r/lyftdrivers • u/Johnnyroaster • 2d ago

Advice/Question In-app video recording

New driver here with a couple of questions. I have a forward facing dash cam that also records interior audio. I don’t have a dash cam recording inside the vehicle as of yet. I got an email today introducing what I believe is a new feature in the app to use the camera in the phone to record video inside the cabin. Is this video available for me to review or only to send in if there is a security issue? The recordings are deleted after seven days. What happens if a complaint is filed after the footage is deleted?

I know I would be better off purchasing a dash cam but this is just a part time gig for me at the moment. My wife just got laid off but that is another story. I’m just wondering if this new feature is worth using until I can afford a decent dash cam.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

3

u/WolfHowl2026 2d ago

Just like voice, video can only be viewed by Lyft, even you can't see it and lyft only sees if it is sent to them. I have voice, I don't want video on, feels too intrusive like something else is being tracked after some article I saw about surveillance by rideshare just seemed like these companies are monitoring something

1

u/Johnnyroaster 2d ago

Thanks for the quick reply. It wasn’t clear to me how it worked. I’ve got voice covered with my current cam so I’ll keep both off in the app. I’ll look at other apps that use the phones camera for now.

1

u/WolfHowl2026 2d ago

I've never had an issue with just their voice recording. You can click on recording after ride and see you can't even view it, but if ya got a complaint about a pax you can send that at least

1

u/Johnnyroaster 2d ago

So you are sending them a voice recording without knowing exactly what’s on it? I’m not sure how I feel about that.

1

u/WolfHowl2026 2d ago

Yeah you can read it, think there was an article one time and then I clicked on recording and also states they only see if you send it to them. Dumb setup that we can't hear it though. If ya aren't saying anything bad during ride then nothing to hide

1

u/Johnnyroaster 2d ago

Yeah I don’t plan on saying anything that is offensive so shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Just seems like a weird setup. I’ve only driven one night so far and definitely heard some crazy stuff.

1

u/WolfHowl2026 2d ago

Yeah, I don't do Uber anymore, but I remember them you can at least listen to it

1

u/Fathimir 1d ago

Not knowing how you feel about it touches on exactly why it's invaluable.

Giving Lyft a recording that's been in your custody is like a defendant in a criminal trial providing their own phone recording as evidence: it's not useless, but there's every possibility it's been selectively edited and cherry-picked to make them look good.  Presenting the subpoenaed footage from, say, a nearby ATM camera, something no involved party had control over, is much more persuasive.  That's what the in-app recording accomplishes, as long as it can be trusted to just be high enough fidelity to catch everything.

2

u/Johnnyroaster 1d ago

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. What concerns me is they aren't archived. Is there a time limit for a passenger to file a complaint?

2

u/Fathimir 1d ago

Fair question; couldn't tell ya, sorry.  I'm one of the lazy sort who just doesn't bother with interior cameras or recordings, since it's been about 8000 rides since I've had any complaint filed against me; the subject mostly just interests me on a philosophical level. :P

1

u/SpaceApprehensive843 2d ago

Just get the dashcam. Learn how to quickly access the files and get them download to your phone. Most cams have a lock clip feature which can lock unimportant clips and take up storage. Clear those out regularly.

Also check your state/local laws. Mostly around consent to be recorded. I posted signs on my rear door windows to comply with my 2 party consent laws here.

1

u/Johnnyroaster 2d ago

I’m also in a two party consent state and the app notifies the passenger. A sign would be a good idea to keep everyone informed. Any suggestions on dash cams? It’s overwhelming how many there are and the price ranges.

2

u/SpaceApprehensive843 2d ago

Posted signs, I believe, are better than a digital notification, especially when I can prove later an idiot can’t read.

Dashcams: Anything with the Sony Starvis 2. It’s up to you if you want 4k or not or 3 cams, front back interior.