Driver Cameras Legal In January

Sacramento, CA– Californians will soon be able to have video cameras mounted onto their vehicles windshields.

The state’s new recording law, Assembly Bill 1942 makes “driver cams” possible beginning January 1, 2011. Formally known as “video event recorders,” these devices can continuously record audio and video in a digital loop in order to help identify bad driver habits or other factors that lead to vehicle accidents.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher of San Diego whose district includes DriveCam, a major manufacturer of car video devices.

For $900, families can buy a windshield camera from DriveCam that includes one year of monitoring service and also provides an analysis to clients for learning purposes.

Some critics say this new law may create a range of privacy issues for employers, particularly those in the transportation and delivery business.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com