Where to Mount Front Dash Cam with OEM Black Box There?

Finding the perfect spot for your front dash cam can be tricky when your car already has an OEM black box. You need a clear view without interfering with factory safety systems.

In my experience, the best location is often just to the side of the black box housing. This keeps both devices functional and avoids blocking your line of sight on the road.

Where Do You Even Put a Dash Cam When Your Windshield is Already Packed?

That factory black box behind your mirror leaves no good spot. Mounting a camera off to the side gives you a useless, skewed view. This dual-camera system is the fix. Its compact front camera tucks neatly right next to your OEM box, while the tiny rear cam gives you complete coverage without the clutter.

I solved my mounting headache with the: E-YEEGER 2.5K+1080P Front and Rear Dash Cam with 2″ Display

Why Finding the Right Dash Cam Mounting Spot is So Important

This isn’t just about a clean install. It’s about your dash cam actually working when you need it most. A bad mount can mean a useless video when it’s time to prove what happened.

The Frustration of a Missed Recording

I once mounted a camera too low behind my mirror. It seemed fine at first. Then a car swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard.

When I checked the footage, the camera’s view was blocked by the wiper blade. The crucial license plate was completely cut off. I felt so frustrated and unprotected.

Keeping Your Factory Safety Systems Safe

Your car’s black box is part of advanced safety tech. Sticking things on the windshield can interfere with sensors. You don’t want to accidentally disable your automatic emergency braking.

We must find a spot that works for both devices. Here are the key things to check for a safe mount:

• Your forward view must stay completely clear.
• The dash cam lens should not be blocked by dots or tint.
• The black box housing and any camera sensors need open space.

Getting this right means peace of mind. You’ll know your evidence is secure and your car’s own safety features are still working perfectly.

Best Places to Mount Your Dash Cam with a Black Box

Let’s talk about the actual spots that work. I’ve tried a few in my own car and helped friends with theirs. The goal is a clear view without any legal or safety issues.

Mounting on the Passenger Side of the Black Box

This is my top recommendation for most cars. The black box housing is usually behind the rearview mirror on the driver’s side. I mount the dash cam just to the right of it.

This keeps it out of the driver’s direct line of sight. The camera lens peeks around the housing for an unobstructed view. It’s also easy to tuck the power cable along the headliner.

Using the Dotted Frit Area as a Guide

That black dotted border on your windshield isn’t just for looks. It’s often a safe zone for adhesives. You can mount the camera’s bracket within those dots.

Just make sure the camera’s actual lens is past the dots. If the lens is on the dots, your video will look fuzzy and dark. Test the view before you stick anything down permanently.

If you’re tired of weak adhesive failing in the heat or bulky mounts blocking your view, what finally worked for me was a low-profile mount with super strong tape, like the ones I sent my sister to buy.

What I Look for When Buying a Dash Cam for This Setup

Not every dash cam is a good fit when you have a factory black box. Here are the features I always check first.

A Compact and Flexible Design

The camera body needs to be small. A bulky unit will block too much windshield. I also look for a lens that can rotate or tilt separately from the main body.

This lets me tuck the camera behind the mirror and still angle the lens perfectly. It makes finding that sweet spot so much easier.

Strong, Reliable Adhesive

The mount needs to stay put through summer heat and winter cold. I avoid suction cups because they often fall. A good 3M VHB tape adhesive is what you want.

It should come with a spare piece of tape in the box. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have it if you need to reposition the camera later.

Easy Cable Management

Look for a thin, flat power cable. A thick, round cord is hard to hide along your car’s trim. A long cable is also important for routing around the black box housing.

My last camera had a cable just a foot too short. I had to buy an extension, which was a hassle and looked messy.

The Mistake I See People Make With Dash Cam Placement

The biggest error is mounting the camera too low. People stick it right below the black box housing to hide it. This seems like a good idea for a clean look.

But it puts the camera lens right in the path of your windshield wipers. When it rains or snows, the wiper blade will block the view. Your crucial footage will just show a rubber blade sweeping back and forth.

Instead, mount the camera higher. Place it so the lens is at least level with the top of the black box housing. This keeps it above the wiper arc for a clear view in all weather.

