Can Dealerships Void Vehicle Warranty Upon Dashcam Installation?

Dashcams are not Legal? Myth Debunked

Although many think otherwise, dashcams are legal in the UAE. In fact, the police and the concerned authorities have verified that dashcam footage can prove to be useful when disputing traffic fines, reporting traffic violations, and filing car insurance claims.

However, this comes with a major condition — you cannot use a dashcam to violate privacy laws. You cannot publish images or videos of people without their consent online. Such actions come with grave consequences like jail time and hefty fines under UAE penal, cybercrime, and copyright laws.

With that said, here’s another key point: dealerships cannot cancel the warranty casually because the dashcam is installed. They need to provide solid evidence for their claim — otherwise, the warranty remains valid. They need to show the direct causal link between the dashcam and the defect before denying the warranty claim.

What Should be Your Plan of Action if the Dealership Cancels the Car Warranty?

If you feel that you have been treated unjustly, you can raise a complaint with the Ministry of Economy’s Consumer Protection Department or the local Economic Department. In Dubai, the complaint can be filed with the Consumer Rights Department of the Department of Economy and Tourism. Dealerships that casually deny the warranty unfairly can face penalties for consumer rights violations.

On Your End — Get the Dashcam Installed Professionally and Take Measures

Dashcams or dashboard cameras help in capturing road trips, accidents, and other incidents. Most dashcams usually have a front-facing lens, while some have dual-channel or three-channel. These cameras offer you front, rear, and the car’s interior views.

Here are some practical tips that legal experts share about installing dashcams —

Go for Professional Installation - To avoid any damage to the car, get the dashcam installed using a licensed installer.
Avoid Critical System Interference - Avoid any modifications that affect the safety or electrical systems of the car. Failing here can affect the warranty for real.
Respect Privacy - Don’t misuse the footage recorded. This can lead to grave consequences.
Keep the Documents - Always keep the installation record and receipts intact if there are disputes.

To wrap up, dashcams are legal in the UAE and can help with safety and claims. Car dealerships cannot cancel your warranty because a dashcam is installed. They need to prove that it caused a problem in the car. However, to be on the safe side, always contact a professional for installation and keep all paperwork to protect your rights.