Dash cams are dedicated video cameras that are usually mounted on the dashboard of the car, and their main purpose is to film accidents, car theft, vandalism, etc. It's like a CCTV, but for the car and is mainly used to record footage inside and outside the car. (Digital Camera World)

Dash cams are most often used in taxis, buses, driving school vehicles, and some people also use them in their own vehicles, so that if something like an accident takes place, there is recorded footage and proof to show the authorities who was at fault. These cameras can be installed to give a view of the front of the vehicle, the back and also the inside of the vehicle.

Is it legal to use a dash cam in Qatar?

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team had the opportunity to speak to the Ministry of Interior Security Systems Department's (MOI SSD) relevant authority in person about dash cams and their usage in Qatar on 17 August 2021 at 9:45 am and again on 23 August 2021 at 10:30 am.

We were told that dash cams are allowed in Qatar and that dash cam footage can be used as evidence in case of any mishap. However, though dash cams are legal in Qatar, to use one, you would need pre-approval from the MOI SSD located at Abu Hamour.

Conditions for pre-approval

If you want to install and use a dash cam in your vehicle (car, bus, truck, etc.), you must fulfil the following criteria for pre-approval to use it.

• You must be a citizen or resident of Qatar; visitors cannot install dash cams.
• The dash cam must be placed in the vehicle in plain sight, and should not be hidden or used for the wrong reasons.
• The screen of the dash cam should not be so big, as to distract the driver of the vehicle.
• The dash cam should be installed in such a way that it doesn't block the driver's view of the road.

Note: Do not buy a dash cam until you have pre-approval to use one.

Procedure for pre-approval to use a dash cam

1. Draft a letter stating that you want to install a dash cam in your vehicle.
2. Attach a copy of your Qatar ID, a fact sheet of the dash cam with specifications and the drafted letter.
3. Submit it to the MOI SSD at the Abu Hamour branch. You will be given a date to come back.
4. The MOI SSD will review your application and either approve or reject it.
5. If the application is approved, you can buy your dash cam in Qatar, or have it imported.

Details for MOI SSD

• Tel: 234 3999
  
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 8 am - 12 pm; Friday and Saturday closed
• Location: Near Aramex, Wholesale Market Street, Abu Hamour, Doha - Qatar

Sources: Digital Camera World
Cover image credit: Shutterstock

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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