Louisiana regulates dash cams primarily through insurance incentives rather than mandates for private vehicles. House Bill 549, enacted as La. R.S. 22:1482.2 effective 2026, requires insurers to offer premium discounts on liability coverage for qualifying commercial motor vehicles equipped with dash cams and telematics. No statewide bans exist on dash cam use for personal cars, but obstructions and privacy rules apply universally.
Commercial Vehicle Incentives
Act 19 (HB 549) defines dash cams as forward-facing devices with 1080p minimum resolution and continuous loop recording, paired with telematics tracking speed, braking, and mileage in real-time. Fleets qualify for 5-12% liability discounts if systems operate continuously from policy issuance, verified annually via affidavits or data reports. Noncompliance forfeits discounts at renewal; insurers report usage stats to the commissioner by March 1.
Private Vehicle Rules
Personal drivers face no specific prohibitions on dash cams, but La. R.S. 32:53 bans windshield obstructions impairing vision, applying to mounted devices. Rearview mirror mounts are common and legal if they allow clear sightlines. Audio recording requires one-party consent under Louisiana wiretap laws (La. R.S. 15:1302), but video alone poses no issues on public roads.
Privacy and Usage Limits
Dash cam footage cannot capture private property interiors without consent, aligning with general surveillance laws; public street views remain permissible. Commercial users must notify drivers of telematics monitoring to avoid employment disputes. Evidence from dash cams strengthens accident claims, often reducing litigation under Louisiana’s tort reforms.
Installation Standards
Devices must not block essential views; side or rear cams avoid primary obstruction concerns. For discounts, systems need commissioner-approved compatibility for data verification, excluding basic trackers. Professional installation recommended for fleets to ensure loop recording and real-time transmission.
Enforcement and Benefits
Violations of vision obstruction fall under traffic citations with fines up to $115. Insurance non-reports risk penalties or license issues for carriers. Benefits include fraud reduction and safety enhancements, with early 2026 data showing lower claim severity.
SOURCES:
- https://mblb.com/trucking-transportation/louisiana-hb549-dashcams-for-discounts/
- https://tracknetonline.com/la-hb-549-insurance-discounts-for-smart-fleets/
