If you’re looking at buying a dashcam and wondering, “Can a dashcam record inside the vehicle?” The short answer is yes, but only certain models can do this. Most dashcams record the road ahead, but advanced models with dual-lens and 360-degree capabilities capture both street scenes and the inside of your vehicle, giving you extra protection and peace of mind.
This matters because South African roads can be extremely unpredictable. In fact, according to the latest data provided by the State of Road Safety Report, from January to March 2025, South Africa recorded 2,403 fatalities in road traffic accidents.
So whether you’re driving to work, doing the school run, or even working as an Uber or Bolt driver, having clear video evidence can make a world of difference if something goes wrong. If you want a dashcam that does it all, then Cartrack’s AI-powered dashcams with live stream camera technology will be useful for everyday drivers like you.
Yes, dashcams can record inside your car. However, only certain models can. 360-degree and dual-vision dashcams are designed to record the inside of your car as well as the road. In order to record clearly (even in the dark), they typically have two cameras: one facing forward and the other inward. Advanced models usually have night vision.
This is particularly helpful for:
The benefits of recording inside your car are that an additional sense of security and responsibility is added by having a dashcam that records inside the vehicle. It provides you with a clear picture of what goes on inside your car, which can be just as important as what happens on the road.
Yes, there can be some drawbacks to recording inside your car such as privacy, storage, high costs and installation challenges. While not all drivers will be impacted by these, it's crucial to consider them before investing in a more advanced device.
It's important to note that dashcams come in different shapes and setups, and not all of them can record the inside of your car. So before you swipe your card, be sure you’re getting the right one for you. The table below breaks down the main types of dashcams, what they capture, and how much you can expect to pay in South Africa:
Currently in South Africa, dashcams—including those that record inside cars—are legal. New privacy laws, however, might lead to strict regulations for camera use. Therefore, being transparent about recording helps prevent unnecessary complications. Telling passengers you're using a dashcam is worthwhile, especially if you're driving for Uber or Bolt.
When choosing the right dashcam for you, you need to consider your driving habits and lifestyle. This will determine which dashcam is best suited for your needs. While some drivers require full coverage with additional features, others only want a basic road-facing camera. You can compare features using the following guide to determine which one best suits your needs.
Dashcams protect South African drivers from the unique risks associated with South African roads, which include smash-and-grabs, hijackings, fraud, and accidents. Although a dashcam won't prevent these incidents, it can provide you with important proof to defend yourself later on, whether for peace of mind, insurance, or police reports.
For example:
Choosing the right dashcam is just the first step. You must install and use it properly if you want to get the most out of it. Your dashcam will always function when you need it most if you follow a few simple routines.
At Cartrack we offer premium-quality dashcams at an affordable price (from R189 per month) and with free installation. Contact us today to get the best dashcam solution for personal or business.
Yes, many modern dashcams record sound as well as video through built-in microphones. This can be useful if you need proof of what was said during an incident. If you’re not comfortable recording sound, most devices allow you to turn the audio feature off.
Yes, dashcam footage can be used to support insurance claims or even as evidence in court. Clear video clips help settle disputes about who was at fault in an accident. Insurance companies are more likely to process claims quickly when you provide reliable footage showing exactly what happened.
No, a dashcam won't necessarily drain your car battery, this is because when you’re driving, dashcams usually run on the car’s power supply and use very little energy. However, dashcams with parking mode can continue recording while the engine is off.
Dashcam footage can be stored anywhere from a few hours to a few months. Dashcams use loop recording, which means old footage is automatically overwritten when the memory card is full. The length of time footage is kept depends on the card size. With a 64GB card, you can usually store several hours before files are replaced, unless you manually save clips.
Yes, for Uber or Bolt drivers, an AI dual-lens dashcam is the best choice. It records both the road ahead and the inside of the vehicle, which helps protect you against false claims or disputes with passengers. Some models even include night vision, which is useful for evening and late-night trips.
Does a dashcam record inside the car? Learn which models do, their pros and cons, legal considerations, and tips for South African drivers.