Bought the Wrong Dash Cam for Uber? Here's What to Do Now

You bought a dash cam for your PCO car, then found out it isn’t TfL approved, and that’s one of the most common mistakes new drivers make.

The good news is it’s fixable. Here’s what to do, in order.

Step 1: Don’t fit it to your PCO car

If it’s still in the box, keep it there. Unapproved cameras are a reason for refusal at inspection, and TfL counts road-facing dash cams as CCTV, so “it only points at the road” won’t help.

Step 2: If it’s already fitted, take it off properly

Remove the camera before your next inspection. If it’s hardwired, get it removed cleanly. Loose or cut cables left behind can fail an inspection on their own, because visible wiring has to be safe and permanent.

Also check:

• Any adhesive mount residue is cleaned off the windscreen
• Nothing is left in the airbag areas around the A pillar or headlining
• The fuse box is put back as it was

Step 3: Deal with the footage you’ve already recorded

This is the step most drivers skip. If your camera has been recording passengers, that footage is personal data and you’re responsible for it.

Delete what you don’t need

TfL’s guidelines say footage shouldn’t be kept longer than 28 days unless it’s needed for something specific. The ICO suggests deleting ordinary road footage after about a week if nothing happened. Wipe the card.

Keep what you do need

If the camera captured an incident, like a crash, an assault, or a passenger you’ve reported, save that clip securely. Keep it only while the claim or investigation is ongoing, then delete it.

Release it only on written request

If the police or an insurer ask for it, get the request in writing, saying why it’s needed.

Think about the ICO fee

If you’ve been using a camera in a car you work in, you’ve likely been acting as a data controller. Check whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee. For most small businesses it’s the lowest tier, currently £52 a year.

Step 4: Try to get your money back

If you bought online, you usually have 14 days to cancel after delivery under UK consumer law, and then 14 days to return it. If the camera is unused, a return is normally simple.

If you’re past that window:

• Fit it to a private car, yours or a family member’s
• Sell it second hand
• Keep it for a vehicle that isn’t licensed

Step 5: Check before you buy again

Before you buy another camera, get answers to these:

1. Is it on TfL’s current approved list? TfL updates the list several times a year. Check the date on the copy you’re looking at.
2. Is it approved for private hire vehicles? The list has separate columns. Some systems are approved for taxis only.
3. Who fits it? Approval often comes tied to a supplier or named installer. Ask for the TfL approval details for that system.
4. Do I need approval for my vehicle first? TfL expects owners to get approval for a modification before spending money.
5. Is audio off by default?
6. Do they provide the exterior CCTV sign?
7. What’s the total cost? Camera, fitting and any monthly fees.

Step 6: If you rent, ask your rental company first

The owner holds the vehicle licence and handles modification approvals. Many rental firms already fit approved cameras as standard. If they don’t, you’ll need their permission in writing before anything is fitted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I return a dash cam I bought on Amazon for my PCO car?

Usually yes, if you bought it online and you’re within the 14-day cancellation period. Check the seller’s terms.

What should I do with footage from an unapproved dash cam?

Delete anything you don’t need. Keep only clips linked to a real incident or claim, store them securely, and delete them when it’s resolved.

Will I get in trouble for using the wrong dash cam before?

If it’s removed before inspection, the usual risk ends there. Make sure you handle any recorded footage properly.

Can I get my unapproved dash cam approved?

Only the supplier can apply to have a system added to TfL’s list. In practice, it’s quicker to buy one that’s already approved.

Is it worth keeping my old dash cam for my personal car?

Yes, if you have a private car. That’s often the easiest way to avoid losing the money.

Avoid paying twice

The cheapest option isn’t the lowest sticker price. It’s the one you only buy once. See our breakdown of the cheapest TfL approved dash cam options.

See Traknova’s TfL-approved dash cams, from £299 with no subscription →