A legislative proposal by MP Stavros Papadouris (Greens – Citizens’ Cooperation) to close the regulatory gap surrounding dashboard cameras has entered discussion at the House Transport Committee. The aim is to set strict conditions for when dash cams may be used while safeguarding personal data and offering police clearer visual evidence in traffic incidents.
Speaking after the committee meeting, Papadouris said the proposal seeks to define how dash cams can be used “under specific criteria,” with the broader goal of improving road behaviour and public safety. He noted that many new vehicles already come with integrated cameras, while others install them as optional equipment. This has created a situation where the devices operate “without any regulatory or legislative framework.”
With no formal rules in place, he said, misuse is likely, resulting in serious breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation.
Papadouris expressed satisfaction that representatives from the Legal Service, the Ministry of Transport, the Road Transport Department, the Cyprus Bar Association, insurance companies and industry stakeholders all supported the initiative. They cautioned, however, that setting criteria for lawful recording will be “a difficult task” with many limitations, particularly regarding when filming may occur.
Recording only during defined incidents
One key principle, Papadouris said, is that recording should only be activated during specific incidents outlined in the law. These include road accidents and criminal acts such as vehicle break-ins. Using sensors that trigger a camera only when a defined incident occurs would align with existing technologies and prevent continuous filming.
A car may have a dash cam installed and operating, he explained, but it should not record at all times. Continuous recording would almost certainly violate personal data rules by capturing third parties without cause.
Expected benefits for police investigations
Papadouris said such systems would significantly assist police, especially in accident investigations, since video footage would show how an incident unfolded, reducing disputes about fault or sequence of events.
Police representatives informed the committee that existing vehicle systems, even those that do not capture image or sound, already store valuable information in fatal crashes such as speed, lane changes, direction shifts and other movements before impact. This functionality, they noted, resembles an aircraft’s black box and allows investigators to draw reliable conclusions.
The MP reiterated that the issue is “quite complex” and will require detailed study by all relevant services. His goal is for the draft law to reach the plenary before the end of the current parliamentary term.
Source: CNA