ORSKEY Dash Cam
A practical dash cam (1080p front, dual front and rear) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
Do Dash Cams Record When Parked? (Parking Mode Explained)
Many dash cams can record while parked, but only if they are set up for it. Parking mode is one of the most misunderstood features, mainly because of how the camera gets its power when the engine is off.
How parking mode works
In parking mode the camera either records continuously at a low frame rate (time-lapse), keeps a short buffer and saves a clip when it detects motion or an impact, or simply wakes on a G-sensor trigger. This is what captures car-park dents and hit-and-runs while you are away from the car.
Why it needs a hardwire kit
Most cars cut power to the 12V socket when you switch off, so a camera plugged into the socket will not run while parked. Parking mode therefore needs a hardwire kit, which wires the camera to a fused circuit that stays live, and includes a low-voltage cut-off that switches the camera off before your battery gets too low to start the car. Some cameras also offer a battery pack as an alternative.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Viofo A119 V3
A practical dash cam (GPS) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
#3 
Dash Cam A410
A practical dash cam (2K/1440p front, dual front and rear, GPS) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
#4 
Dash Cam A510
A practical dash cam (1080p front, dual front and rear, GPS) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
#5 
iZEEKER 2.5K Dash Cam
A practical dash cam (2K/1440p front) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
#6 
iZEEKER 4K Dash Cam
A practical dash cam (4K front) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Will parking mode flatten my battery?
A hardwire kit with a low-voltage cut-off prevents that by shutting the camera off before the battery drops too far. Running a camera without one risks a flat battery over time.
Do I need an electrician to hardwire it?
Many people fit a hardwire kit themselves with basic tools, but if you are not comfortable working with fuses, an auto-electrician or fitting service can do it quickly.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the ORSKEY Dash Cam (our score 9.6/10) - A practical dash cam (1080p front, dual front and rear) that captures clear evidence on the road for insurance and disputes..