Where to Mount a Dashcam Without Blocking Your View

TL;DR: The best place to mount a dashcam is behind the rearview mirror at the top center of your windshield, ensuring it doesn’t block your view while capturing a clear forward perspective.

Top picks for dashcams

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Best Pick

Nexus 5S

$399.99

4-Channel Full Coverage Four STARVIS 2 Sensors LTE Connectivity 10s Buffered Pre-Recording Motion Detection.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Best Value

Nexus 4 Pro S

$379.99

Triple STARVIS 2 Sensors 3-Channel 4K+1080P+2.5K Recording PlatePix™ License Plate Capture Optional LTE Live Monitoring

Check Latest Price See More Picks

E360 ACE

$299.99

Front and Cabin: 5.2K 360-degree panoramic recording, Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 Sensor, Quad-Core CPU offers greater efficiency Multiple recording modes 8 Infrared LED lights improve night vision capability.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Quick overview

• Mount the dashcam behind or just below the rearview mirror to keep it discreet and unobtrusive.
• Ensure the camera’s lens has a clear view without being blocked by windshield tint, stickers, or sun visors.
• Position the dashcam to avoid glare and reflections from the dashboard or windshield.

What to look for in Canada

Canada’s varying climate and road conditions mean that your dashcam’s placement and features are especially important. Cold winters can affect your dashcam’s startup and battery performance, so opt for models designed to handle low temperatures or use a hardwire kit to provide a stable power source.

Heat tolerance is also crucial during the warmer months or when parking in direct sunlight. Some dashcams include parking mode with motion or impact detection; installing the camera where it remains powered and able to capture clear footage without obstruction is key.

When installing, consider these points:

• Mount on the windshield’s top center, hidden behind the rearview mirror, so it stays out of your line of sight and doesn’t infringe on legal requirements for windshield obstruction.
• Check local provincial laws regarding windshield-mounted devices—some provinces have strict rules about blocking the driver's view.
• Use manufacturer-provided mounting hardware or adhesive pads designed for automotive glass to ensure durability through cold winters and heat exposure.
• Route cables neatly along the windshield edge and A-pillar to avoid loose wires that may cause distractions.

My recommendation

For Canadian drivers seeking a practical and effective dashcam setup, mounting the camera behind the rearview mirror offers the best balance of safety and functionality. This location minimizes windshield obstruction while providing an optimal view of the road ahead.

If you drive in extremely cold areas, like Northern Canada, choose dashcams with operating temperature ranges down to -20°C or lower, or hardwire your device to the vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power even when the engine is off.

Models like the Vantrue N4 or Thinkware U1000 are known for their durable build and refined parking mode features—both ideal for Canadian conditions. The Vantrue N4’s triple-channel recording helps capture front, rear, and interior views, but mounting still follows the same sensible placement principles.

Ultimately, prioritize correct placement on your windshield, proper cable routing, and a dashcam suited to Canada’s temperature range to avoid blind spots, ensure legal compliance, and protect your investment long-term.