A front and rear dash cam is one of the most useful upgrades you can make to your vehicle, protecting you in the event of an accident, capturing incidents on the road and monitoring your car while it is parked. The good news is that fitting one yourself is more straightforward than most people expect. This guide walks through the whole process, from choosing where to mount the cameras to routing the cable and powering the system. Most installs take around 1 to 2 hours.
If you would rather skip the DIY and have it done professionally, Trackershop fits front and rear dash cams at your home, work or any UK location. We cover that option at the end.
What you will need
• Your front and rear dash cam kit, including the long rear connecting cable (usually 6 to 8 metres)
• A high endurance microSD card, U3 or Class 10 rated, 32GB to 128GB
• A plastic trim removal tool, to avoid damaging panels and clips
• Your chosen power solution: a 12V socket adapter, an OBD adapter, or a hardwire kit with an add-a-fuse (fuse tap)
• Cable clips or ties and a microfibre cloth
• For hardwiring, a circuit tester or multimeter to identify the correct fuses
Where to mount a dash cam (and the UK rules)
Under the Highway Code, nothing should obstruct your view of the road. In practice that means mounting the front camera high on the windscreen, tucked behind the rear-view mirror and ideally within the area swept by your wipers so the lens stays clear. Keep it out of your direct line of sight. Mount the rear camera centrally on the rear windscreen, above the demister lines where possible, for the widest clear view. Always check the live view before committing to the adhesive pad, as the angle looks different from inside the car.
Step-by-step installation
Step 1: Insert the SD card and test
Fit the microSD card before you start and power the camera on the bench or in the 12V socket to confirm it works and formats the card. It is far easier to spot a fault now than after the cables are hidden.
Step 2: Mount the front camera
Clean the glass thoroughly with the microfibre cloth so the adhesive bonds properly. Position the camera behind the mirror, check the live view, then fix it in place. Aim it so a small amount of bonnet shows at the bottom of the frame for the best perspective.
Step 3: Mount the rear camera
Clean the rear glass and mount the camera centrally, above the demister lines. Check the live view again before pressing it down, and leave a small loop of cable so you can fine tune the angle later.
Step 4: Route the rear cable
Run the rear connecting cable from the rear camera along the roof lining (headliner), tucking it in gently with the trim tool. In a saloon or hatchback, take it down the pillars and across to the front. In an SUV or estate, pass it through the rubber grommet between the tailgate and the body. Keep clear of airbags in the pillars, and use clips or ties so nothing rattles.
Step 5: Power the front camera
There are three ways to power the system. The rear camera draws its power from the front unit through the connecting cable, so you only need to power the front camera.
• 12V socket adapter (easiest): plug straight into the cigarette lighter socket. No wiring, but the camera powers down with the ignition, so there is no parking mode.
• OBD adapter: plugs into the OBD port for a tidy, reversible connection, with some models supporting parking mode.
• Hardwire kit (best result): connects to your fuse box for a hidden, permanent install and enables 24/7 parking mode. Use the circuit tester to find one ignition-switched (accessory) fuse and one constant (always live) fuse, fit the add-a-fuse taps, and earth the ground wire to clean bare metal. A good hardwire kit includes a low voltage cut-off to protect your battery.
Safety note: never tap into airbag or ABS fuses, and take extra care on electric and hybrid vehicles, which often need a specific hardwire kit. If you are not confident working around the fuse box, use a plug-in option or have the kit fitted professionally.
Step 6: Tidy the cables
Tuck the power cable up the A-pillar and across the headliner, securing any slack. A clean run has no cable visible across the dashboard or dangling near the pedals.
Step 7: Configure the settings
Set the date and time, choose your loop recording interval, set the G-sensor sensitivity, confirm the front and rear resolution and enable parking mode if your power method supports it.
Step 8: Test drive
Take a short drive and check that both cameras record cleanly with no vibration or cable rattle, and that the footage saves to the card correctly.
When to have your dash cam professionally installed
A plug-in front and rear setup is well within reach for most drivers. Hardwiring is where many people prefer a professional, because it involves the fuse box, clean cable routing behind trim, and correct parking mode setup without draining the battery. Professional fitting is also worth considering on electric and hybrid vehicles, on cars with complex trim, or simply for the peace of mind of a guaranteed, tidy result.
Trackershop offers professional dash cam fitting across the UK, 7 days a week, at your home, workplace or anywhere else that suits you. Our engineers route all wiring neatly out of sight, optimise your camera settings, hardwire parking mode where required and test everything before they leave. Browse our range of front and rear dash cams, including Blackvue and Thinkware, or call our team on 0330 055 2777 to book an installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a front and rear dash cam myself?
Yes. A plug-in install using the 12V socket or OBD port is straightforward and takes most people around 1 to 2 hours. Hardwiring for parking mode is more involved and is where many drivers choose professional fitting.
Do I need to hardwire a dash cam?
No, not for everyday recording. A 12V or OBD connection works fine. You only need to hardwire if you want permanent, hidden power and 24/7 parking mode.
Where should a dash cam be mounted in the UK?
Mount the front camera high on the windscreen behind the rear-view mirror, within the wiper-swept area and out of your line of sight, so it does not obstruct your view of the road. Mount the rear camera centrally on the rear glass.
Will hardwiring a dash cam drain my battery or affect my warranty?
A quality hardwire kit includes a low voltage cut-off that switches the camera off before it drains the battery. Connecting via an add-a-fuse does not alter the vehicle's factory wiring, though on electric and hybrid vehicles a specific kit is often required.
How long does a front and rear dash cam installation take?
A plug-in install takes around 1 to 2 hours. A full hardwired front and rear install, with cable routing to the rear of the vehicle, can take a little longer.
Do dash cams reduce car insurance?
Some UK insurers offer a discount for a fitted dash cam, as the footage can help settle claims quickly. Check with your provider, as it is not offered by every insurer.
