TL;DR: Correct dash cam placement makes the difference between usable evidence and a blurry, useless clip, a few centimetres can decide whether number plates and faces are readable. Mount high and central behind the mirror, keep the horizon level, stay inside the wiper sweep, and secure wiring so the camera records what matters when you need it.
Key Takeaways:
- Mount high and central behind the rear-view mirror so the lens sits on flatter glass and stays out of your sight.
- Level the horizon so roughly two thirds of the frame is sky and one third is bonnet or dash for sharper plates.
- Keep the lens inside the main wiper sweep and avoid frit or tinted bands that scatter light.
- Route and secure cables along factory paths, then test day, night and after loading the boot to confirm framing.
Most drivers obsess over resolution and night mode while overlooking the one factor that controls every frame the camera records, where you stick it on the glass.
Two identical units can tell very different stories because a few centimetres change what the lens catches, from traffic lights to number plates.
Place it poorly and you invite glare, shake, and blind spots that turn key moments into guesswork.
When you need evidence for insurance or a police report, a misplaced camera can leave you with blown highlights and unreadable plates.
What “Best Dash Cam Placement” Really Means
The best dash cam placement is not a single universal spot, because every windscreen angle, rear-view mirror shape, and bonnet line is different.
Instead, it is a set of sightline rules that keep the lens centred, stable, and unobstructed so it captures plates and faces under real-world Australian light.
Sweet Spot Behind the Mirror
- Mount high and central behind or just to the passenger side of the rear-view mirror so the camera is out of your sight, sits on flatter glass, and stays in the wiper sweep.
- Route the cable up the A pillar, keep the housing clear of mirror movement and sunshades, and hide the unit from outside view.
Level The Horizon
- Aim for about two thirds sky and one third bonnet to protect highlights and keep number plates legible in bright light.
- Use the app live view to level the frame, tighten the mount, then recheck on a short drive so bumps do not shift the angle.
Respect Your Field of View
- Avoid extreme ultra-wide angles that push plates to soft, distorted edges; keep key action near the centre where detail is sharp.
- If the view feels cramped, move the mount a few millimetres instead of tilting heavily, which can skew lines and invite glare.
For a deeper look at why a bigger viewing angle is not always better for plate readability, read this guide on viewing angles.
The High-Impact Mistakes That Ruin Footage
Small errors quickly add up on the road, but most of the common mistakes are straightforward to fix once you know what to watch for.
Work through this short list before you stick anything to the glass so your camera records what matters when you need it.
Too Low on the Windscreen
Low placement increases dash reflections, adds wiper sweep lines, and makes the bonnet dominate your view. It also draws more attention from outside, which is not ideal when you park on the street.
Crooked or Off-Centre
A slight tilt makes motion blur worse because objects smear diagonally rather than horizontally, which confuses plate recognition.
Off‑centre alignment can also bias the frame toward the kerb or median and miss what happens across lanes.
Touching Dotted Frit or Tint
The dotted ceramic frit around many windscreens looks dark and tidy, yet it scatters light and forces your exposure to hunt.
Avoid placing adhesive pads over frit or aftermarket tint strips and stick to clear glass for clean optics.
Pressing the Lens Against the Glass
Leaving no air gap amplifies vibrations and introduces micro-contacts that squeak, smear, or scratch over time. Use the supplied bracket as designed so the body is close to, but not touching, the windscreen.
Learn how modern sensors can do more than trigger an impact to predictive crash detection.
Heat and Glare in Melbourne
Australian sun punishes electronics, so placement decisions must consider heat soak and long summers.
High central mounting keeps the unit out of direct sun longer, while quality adhesive and hidden wiring prevent sag or failure when the cabin gets hot.
Glare Control with Simple Tricks
Push the lens close to clean, clear glass and wipe both sides so road film and dust do not soften fine detail.
If your camera supports one, fit a circular polarising filter to cut dash reflections and help number plates stand out against bright skies.
If glare still shows up, make small angle tweaks and test again on the road rather than moving the mount a lot.
Remove or dull any shiny dash objects that act like mirrors because even tiny reflections can wash out plates, especially at night.
Wiper Arcs and Spray Patterns
Place the lens so it sits well within the main wiper sweep, which keeps raindrops and road spray off the glass and preserves fine detail.
Give it a quick water test with your washer and review the recording.
If the footage shows a clean arc the lens is in the right spot, but if you see streaks or smeared bands, nudge the mount up or down by a few millimetres and test again.
Car-Specific Quirks You Must Respect
Modern vehicles hide sensors and airbags behind trim, which is why copying a friend’s setup can end badly. Spend a minute mapping your windscreen hardware before you stick anything down.
Sensor Housings and ADAS Cameras
Do not block the driver assistance camera or rain sensor shroud, and always keep wiring outside airbag deployment paths. If in doubt, choose a slightly offset position that clears the plastic cover while staying high and central.
Different Vehicle Types
Hatchbacks often suffer from rear-glass grime that washes down from the roof, so mount a touch higher to stay in the wiper arc.
Utes with canopies may need the rear camera inside the glass with cable protection through the canopy grommet for a clean, sealed run.
The Checklist For Best Dash Cam Placement
Use this two-minute checklist any time you install or adjust a camera so you can trust your footage on busy Melbourne roads. Tick each item and you are done.
Quick Alignment Checklist
- Mount high and central behind the mirror so the lens sits on flatter glass, stays out of the driver’s sightline and stays in the wiper sweep during rain.
- Level the horizon with roughly two thirds sky and one third bonnet, and check mirror housings, rain sensors and ADAS shrouds to avoid blocking factory systems.
Clarity Checklist
- Keep the lens inside the main wiper sweep and avoid fitting adhesive over frit or tint bands that scatter light; wipe both sides of the glass before testing.
- Reduce reflections by removing shiny dash items and, if your camera supports it, fit a circular polarising filter to improve plate contrast in bright conditions.
Security and Wiring Checklist
- Route cables along factory paths with no pinch points and secure them with clips or felt tape at contact areas.
- Use quality adhesive for a firm mount and ensure the camera body does not press directly against the glass.
Why Choose DNH Dash Cam Solutions
DNH Dash Cam Solutions offers mobile, professional installations across Melbourne and fits quality gear with tidy, factory-style finishes that look like they belong with the car.
Our hands-on team prioritises safety, neat wiring and straightforward advice, and we back every install with local support.
An experienced installer does more than stick a camera to the glass.
They check windscreen angle, wiper sweep, sensor housings and cable paths so the result is sharper footage, fewer reflections and a tidy cabin you can rely on.
Ready To Trust Your Footage Every Time?
You could spend big on the latest sensor and still miss the moment that matters if the lens points at reflections and sky.
Invest a few extra minutes to nail placement and your existing camera might surprise you with just how clean and reliable the footage becomes.
