Do Dash Cams Record When Car is Off?

Jon Jones ● Aug 1 ● 7 min read

Introduction: Do Dash Cams Record When Car is Off?

At Monarch, we’re dedicated to bringing you valuable insights into security and surveillance. Today’s topic is one that many fleet owners wonder about: “Do dash cams record when car is off?” As a trusted seller of Samsara’s cutting-edge dash cameras, we are here to explain the intricacies of dash cam recording.

Most dash cams are designed to stop recording when the car’s engine is turned off because they typically rely on the 12V accessory outlet for power. This outlet is only active when the vehicle is running. However, some advanced dash cam models offer a parking mode feature, ensuring continuous recording even when the car is parked. It is important to note, though, that there are many limitations to continuous recording.

In this article, we will explore the capabilities of continuous dash cam recording, its benefits, and essential considerations for ensuring your fleet’s safety at all times.

How do Dash Cams Work?

Before delving into the question, “do dash cams record when car is off”, we’ll first briefly review the technology behind dash cams. These cameras utilize advanced technology to record both video and audio, capturing vital details for various purposes.

During trips, dash cams operate through continuous recording. They capture road-facing footage, documenting your surroundings and potential incidents. Additionally, some models, like Samsara’s cutting-edge dash cameras, incorporate inward-facing cameras that monitor the driver’s actions and behaviors, promoting safety and accountability.

Beyond standard trip recordings, some dash cameras offer a unique feature called Parking Mode. When enabled, Parking Mode extends the recording window beyond the trip duration, ensuring surveillance even when the car is turned off. For Samsara’s cutting-edge dash cameras, this setting typically records for an additional hour, but it can be customized for up to 12 hours.

Do Dash Cams Record When Car is Off: Parking Mode

Samsara’s dash cameras come equipped with an innovative Parking Mode, a feature designed to extend surveillance beyond the standard trip duration. Parking Mode provides an additional layer of security, ensuring continuous recording even when the vehicle is turned off.

With Samsara’s dash cameras, you have the flexibility to customize Parking Mode settings according to your specific needs. By default, Samsara’s dash cams record both road-facing and inward-facing video for one hour beyond the trip’s end. However, you can easily adjust this recording duration, setting it anywhere from one to twelve hours in one-hour increments.

The Parking Mode feature is particularly useful for monitoring parked vehicles, enhancing security during off-duty hours. It’s essential to note that while in Parking Mode, the dash cam continues to draw power from the vehicle’s battery. Thus, longer recording times may leader to a faster battery drain. As such, it is advisable to use this mode with vehicles that have healthy batteries and regular usage.

Overall, Samsara’s Parking Mode is a valuable tool for fleet operators and drivers seeking comprehensive surveillance and peace of mind, ensuring that dash cams effectively record critical footage even when the car is turned off.

The Advantages of Dash Cams Recording When Car is Off

Recording dash cam footage even when the fleet is off brings numerous benefits. This provides an extra layer of security and valuable insights for fleet operators. With Samsara’s dash cameras, the advantages of continuous recording during vehicle downtime are evident:

1. Enhanced Security: Parking Mode ensures that the dash cams keep recording when the vehicles are parked, offering surveillance against theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access. This feature acts as a powerful deterrent against potential wrongdoers.
2. Incident Documentation: Dash cams capture critical incidents even when the vehicle is not in motion, such as hit-and-runs, accidents, or other unexpected events. Such footage can serve as crucial evidence during insurance claims or legal disputes.
3. Asset Protection: Recording during vehicle off-time safeguards valuable assets and cargo. This provides a higher level of protection against theft or damage.
4. Remote Monitoring: Fleet managers can remotely access Parking Mode footage through cloud-based storage. Such storage enables real-time visibility, leading to peace of mind even when fleet managers are not physically present.

Dash cams that record when the fleet is off offer numerous advantages, enhancing security, safety, and operational efficiency for fleet operators. By investing in Samsara’s reliable dash cameras, businesses can ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection for their vehicles and assets, even during downtime.

Industries Needing Continuous Dash Cam Recording

Parking mode in dash cameras proves to be highly beneficial across various industries. This recording mode provides continuous surveillance and protection even when vehicles are not in operation. Some industries that can reap the advantages of parking mode include:

1. Transportation and Logistics: Fleet managers in this industry can monitor valuable assets, cargo, and parked vehicles, safeguarding against theft and unauthorized access.
2. Construction: Construction companies can protect expensive equipment and vehicles on construction sites during off-hours, reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.
3. Commercial Trucking: Parking mode provides an added layer of security to commercial trucks during rest stops. It helps prevent theft or damage to cargo.

Overall, parking mode in dash cameras offers wide-ranging benefits across industries, providing valuable surveillance and protection.

An Introduction to Samsara’s Dash Cameras

Monarch offers Samsara’s cutting-edge dash cameras. These advanced dash cameras are equipped with a range of features tailored to meet the unique needs of the law enforcement industry.

1. High-Definition Video with HDR and Infrared LED: Samsara’s dash cameras capture high-quality video in crisp detail, even in low-light conditions.
2. Intelligent Event Detection: These cameras use advanced algorithms to detect critical events such as harsh braking, acceleration, and collisions.
3. GPS Tracking and Mapping: Integrated GPS technology allows real-time tracking and mapping of police locations.
4. Voice-Based Feedback and Alerts: The dash cameras include a built-in audio speaker that provides voice-based feedback and alerts during unsafe driving behaviors. Additionally, the option to enable audio capture provides extra context during incidents and disputes.

Manage Vehicles with Ease with Samsara’s Police Dash Cameras

1. Cloud-Based Platform: Samsara’s dash cameras leverage a cloud-based platform. This platform ensures secure storage and easy access to recorded footage and data. Users can remotely view, download, and analyze videos.
2. Integration with 3rd Party Systems: These dash cams seamlessly integrate with a wide range of third-party systems, allowing businesses to leverage existing software and infrastructure.
3. Easy Pre and Post Trip Inspections through DVIR App: With Samsara’s dash cams, drivers can easily perform pre and post-trip inspections using the DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) app. This eliminates paperwork, reducing administrative burden, and ensuring compliance with inspection regulations.
4. Native Integration with Transfinder and Versatrans: Samsara’s dash cameras offer native integration with Transfinder and Versatrans, leading transportation management systems. This enables fleet managers to effortlessly access and analyze video footage alongside their transportation data.

Conclusion: Do Dash Cams Record When Car is Off

In conclusion, dash cams have become indispensable tools for vehicle owners and businesses alike, offering an array of benefits, including recording incidents even when the car is off. So, the answer to the often-sought question “do dash cams record when car is off”, is a yes — at least for advanced models like those of Samsara.

Monarch, as a trusted seller of Samsara’s cutting-edge dash cameras, understands the significance of continuous surveillance and security. By leveraging advanced technologies like parking mode, which extends recording beyond trips, users gain peace of mind knowing that their vehicles and assets are protected around the clock.

Whether you are a fleet manager, truck owner, or operating in any other industry, the advantages of dash cams with parking mode are evident. From deterring theft and vandalism to providing crucial evidence for insurance claims, these devices prove invaluable. The seamless integration of dash cam technology, AI-based incident detection, and cloud-based storage ensures a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

If you’re seeking enhanced safety, security, and a reliable partner for your fleet, look no further than Monarch’s Samsara dash cameras. Connect with our security experts today to explore how our cutting-edge dash cams can elevate your business’s safety standards.