Schwarzenegger signs bill allowing video recording devices on vehicle windshields

CA gov. signs bill allowing video monitors in cars

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A bill signed into law in California will allow carmakers and owners to equip their vehicles with video recording devices on their windshields.

The bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will permit monitors that record in a continuous loop but save video and audio information only if there is an unusual vehicle motion or crash. No more than 30 seconds of recording may be stored.

The author of AB1942, Republican Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher of San Diego, says the measure will promote safe driving habits and reduce accidents.

The bill was supported by companies that hire teams of drivers. They want to ensure their employees are driving safely and use the cameras to help determine fault in an accident.

Fletcher has said companies that use the recorders in other states have reduced their accident claims by 80 percent.

Critics have expressed concern that the devices could be used to record conversations without the passengers’ knowledge.