Are Uber drivers allowed to have a camera or a dashcam? Is it legal to record passengers?

Multiple angles to this question

Dashcams are starting to become one of the staple items for Uber drivers.  They are critical in protecting the drivers in terms of safety (people act nicer when there's a camera), in terms of absolving themselves of liability, and in terms of being heard and having credibility post-incident.

The ridehsare companines such as Uber cannot dictate what the drivers do, as they are independent contractors and they own the vehicles.(unless they are being leased)  So in the eyes of Uber, they can have a camera and record passengers.

Now, in terms of law, this depends on the jurisdiction, i.e. state and local laws.  When it comes to recording people and their conversations, the laws are very complex and vary by state and potentially by city.  In most cases, drivers need to at least inform the passengers that they are being recorded. In some cases, they do not need permission at all (assuming it is on their property or inside a private vehicle).  In some cases, they need explicit permission.  In some cases, this notification needs to be displayed inside and outside of the vehicle.  In some cases, the drivers can record up to 30 seconds beffore and after an accident/incident. etc. etc. 

"Reasonable expectation of privacy?"  In general, people can be video recorded anywhere they do not have reasonable expectation of privacy.  A public roadway, inside taxis and buses, and inside people's properties are generally one of those places.

Disclaimer: I am not a legal professional, and the comments above should not be taken as a legal advice.

ippei 1202

Uber Driver, CEO of TaxiFareFinder and Unleashed, LLC