Dashcams are no longer just simple recording devices - they now play an important role in supporting safer driving and protecting the rights of road users in the event of collisions or disputed traffic violations.

A surge in dashcam installations among car owners

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Many drivers are installing dashcams to protect themselves from wrongful penalties. Illustrative photo: Chung Auto

In today’s increasingly complex and risk-prone traffic environment, dashcams have become indispensable for many car users. Footage captured by these devices provides clear evidence that helps drivers avoid unnecessary disputes when accidents or misunderstandings occur.

Notably, in the past three months, the demand for dashcams has surged, as many vehicle owners fear being wrongly fined in unclear traffic situations.

Such cases include poor visibility of traffic lights, obstructed signage, mechanical issues, or situations where drivers must yield to priority vehicles.

Nguyen Van Hoai, a driver from Ha Dong District in Hanoi, recently installed a dashcam worth 1.5 million VND (about 60 USD). He shared, “I used to think that as long as I drove legally - no red-light running or speeding - I had nothing to worry about. But I’ve seen drivers penalized because another vehicle backed into them, or they were wrongly issued traffic tickets. That’s when I realized a dashcam is truly essential.”

Similarly, Do Huu Minh, a ride-hailing driver from Nam Tu Liem District, said, “I was once fined for driving at 58 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, but I didn’t feel like I was going that fast. If I had a dashcam with GPS and speed tracking, I could’ve verified it and presented evidence. After that incident, I immediately bought a camera with those features for peace of mind.”

Like Hoai and Minh, many car owners share the same concern of being unjustly fined or getting into unexpected accidents without clear proof. Dashcams have become an effective tool to help drivers protect themselves before authorities or insurance companies.

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The market now offers various types of dashcams to meet users' different needs. Illustrative photo: ICar

Particularly, starting January 1, 2025, when Decree 168/2024/ND-CP on administrative penalties in road traffic takes effect, fines for violations such as running red lights or lane violations will increase significantly - potentially reaching tens of millions of VND (hundreds of USD). This has further driven the spike in dashcam demand.

A booming dashcam market

Today’s dashcam market is thriving, with a wide range of models, price points, and features to meet growing consumer needs. According to research, dashcams can generally be divided into three categories:

Basic dashcams, priced from 500,000 to 2 million VND (approximately 20–80 USD), typically offer front-facing video recording with a 120–150-degree viewing angle, HD Ready or Full HD resolution, and memory card support from 32 to 64GB.

Mid-range dashcams, ranging from 2 to 4 million VND (80–160 USD), include enhanced features such as 2K or 4K resolution, 170-degree wide-angle lenses, GPS tracking, speed alerts, parking monitoring, and easy smartphone connectivity.

High-end dashcams, usually priced above 4 million VND (over 160 USD), come equipped with AI driving assistance, dual front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi connectivity, sharp night vision, collision sensors, lane departure warnings, and speed alerts.

Additionally, 360-degree dashcam systems - with 4 to 5 camera lenses integrated into a central processing unit and often paired with a screen or digital rearview mirror - can cost around 10 million VND (about 400 USD). These are ideal for drivers who want a panoramic view and enhanced parking assistance.

Trieu Bon, owner of an automotive accessories shop in Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, shared that in the first three months of the year, sales and installations of dashcams at his shop have risen by about 50–60% compared to previous periods. Most customers opt for basic models priced under 2 million VND.

According to Bon, the dashcam industry is thriving due to a growing number of car owners and rising demand for journey recording. He emphasized that buyers should choose a dashcam based on their individual needs and budget.

For new drivers frequently navigating busy urban areas, he recommends smart dashcams with features like traffic sign recognition, collision alerts, and parking assistance to enhance safety.

Ride-hailing drivers may prioritize models with in-cabin recording capabilities to ensure passenger and driver safety.

For those who love travel or enjoy sharing unique road experiences on social media, Bon suggested choosing high-resolution dashcams for better video quality.

Hoang Hiep