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Texas is a one party state which is why I can record people all day long w/o them knowing.

...and if they're recording you, too...will the mikes talk to each other??? what a world we live in...

G.A. Heath wrote:If you are audio recording and no one in the conversation is aware of it (Meaning you are not part of the conversation) then it is a violation of the wiretap law. A business is not a party of every conversation that happens within it as its employees are not (if they are polite) interupting every conversation and insterting themselves into it. To be legal posting that audio recording is being done serves to notify the parties as long as the posting is in a location so that it is obvious that all visitors/customers will see it.

Agree with all said. Audio recording should be based on the knowledge of both involved. You wouldn't want yourself to be filmed without knowing anything about it. gps signal blocker

randomoutburst wrote:Due to a couple of close calls, I've been considering purchasing a dash cam for my vehicle. I figure having evidence of fault in the event of an accident could be helpful.

That's an excellent idea.

In Texas, as long as one party is aware of the recording (that'd be you) then it is legal. In encounters with the PD, I prefer to have a recording device that is as inconspicuous as possible, largely for two reasons:
1) I want to document "normal" treatment... 95% of the time it's positive.
2) I don't want the device stopped or disabled during the encounter.

Rare LEOs have taken away cameras or told the public that it's "illegal" to record in Texas. This isn't true.

Whatever happened to the OP? She was a hoot.

I've also been looking for a dash cam. Just haven't found the right one at the right price. Also not wanting some gigantic device stuck on the windshield. There are a few that replace the rear view mirror that look interesting.

iom wrote:I've also been looking for a dash cam. Just haven't found the right one at the right price. Also not wanting some gigantic device stuck on the windshield. There are a few that replace the rear view mirror that look interesting.

The one in my truck is the size and shape of a radar detector. If that's too big, you can get a lapel camera that's Bic lighter size. If you don't care too much about video quality, you can get one of those with less than 1MP resolution for under $25. That won't provide legible license plate images but is good enough to show who was at fault for a collision and keep a record of conversations.

cb1000rider wrote:In Texas, as long as one party is aware of the recording (that'd be you) then it is legal.

This is correct.

In encounters with the PD, I prefer to have a recording device that is as inconspicuous as possible, largely for two reasons:
1) I want to document "normal" treatment... 95% of the time it's positive.
2) I don't want the device stopped or disabled during the encounter.

Rare LEOs have taken away cameras or told the public that it's "illegal" to record in Texas. This isn't true.

If it were a simple traffic stop I'd be inclined to tell the LEO I have a dash cam (if it's recording audio also) and offer to turn it off, along with other polite behavior like presenting my CHL along with my DL and telling him if/where I'm carrying.

TomsTXCHL wrote:If it were a simple traffic stop I'd be inclined to tell the LEO I have a dash cam (if it's recording audio also) and offer to turn it off, along with other polite behavior like presenting my CHL along with my DL and telling him if/where I'm carrying.

tomtexan wrote:

TomsTXCHL wrote:If it were a simple traffic stop I'd be inclined to tell the LEO I have a dash cam (if it's recording audio also) and offer to turn it off, along with other polite behavior like presenting my CHL along with my DL and telling him if/where I'm carrying.

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a dash camera?

WildBill wrote:Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a dash camera?

Wow, you guys think you need/want a Dash Camera (which BTW faces forward AFAIK) to protect yourselves from "bad cops"??? Now I'm scratching MY head.



Tom (law-abiding citizen respectful of police)

TomsTXCHL wrote:

cb1000rider wrote:Rare LEOs have taken away cameras or told the public that it's "illegal" to record in Texas. This isn't true.

If it were a simple traffic stop I'd be inclined to tell the LEO I have a dash cam (if it's recording audio also) and offer to turn it off, along with other polite behavior

Did he offer to turn off his dash cam first?

TomsTXCHL wrote:Wow, you guys think you need/want a Dash Camera (which BTW faces forward AFAIK) to protect yourselves from "bad cops"??? Now I'm scratching MY head.



Tom (law-abiding citizen respectful of police)

Have you not noticed that most are on a 360 degree ball swivel?

I've been running this for about 3 months and am pretty happy with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Vehicle-R ... B00ABW6L5K" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://dashcamtalk.com/k6000/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Be sure to use a good class-10 micro sd card. Slower cards will apparently leave larger time gaps between files.

The video quality is good enough to show who was at fault for stuff that takes place in front of the camera. The wide angle lens does a good job of showing the drivers view of things, nearly A-pillar to A-pillar. And the mount is adjustible enough and the unit small enough that I'm able to "hide" it behind my rear view mirror. I'm working on a way to tap into the power line from my RVM to get rid of the camera power cord.

You need to be pretty close up to read a license plate, it's a bit far-sighted in that regard, but video quality is ok and features are pretty decent for something at that price range... All-in, including the SD card, I paid less than $70. And it records audio, so, be careful about expressing your opinion of the other drivers.

TomsTXCHL wrote: Wow, you guys think you need/want a Dash Camera (which BTW faces forward AFAIK) to protect yourselves from "bad cops"??? Now I'm scratching MY head.
Tom (law-abiding citizen respectful of police)

Facing forward, it may still pick up audio. If you want a camera for traffic, you really need front and rear facing.


"Protect yourself" is a bit strong. Think of it as I want to be able to "clarify" any policy that might not be on the level without resorting to my version and their version. Most of the LEOs that I meet are absolutely great. If you've never run into a circumstance where you want/need that recorder, that's great. When and if you do, you'll understand why we might want one. Your version of events in a courtroom is not as strong as the LEOs version. Cameras sort that issue out.