The House Transport Committee is moving to close a legislative gap regarding the use of cameras inside vehicles (dash cams) by promoting a bill that will define their installation and operation framework.
The goal is to ensure that their use does not violate personal data protection while simultaneously allowing the recorded material to be used as evidence in court proceedings under specific conditions—a practice already established in several European states. The new regulation is expected to cover significant gaps, as an increasing number of vehicles operate with built-in cameras.
Details of the proposed law
Stavros Papadouris, President of the Ecologists’ Movement, told Phileleftheros that a bill has been prepared, submitted, and is scheduled for discussion next Thursday. He noted that many vehicles come with factory-installed cameras and circulate without a legislative framework.
He added that the bill will regulate the installation, operation, and monitoring of cameras in vehicles. He clarified that in other countries, this is already legislated, which is why new vehicles with built-in cameras are on the market. “However, cameras are not only in new vehicles. Now, anyone can put a camera in their car for €50,” he said.
Papadouris stressed that the proposal will define the installation, use, and recording process. He explained that a provision regarding installation will ensure the camera does not interfere with the driver’s field of vision. Regarding their use, it must be done in a way that does not violate the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
How dash cams will function
Papadouris highlighted that these cameras feature a sensor called a G-Sensor, which allows the user to record and store video on a memory card. “If an incident occurs, the camera will activate and record. This could happen, for example, during an attempted vehicle break-in. This will immediately record the perpetrator’s movements.”
He pointed out that the user will be able to declare through the software that if the G-Sensor is activated, the moments before and after the incident will be recorded. “The recording is converted into a safety file, automatically stored in memory without being deleted, and under certain conditions, the court may consider the video, and by decree, it can be used as evidence.”
Solving traffic congestion from minor accidents
Papadouris clarified that this move will also resolve the issue raised by DISY MP Demetris Demetriou concerning the need to move vehicles after a minor accident. “It seems it was not adopted in practice. Now we will not be talking about photographs, as there will be video from the vehicle’s camera. This will prevent traffic congestion since the incident will be recorded.”
Papadouris noted that the crucial point is when the material is stored by the camera and where this evidence will end up. “The goal is to help document a case in court, as is done abroad.”
He explained that by defining the operating method, the personal data of anyone moving on the road is automatically safeguarded. “We will create the legislation, and the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection will have the discretion to issue a directive for the use of the cameras and for the administrative fine in case of violation.”
He noted that the bill concerns not only minor accidents but also incidents of break-ins, thefts, and even criminal acts.
Dash cam use across Europe
As mentioned, the use of dash cams is widespread in many countries. Cameras are generally allowed, and their material is often used as evidence in accidents in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, India, the United States, Canada, and Russia.
In countries like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Greece, cameras are permitted for personal use, but strict privacy rules apply regarding the publication of the material.
However, some countries have strict privacy laws that limit or prohibit the use of cameras in public spaces. Examples include Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Switzerland.
It is worth noting that in almost all EU countries where cameras are permitted, publishing the material online usually requires blurring faces and licence plates to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation.
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