Does Uber Require a Dash Cam? What Uber and TfL Actually Say
Charles
Uber doesn’t require you to have a dash cam, but if you fit one in London, it has to be TfL approved.
The short answer
There are two separate questions here, and most drivers mix them up.
- Do I need a dash cam to drive for Uber? No. Neither Uber nor TfL requires one.
- If I want one, does it need to be TfL approved? Yes. Any camera fitted to a licensed private hire vehicle has to be on TfL’s approved list for PHVs.
So no camera is fine. An unapproved camera is the problem.
What Uber says
Uber’s UK position is simple. You can drive with a dash cam if you want to, and if you already use one, that’s fine.
Uber also makes a few points every driver should know.
You’re the data controller
If you own the camera, Uber says you are the data controller. You’re responsible for the footage, how it’s stored, and who sees it. Uber points drivers to TfL’s CCTV guidelines, TfL’s approved supplier list and the ICO’s guidance on dash cams.
You can register your dash cam in the app
Uber lets drivers register a dash cam in the Uber Driver app. That makes it easier to upload footage after a safety incident.
Tell support you have footage
If something happens on a trip, tell Uber support you have relevant footage. They’ll tell you what to do next. Uber can’t see your footage unless you share it.
The Uber and Otto Car dash cam scheme
Uber has partnered with Otto Car to offer drivers a TfL compliant dash cam on a monthly scheme. It’s an option, not a requirement.
Here’s how it works:
- You pay £25 a month
- Otto fits a Kasava camera with both road-facing and cabin-facing lenses at one of its hubs
- Otto stores the footage and sends clips to you by email when you request them
- Footage requests are subject to a fair usage policy in the contract
- Your contract is with Otto Car, not Uber
To get it fitted, you’ll need your V5C logbook or a permission letter from your rental company, your insurance certificate, driving licence, and PCO badge and licence.
It’s worth comparing that with buying a camera outright. Over three years, £25 a month adds up to £900, and you don’t own the camera at the end. See our cheapest TfL approved dash cam comparison.
What TfL says
TfL doesn’t require a camera in private hire vehicles either. Owners can choose whether to install one. TfL consulted on making in-vehicle CCTV mandatory in 2021 but hasn’t done it. More on that in is TfL making dash cams mandatory.
But once you fit one, TfL’s rules apply in full:
- The camera system must be TfL approved for PHVs
- It counts as a vehicle modification, so you’re expected to get approval before fitting
- Audio recording should be off
- You must display the correct CCTV signs inside and outside
- The camera is checked at your vehicle inspection
TfL counts road-facing dash cams as CCTV, so these rules apply even if your camera never points at a passenger.
Uber’s rules vs TfL’s rules
| Uber | TfL | |
|---|---|---|
| Do I need a dash cam? | No | No |
| Does it need to be approved? | Follow local rules | Yes, approved for PHVs |
| Who’s responsible for footage? | The camera owner | Whoever decided to fit it |
| Signs needed? | Follow local rules | Yes, inside and outside |
| Checked at inspection? | No | Yes |
If you rent your PCO car
The vehicle owner holds the vehicle licence, so any modification is their decision. Uber’s own guidance says you need the owner’s permission before fitting a dash cam to a rented PCO car.
Many rental firms fit approved cameras as standard. Ask before you buy anything.
Why drivers fit one anyway
Because the alternative is your word against someone else’s. Drivers fit cameras to:
- Prove what happened in a crash when the other driver changes their story
- Defend against false passenger complaints that can get them deactivated
- Back up a safety report to Uber or the police
- Deter abuse and fare disputes
We cover this in how dash cam footage protects your PCO licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a dash cam to drive for Uber in London?
No. Uber and TfL both leave it up to you.
Can I use any dash cam with Uber?
Uber doesn’t approve cameras itself, but TfL does. In London, any camera fitted to a licensed PHV must be on TfL’s approved list.
Can Uber see my dash cam footage?
No, not unless you share it. If you’re in the Otto scheme, Otto stores the footage and Uber doesn’t have access to it.
How do I send dash cam footage to Uber?
Tell Uber support you have footage after a safety incident. If you’ve registered your dash cam in the Driver app, uploading is easier.
Is the Uber Otto Car dash cam scheme worth it?
It’s convenient, but you pay monthly and never own the camera. Compare the three-year cost with buying an approved camera outright.
Bottom line
Neither Uber nor TfL makes you fit a camera. If you choose to, get an approved one, fit it properly, and make sure you can get to your footage fast.