Dashcam users in Portugal beware: unexpected incidents ahead
In several European countries, the use of dashboard cameras, or dashcams, is subject to strict regulations due to privacy and data protection concerns. Among these countries are Portugal, Austria, and Luxembourg, where the operation of such devices is greatly restricted, or outright prohibited.
In Portugal, as overseen by the National Data Protection Commission and implemented through Article 19 of Law No. 58/2019, dashcams are forbidden from recording public roads or areas not under the exclusive control of the data controller, such as neighboring properties. This restriction applies to all situations unless the recording is strictly necessary for access to the property. Despite the legality being somewhat nuanced, the use of dashcams is strongly discouraged due to potential privacy invasions and the risk of hefty fines.
Austria enforces a comprehensive ban on dashcams, classifying them as unauthorized video surveillance devices. The country requires explicit consent from individuals prior to recording, which dashcams inherently fail to provide. Fines of up to €25,000 can be imposed on tourists and residents caught using or possessing dashcams, with repeat offenses leading to harsher penalties.
Luxembourg shares a similar stance with Austria, treating dashcam usage as a violation of privacy rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Public roads or individuals' recordings without consent are prohibited, and legal enforcement is strict, even for tourists. Dashcams are deemed invasive, regardless of whether the footage is made public or not.
While other countries, such as France, Belgium, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland, permit the use of dashcams under certain conditions, Portugal, Austria, and Luxembourg impose significant limitations or lack any legal provisions for their use. Travelers visiting these countries are advised to refrain from using dashcams to avoid privacy violations and potential fines.
In summary, Portugal, Austria, and Luxembourg have imposed stringent rules governing the use of dashcams due to privacy and data protection concerns, with the countries often prohibiting or restricting their use. Travelers visiting these countries are strongly encouraged to be aware of the local laws and avoid operating dashcams to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.
In Portugal, it's forbidden to record public roads or properties not under exclusive control, due to strict data protection regulations enforced by the National Data Protection Commission. Despite the nuanced legality, using dashcams is strongly discouraged due to privacy invasions and potential hefty fines.
Austria classifies dashcams as unauthorized video surveillance devices, requiring explicit consent from individuals prior to recording. Fines of up to €25,000 can be imposed on residents and tourists caught using or possessing dashcams, with repeat offenses leading to harsher penalties.
In Luxembourg, dashcam usage is considered a violation of privacy rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with public road recordings or individuals' recordings without consent being prohibited. Legal enforcement is strict, even for tourists, and dashcams are deemed invasive, regardless of whether the footage is made public or not.
