I worked full-time at a shop here in Central Ohio for many years. I won’t hesitate to confirm that shop talk (and behavior) can get, well, far from “clean” pretty quick. Perusing Reddit, I came across an interesting thread posted by a concerned driver. They had a dash cam recording while they sent their SUV into a well-known service chain bay. When the car was ready, they got in and noticed a crew member must have unplugged the camera at some point. Did something bad happen off-camera? Is this even allowed? Well, it turns out the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.”

Dash cams are a common tool for drivers, but not everyone likes being recorded.

Mechanics may feel uncomfortable working under the constant gaze of a camera (more on that idea in a minute). Some shops have policies against recording in their workspace to protect employee privacy or avoid sharing sensitive business practices. These rules might include asking customers to power down or unplug dash cams during service.

Also, be aware that U.S. laws on recording vary by state, especially when it comes to audio. 

About a dozen states require the consent of all parties before recording a conversation. That means if your dash cam captures audio in these states (like California or Florida), you’d need the mechanic’s consent. Without it, your recording could be considered illegal. On the flip side, most states have “one-party consent,” meaning only one person in the conversation (like you) needs to agree to the recording.

“Not suing, just curious”

“I brought my car into a well-known brand of mechanic shops. (I’m not sure if I’m allowed to name them.) They disconnected my dash cam,” OP writes. “And it isnt the first time. Should I be concerned or weary? Or am I just reading too much into it.”

The Redditor mentions they have a 2015 Hyundai Tucson (as if that could have anything to do with the shop’s decision to deactivate the camera).

I get the customer’s concern, but the comments pretty much support the shop in question. And I’m torn about the whole thing. Here’s why.

Technically, your dash cam is your property. 

Unplugging it without your consent could be seen as tampering, but it’s not likely to land anyone in legal trouble. That said, I’d assume some professional shops would usually ask you first. It’s a matter of respect and trust.

Of course, working in the remote digital realm, I’m used to the idea that an HR department can monitor emails, Slacks, and all else. And anyway, when I worked the counter at the shop, we had security cameras rolling, with one pointed at customers from the corner above my head. Sometimes, I was glad we did.

Still, the Reddit responses overwhelmingly reflected shop staff agreeing that they, too, unplug dash cams while a vehicle is under their care. Mostly, they say it’s because the garage is a “private establishment” and anyway, they don’t “feel” like being recorded.

Okay, sure. But it all makes me wonder why being recorded at a shop is so uncomfortable for the commenters. Oddly, one asserted that they turn off the dash cams in customer cars, but they still have their own camera recording themselves wrenching in their bay.

When I work through the possibilities of what can get caught on film in the back of a shop, I’m not sure I agree with unplugging. Yeah, it could save the shop’s reputation on multiple levels. But maybe internal behavior could use some adjusting…after all:

Cameras record mistakes, carelessness, and unprofessionalism.

In my mind, if folks in and around the car aren’t okay with being recorded, they might get more thoughtful about what they’re doing or saying at work.

Still, if your dash cam is running, I suppose it’s polite to let the shop know. You could say, “Hey, my dash cam is on. Do you need me to turn it off?” This shows you’re willing to cooperate and helps avoid petty misunderstandings (including suspicious ponderings from the shop’s side).

After all, I’ve also been on the receiving end of berated customers “looking” for reasons to send shock waves through the business. Thankfully, science and engineering naturally debunk foundationless claims…notwithstanding the emotional drain.

I believe in a service facility holding itself accountable for its mistakes and treating customers with respect. I know that unfortunately, many drivers don’t get this, and it’s bred doubt about the level of care a lot of us are truly getting.

In any case, don’t be surprised if a mechanic unplugs your dash cam while it’s in the shop.