Dash Cam Parking Mode

How we research

Parking mode is a dash cam setting that records, or waits to record, while the car is parked and unattended.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

What it means

The RAC says parking mode automatically starts recording if the camera detects an impact, and that some cameras also use motion sensors. It says parking mode, or switching on and off with the engine, needs the camera hardwired to the fuse box [1]. Makers do it differently:

  • Nextbase 322GW. If the car is hit, the camera powers on and records a 30-second protected file. It stays on for 5 minutes and shuts down if no further impact is detected [2].
  • Road Angel Halo Pro. After 15 minutes of inactivity it enters parking mode in time-lapse, and resumes normal recording if its G-sensor detects an event or movement. The page says some features need the camera to be hardwired but does not say which [3].

Why it matters when you buy

Check what your camera does when parked: whether it records only after an impact, records time-lapse, or does neither without a hardwire kit. The RAC says hardwiring is the way to power parking mode [1].

Sources

  1. Dash cam guide: installation and insurance, RAC Drive. Published 17 May 2023, rac.co.uk. Checked 19 October 2026.
  2. 322GW Dash Cam, Nextbase (European site), nextbase.eu. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  3. Halo Pro Front and Rear Dash Cam, Road Angel, roadangelgroup.com. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.