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The best dash cam setup for private hire drivers

For a private hire driver a dash cam isn't a gadget. It's evidence. It can settle a collision claim, a false complaint or a dispute about a route. Here's how to choose one without overspending.

Step 1: pick the setup

Setup	Records	Good for
Front only	The road ahead	Collisions in front. Cheapest, but misses rear shunts.
Front + rear	Road ahead and behind	The best value for most drivers: rear-end collisions are common in city traffic.
Front + cabin (interior)	Road ahead and inside the car	Disputes with passengers. Comes with extra data protection duties (see below).
3-channel (front, cabin, rear)	All three	Full cover for drivers doing lots of night work.

Step 2: the features that actually matter

At least 1440p (2K) on the front camera so number plates are readable. 1080p often isn't enough at a distance or at night.
Infrared (IR) night vision on a cabin camera, because normal sensors see almost nothing inside a car at night.
A G-sensor with automatic file locking so collision footage isn't overwritten.
A capacitor rather than a battery, which copes better with a hot car in summer and lasts longer.
A high-endurance microSD card. Ordinary cards wear out quickly with constant recording. Use the size the maker recommends.
Parking mode (needs a hardwire kit) if you leave the car parked in busy streets.
Wi-Fi or app download so you can save a clip to your phone straight after an incident.

Well-known brands sold in the UK include Nextbase, Vantrue, Garmin and 70mai. Compare the current models against the list above rather than chasing the newest one.

See front + rear dash cams See cabin / 3-channel dash cams See high-endurance cards

Step 3: recording passengers, know the rules first

Under UK data protection law, a camera used as part of your work, rather than purely for personal use, means you are responsible for the footage it records. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published guidance on dash cams and in-vehicle cameras. In short:

Tell passengers they're being recorded, for example with a clear sign that can be seen before or as they get in.
Audio recording is much more intrusive than video. Only switch it on if you have a strong reason.
Keep footage only as long as you need it, keep it secure, and don't post it online.
People can ask for a copy of footage of themselves.

Licensing authorities also have their own rules. Some councils set conditions on CCTV in licensed vehicles, so check with yours before fitting a cabin camera. Read the ICO website for the current guidance.

Our recommendation

For most drivers, a good front + rear 2K dash cam with a capacitor and a high-endurance card gives the best protection for the money. Add a cabin camera only if you do a lot of late-night work, and only after you've read the rules above and put up a sign.

Fitting tips

Mount the front unit behind the rear-view mirror so it doesn't block your view.
Tuck the cable along the headliner and door seal rather than letting it hang.
Format the card once a month and check that the date and time are right; wrong timestamps weaken your evidence.

Last updated / হালনাগাদ: 2026-11-11