If you’re worried about a messy install with cables dangling everywhere, the clean solution is a hardwiring kit, like what I grabbed for my kids.

My Simple Trick for Finding the Perfect Spot

Here is my favorite way to test a mounting location before you commit. It saves so much time and frustration. You’ll know exactly what your camera will see.

First, use some blue painter’s tape to temporarily hold the dash cam in place. Don’t use the adhesive mount yet. Just tape it to the windshield where you think it should go.

Then, go for a short drive around your neighborhood. Pay attention to your own view of the road. Also, record a few minutes of video with the camera in that test position.

When you get home, watch the footage on your computer. Check if the hood of your car takes up too much of the screen. Make sure the view is wide and clear. This test drive tells you everything you need to know before making it permanent.

My Top Picks for a Dash Cam with a Factory Black Box

After trying a few, these two dash cams stand out for fitting well around that OEM black box. They each solve the problem in a different way.

Zunfly 360° 4 Channel Dash Cam Front Rear Inside FHD 2K — For Complete Coverage

The Zunfly 360° is my pick if you want to record the cabin and rear window too. Its main front camera unit is surprisingly compact, so it tucks neatly beside a black box housing. It’s perfect for rideshare drivers or families who want an all-in-one solution, though the wiring for all four cameras takes more time to install.

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 Dash Cam with STARVIS 2 Sensor and 5GHz — For a Super Stealthy View

I recommend the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 for its tiny, wedge-shaped design. It mounts so low-profile behind the mirror that it almost disappears, making it easy to place next to a black box. This is the one for anyone who wants crystal clear front video without a bulky camera, but you will need a separate unit if you want rear footage.

Conclusion

The best spot for your dash cam is just to the side of your car’s black box, keeping your view and the camera’s view perfectly clear.

Grab some painter’s tape and test that spot in your own car this weekend—it’s the fastest way to know you’ve got it right before you stick anything down for good.

Frequently Asked Questions about Where to Mount Front Dash Cam with OEM Black Box There?

Can I mount my dash cam directly on top of the black box housing?

I don’t recommend mounting it directly on top. The housing often contains sensors for safety features like automatic wipers. Placing your camera there could block these sensors and affect how they work.

It’s better to mount the camera just to the side. This keeps both devices fully functional. You get a clear road view without interfering with your car’s own technology.

What is the best dash cam for a clean install with a factory black box?

You want a camera with a compact, low-profile body. A bulky design will be hard to place and will block your view. The goal is for it to almost disappear behind your rearview mirror.

For a super stealthy setup that fits perfectly, I had great results with the one I grabbed for my kids. Its wedge shape tucks right in next to the housing without being obtrusive.

Will mounting a dash cam void my car’s warranty?

Generally, no, simply adding a dash cam should not void your overall warranty. Manufacturers cannot void a warranty for using an aftermarket accessory unless they can prove it directly caused a failure.

To be safe, avoid cutting factory wires. Use the cigarette lighter port or a dedicated hardwiring kit. Also, use removable adhesive so you can take it off without damaging anything if needed.

How do I hide the power cable with this setup?

Start by tucking the cable into the headliner above the windshield. Gently push it into the gap using a plastic trim tool. Then, route it down the passenger-side A-pillar trim.

You can run the cable under the glove compartment and over to your power outlet. For a truly permanent and clean look, consider a hardwiring kit that connects to your fuse box.

Which dash cam is best if I also need to record inside the cabin?

If you need cabin coverage, you need a dual or multi-channel system. The main front unit still needs to be small, but it will connect to a separate interior camera. This is common for rideshare drivers.

For complete front and interior coverage that works around a black box, what finally worked for me was a system with a compact main camera and a separate cabin unit. It gives you all the angles without a huge block on your windshield.

Is it illegal to have a dash cam mounted in certain spots on the windshield?

Laws vary by state, but most have rules about blocking the driver’s view. Typically, you cannot mount anything in the area swept by the windshield wipers. This is often called the “AS-1” line.

The safest spot is high on the windshield, behind the rearview mirror, and outside the wiper path. Always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles website for the specific rules in your area.