Portugal Joins Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg in Outright New Dash Cam Ban as Summer Travelers May Face Hefty Fines Over Privacy Violations in Europe

Published on May 11, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Portugal has joined Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg in enforcing an outright ban on dash cams, intensifying concerns for summer travelers who may unknowingly violate strict European privacy laws. As these countries treat in-vehicle recording as illegal surveillance, tourists face the risk of hefty fines—up to €25,000 in some cases—for merely possessing or using dash cams, even if they remain switched off. With privacy enforcement tightening across borders, travelers are urged to leave dash cams behind or risk serious legal and financial consequences during their European road trips.

Portugal Cracks Down on Dash Cams

Portugal has taken one of the continent’s strictest stances against dash cam usage. Not only is operating a dash cam illegal, but possession of the device alone can lead to legal trouble. Authorities have clarified that having a dash cam visible on a car seat, in the glove box, or even in the trunk could be grounds for police action. The core issue stems from concerns over data protection and the unauthorized recording of individuals in public spaces, which Portugal treats as a serious privacy violation.

While dash cams are legal and widely used in countries like the UK and Spain, Portugal’s approach is markedly different. The ban covers both use and ownership, and authorities are expected to enforce the rule more strictly this summer amid increased tourist inflows. Travel experts warn that failure to comply may result in fines or even legal proceedings.

Austria’s Surveillance Laws Impose Five-Figure Fines

Austria has long been known for its uncompromising stance on surveillance and privacy. The use of dash cams is completely banned, with the country’s legal framework treating them as a form of illicit video surveillance. Tourists caught using or even possessing one may face fines up to €25,000 (approximately £21,300), especially in repeat offenses.

Austrian law requires that individuals obtain explicit consent before recording others, a standard that dash cams inherently violate. Even if the footage is not shared publicly, the act of recording without consent is deemed unlawful. In practical terms, this means travelers crossing into Austria by car must ensure that no recording equipment is visible or active inside their vehicles.

Luxembourg Maintains a Firm Data Protection Policy

Luxembourg’s dash cam policy mirrors Austria’s in severity. Under the country’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) interpretation, using a dash cam constitutes an infringement on individuals’ rights to privacy. Recording public roads and people—even passively—is not permitted, and violators may be subject to prosecution under national surveillance and data privacy laws.

Authorities in Luxembourg have reiterated that tourists are not exempt from these rules. While some may believe their personal vehicles fall under private use, the moment they record outside their own property, they enter a legal gray zone that Luxembourg enforces strictly.

Switzerland’s Restrictions Effectively Ban Dash Cam Use

Though not a member of the EU, Switzerland enforces data privacy laws that effectively outlaw the use of dash cams in most situations. Swiss regulations require that individuals captured in any footage have the right to know they are being recorded and provide consent. The Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) has stated that dash cams are generally not compliant with national law unless they meet extremely narrow conditions.

In practice, this means that dash cam usage in Switzerland is treated as a de facto ban. Authorities advise tourists to remove such devices before entering the country or risk potential legal consequences. Furthermore, the use of dash cam footage in Swiss courts is rarely accepted due to privacy infringements.

The Risk to Summer Travelers

These bans are particularly problematic for travelers who drive across multiple European countries during the summer holidays. For example, a tourist entering Portugal from Spain—where dash cams are permitted—may unknowingly carry a device that becomes illegal the moment they cross the border.

The situation is further complicated by variations in enforcement and awareness. Many travelers rely on dash cams to protect themselves from insurance fraud or road disputes. However, what is considered a safety precaution in one country may be interpreted as illegal surveillance in another.

Experts from automotive organizations like the RAC and vehicle manufacturers such as Skoda have issued warnings, urging tourists to research dash cam regulations country-by-country before beginning their journey. Failure to comply could lead to fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the country and circumstances.

Not Just Fines — Legal Trouble Looms

Beyond financial penalties, dash cam users may face serious legal repercussions. Some countries allow police to confiscate the device, while others may initiate legal proceedings for breach of privacy. In Austria, repeat offenders may even see the issue escalate to a criminal court, especially if footage was published or shared online.

There are also potential complications with insurance claims. Footage recorded illegally may be deemed inadmissible in court or by insurance companies, rendering it useless even in genuine cases of road accidents.

Legal Gray Areas in Other Countries

While the focus is on countries with outright bans, it’s important to note that several other European countries have strict conditions governing dash cam use:

• Germany allows dash cams under strict data minimization rules, meaning only short clips can be recorded and stored.
• France permits use for private purposes but mandates blurring of faces and license plates before footage is shared.
• Belgium allows private use but requires consent for any form of public sharing.

Though not banned entirely, these rules demand careful compliance and often catch travelers by surprise. Recording continuously, sharing clips online, or even showing them to authorities without consent can lead to fines and legal hurdles.

What Travelers Should Do

With laws differing significantly across Europe, tourists are strongly advised to disable or remove dash cams before entering countries with bans or severe restrictions. Some key steps to stay safe include:

• Check each country’s law before your trip.
• Physically remove dash cams when crossing into banned zones.
• Avoid storing them in visible areas like the dashboard or glove box.
• Do not share any recorded footage publicly, especially if it includes identifiable individuals.

For travelers who depend on dash cams for insurance protection, consider alternative options like incident journals, GPS trackers, or manual incident reporting apps that do not involve constant video surveillance.

Portugal has joined Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg in a strict dash cam ban, citing serious privacy concerns over unauthorized recording in public spaces. Summer travelers risk hefty fines across Europe as these countries treat dash cam use as illegal surveillance under data protection laws.

As Europe tightens its grip on data privacy enforcement, what may seem like a harmless travel accessory in one country becomes a legal liability in another. The new enforcement by Portugal—alongside Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland—marks a clear warning to summer travelers: privacy laws don’t stop at the border, and neither do the penalties.

To avoid fines, delays, or legal entanglements, travelers should leave their dash cams behind—or at least out of sight—when touring Europe this summer.