Johannesburg – The City of Johannesburg is reportedly considering new regulations for car dashcams, a trend that is increasingly appealing to South African drivers looking for improved security and peace of mind while driving.
Dashcams are gaining popularity across South Africa; however, their legal standing still remains uncertain.
Currently, there are no specific regulations governing their use, but this situation may soon change for Johannesburg residents.
Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety in Johannesburg, discussed the potential for new by-laws regarding car dashcams in an interview on Friday, 7 March 2025, with Newzroom Afrika’s AMReport405.
Dr. Tshwaku emphasized that any upcoming regulations must align with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), South Africa’s data protection legislation.
POPIA safeguards personal information, establishes data management protocols, and ensures accountability for organizations that handle such data.
Dr. Tshwaku noted that the proposed by-laws are still in the initial stages and might come into effect in the next financial year.
Globally, dashcams are generally permissible and are viewed as effective tools for capturing evidence during accidents or road incidents.
However, their use frequently brings up privacy concerns.
In the European Union, for example, dashcam usage is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation.
Countries like Germany permit dashcam footage as legal evidence but impose limitations on continuous recording without justification.
Similarly, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission provides guidelines on transparency, data retention, and sharing of footage, while the Netherlands advises against sharing recordings online without obtaining necessary consent.
For more detailed insights, make sure to watch the full interview with Dr. Tshwaku on Newzroom Afrika.
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
