Garda Online Portal for Dashcam Footage Delayed: What You Need to Know
A Garda online portal allowing the public to upload dashcam footage of dangerous driving is still in development, with An Garda Síochána confirming delays in its rollout. Originally expected to launch in 2024, the system is now pushed to 2025, raising concerns among road safety advocates and motorists.
The initiative aims to empower the public to report reckless drivers more efficiently, helping Gardaí enforce road safety laws by providing direct evidence of traffic violations. However, the delay has left many questioning when the system will finally be operational.
What Is the Garda Online Portal?
The Garda online portal is intended to allow members of the public to upload dashcam and phone footage of dangerous driving, with the aim of improving road safety.
Key Features Expected in the System:
– Direct video uploads of dangerous driving incidents
– Secure digital storage for submitted evidence
– Garda review and follow-up on reported offenses
– Possible requirement for submitters to provide a formal statement
Current Status: Still in development, expected in 2025
For now, reports must still be filed through the Garda Traffic Watch system: Garda Traffic Watch
Why Has the Portal Been Delayed?
The delay is primarily due to the need for a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) that can securely handle and store video submissions from both the public and Garda bodycams.
Challenges Causing the Delay:
- Development of a secure digital evidence system
- Compliance with data protection laws (GDPR)
- Ensuring the system can handle large video file uploads
- Training Gardaí on how to manage and process evidence
IrishCycle reported that the delay was confirmed by Gardaí, with no concrete timeline yet available for the final launch.
How to Report Dangerous Driving Until the Portal Launches
Until the system is live, those wishing to report dangerous driving must continue using traditional methods.
Steps to Report Dangerous Driving in Ireland (Current Process)
- Call Garda Traffic Watch ☎️ 1890 205 805
- Report the incident online via Garda Traffic Watch
- If requested, provide footage directly to Gardaí
- Be prepared to make a formal statement if legal action is pursued
Important: Video evidence cannot currently be uploaded—it must be provided in person if Gardaí request it.
Legal Implications: What Happens If You Submit Dashcam Footage?
While the upcoming system will make reporting easier, it does not guarantee legal action against a driver.
Key Legal Considerations:
- Your footage may be used as evidence in court
- You may be required to give a witness statement
- Privacy and GDPR rules apply—Gardaí must ensure the footage is legally obtained and used appropriately
Once the portal is live, it is expected that Gardaí will provide clearer guidelines on how evidence will be reviewed and processed.
What’s Next? Will the Portal Be Worth the Wait?
Despite the delay, the Garda dashcam upload portal is expected to be a game-changer for road safety in Ireland. Once operational, it will:
- Give motorists an easier way to report reckless drivers
- Help reduce dangerous driving with stronger enforcement
- Allow Gardaí to gather crucial evidence quickly
But for now, motorists will have to wait. With 2025 being the new target, all eyes are on the Department of Justice and Gardaí to deliver on this much-needed initiative.
Would you use the new Garda dashcam upload portal once it launches? Let us know in the comments!
Say updated with itson.ie.
Share this content:
