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The Questions
Q. Do I need a dash cam in the UK?
Q. What size and type of microSD card do I need?
Q. Does Parking Mode drain my car battery?
Q. What's the difference between a single and dual-camera dash cam?
Q. Can I add a rear camera to a single-camera Mio MiVue dash cam?
Q. Does the Mio MiVue SmartBox work with all Mio MiVue dash cams?
Q. Does the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 have a screen?
Q. Which dash cams include speed camera alerts?
Q. Does the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR Plus record continuously?
Q. Can I use a car dash cam on a motorcycle?
Q. Will my dash cam keep recording if my car stalls or the engine cuts out?
Q. What happens when my dash cam's memory card gets full?
Q. Can dash cam footage be used as evidence after an accident?
Q. Do I need to buy an SD card separately for my dash cam?
Q. Where can I compare all the current dash cams ActiveGPS sells?
The Answers
Q. Do I need a dash cam in the UK?
A. There's no legal requirement to fit a dash cam in the UK, but they're widely used for insurance evidence, protection against fraudulent "crash for cash" claims, and peace of mind. Many insurers also offer a small discount for having one fitted.
Q. What size and type of microSD card do I need?
A. This varies by model - most current dash cams recommend Class 10, U3 or V30 cards, with maximum capacities ranging from 128GB to 256GB depending on the model. Check the technical specification on the product page for your exact dash cam before buying a card, as using a card below the recommended speed class can cause recording issues.
Q. Does Parking Mode drain my car battery?
A. It depends on the model and setup. Some dash cams include a Hardwire Kit or SmartBox as standard, designed to cut power to the device before it drains your car battery - this applies to the Mio MiVue 803W PRO, 903W PRO, 903WD PRO, J756DS and J756EXT bundle. Others, such as the Mio MiVue C595W, C595WD, 956W and 956WD, require the separate Mio MiVue SmartBox to enable Parking Mode safely. Models with a built-in SuperCap instead of a battery are also designed to handle power interruptions safely.
Q. What's the difference between a single and dual-camera dash cam?
A. A single-camera dash cam records the road ahead only. A dual-camera (front and rear) dash cam adds a second camera, usually facing backward through the rear windscreen, giving you evidence and coverage from both directions. If you're regularly reversed into or want full protection, a dual-camera model such as the Mio MiVue 956WD or BlackVue ELITE 10 2CH is worth the extra cost.
Q. Can I add a rear camera to a single-camera Mio MiVue dash cam?
A. Some models can be upgraded - for example, the Mio MiVue 803W PRO and 903W PRO both support the optional MiVue E40 rear camera. Other single-camera models don't have this option, so if you know you'll want a rear camera, it's worth checking compatibility before you buy, or choosing a dual-camera model from the outset such as the Mio MiVue 903WD PRO.
Q. Does the Mio MiVue SmartBox work with all Mio MiVue dash cams?
A. No - the SmartBox comes in different versions (SmartBox III and SmartBox IV) depending on the model and generation of dash cam, and some current models come with it bundled as standard while others need it bought as an optional extra. Check the technical specification section on your specific model's product page to confirm which version is compatible before ordering.
Q. Does the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 have a screen?
A. No, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is a screenless, ultra-compact model designed for a discreet installation. You can preview and download footage via the Garmin Drive app on a compatible smartphone.
Q. Which dash cams include speed camera alerts?
A. Most current dash cams with GPS include some form of speed camera alert. Garmin dash cams with GPS include a built-in Speed Camera Database, the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR Plus uses Snooper's own AURA speed camera database, and Mio MiVue dash cams with integrated GPS include Smart Alert speed camera warnings and Average Speed Camera Alert.
Q. Does the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR Plus record continuously?
A. Yes, the Snooper MY-SPEED DVR Plus records continuously as a dash cam while also displaying speed camera and speed limit alerts on screen - it isn't limited to recording only near camera locations.
Q. Can I use a car dash cam on a motorcycle?
A. Standard car dash cams aren't designed for motorcycle use - they're not built to handle vibration, weather exposure, or helmet or bike mounting. For motorcycles, choose a dedicated rider camera such as the Mio MiVue M820WD, which mounts to the bike, or the Mio MiVue MP30 GPS, which mounts to the helmet.
Q. Will my dash cam keep recording if my car stalls or the engine cuts out?
A. Some current dash cams use a built-in SuperCap instead of a traditional battery, specifically to protect the current recording if power is suddenly lost - this includes models such as the Mio MiVue 903WD PRO and J756DS. Always check the individual product's technical specification to confirm.
Q. What happens when my dash cam's memory card gets full?
A. Dash cams record in a continuous loop by default - once the card is full, the oldest footage is automatically overwritten to make room for new recordings, unless it's been protected, for example by an impact triggering event recording, which is usually saved to a separate protected folder.
Q. Can dash cam footage be used as evidence after an accident?
A. Dash cam footage is increasingly accepted by UK insurers and police as supporting evidence following an incident, though how it's used will depend on the individual circumstances. It's always worth keeping the footage safe and available should you need it.
Q. Do I need to buy an SD card separately for my dash cam?
A. Most dash cams don't include a memory card in the box - check the "What's in the box" section on the specific product page, or choose one of the bundle options that includes a card, such as the Mio MiVue C595EXT or J756EXT bundles.
Q. Where can I compare all the current dash cams ActiveGPS sells?
A. See our full dash cam comparison table, or the individual brand comparison tables for BlackVue, Garmin, Mio and Snooper.
Dash Camera useful links:
‣Dash Cam range
‣Comparison tables
‣Buyer's Guide
This page was last updated on: 21st September 2026
