While Samsara is unaware of any formal prohibition on the use of operational dashboard cameras at the U.S./Canada border, there are occasional reports of drivers encountering delays and questionings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when crossing the U.S. border from Canada while using operational dashboard camera.
When crossing into the U.S. from Canada, Drivers should be prepared to disconnect or cover the lens of their dash cam if requested by a border patrol officer.
Note
The foregoing information is not intended to constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors.
The Canadian counterpart to the CBP, the Canada Border Services Agency, has reportedly confirmed that there is no prohibition on dash cams at Canadian border crossing facilities.
"Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), on the other hand, promptly confirmed with us that there is no prohibition on dash cams at Canadian border crossing facilities – provided they are not interfering with an officer’s ability to do their job – and that there’d be no grounds for seizing a driver’s FAST card, 'The CBSA does not restrict the use of dash cameras at ports of entry. Dash cameras may be on and recording while waiting in line and they do not have to be turned off when speaking with an officer as long as it does not hinder or obstruct the officer’s ability to carry out their duties,' explained Esme Bailey, senior media spokesperson with CBSA."
