may still be considered a violation.
The main concern is privacy. Officials say that dash cams may capture footage of people without their consent. Portugal sees this as a serious breach of data protection laws.
While countries like the UK and Spain allow dash cams, Portugal is choosing a very different path. With more tourists expected this summer, police are likely to enforce the ban more strictly. Travel experts are warning visitors to be cautious, or they could face fines or even court action.
Austria Enforces Harsh Penalties for Illegal Recording
Austria has long had one of the toughest approaches to surveillance. The country fully bans dash cams, and using one is seen as illegal video recording. Austrian law requires people to get clear consent before filming others—something dash cams cannot do.
Even if the footage is private and not shared, recording without permission is still illegal. Tourists with dash cams in their cars, even if the device is off, can be fined up to €25,000. Repeat offenders may face even harsher penalties. Travelers entering Austria are advised to remove or hide any recording equipment.
Luxembourg Enforces GDPR Rules on In-Car Cameras
Luxembourg also bans dash cams under its strict interpretation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Authorities say recording public roads and people without permission is not allowed—even if the camera is not used often.
Tourists are not exempt from these laws. Some may think their car is a private space, but Luxembourg treats any recording outside private property as a potential privacy violation. Enforcement is strict, and violators can face prosecution.
Switzerland Adds to the List of Banning Countries
Like Austria and Luxembourg, Switzerland also bans dash cams over privacy concerns. Authorities there treat them as surveillance devices. Tourists passing through the country can face fines for having one in the car.
What Travelers Should Know
Laws about dash cams vary from country to country in Europe. Tourists are advised to check local rules before starting their trip. In countries that ban dash cams, travelers should:
- Remove dash cams before crossing the border.
- Do not store them in visible areas like the dashboard or glove box.
- Avoid turning them on or recording any footage.
- Never share recorded clips that include people’s faces or license plates.
For those who use dash cams for insurance reasons, experts suggest other tools. Options include GPS tracking devices, incident-reporting apps, or written logs of events.
A Word of Caution for Road Trippers
The new ban in Portugal highlights a wider trend in Europe. Privacy laws are being enforced more strictly, especially during the busy travel season. What may be legal in one country—like the UK or Spain—can result in serious fines in another.
This summer, tourists driving across Europe are urged to keep their dash cams out of sight or leave them at home entirely. As privacy rules become tighter, a simple recording device could become an expensive mistake.
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