Installation

This guide walks you through installing your Motive AI Dashcam, connecting it to the Vehicle Gateway, testing it, and ensuring it is functioning properly. It covers all models, accessories, and post-install verification steps.

Overview

Correct installation of your AI Dashcam is essential for capturing accurate footage, ensuring compliance, and supporting fleet safety. This guide walks you through every step, from mounting and aligning the camera to verifying its functionality using the Motive Fleet and Driver Apps. Key features include:

  • Easy installation: Follow a clear, step-by-step process to install your AI Dashcam, minimizing setup time and ensuring accuracy from the start.
  • Optimal video capture: Place and align the dashcam in the best position for clear, unobstructed visibility of the road and driver, ensuring high-quality footage.
  • Real-time validation: Use the Motive Fleet or Driver Apps to instantly check the camera feed and make adjustments for optimal coverage.
  • Reliable event detection: Ensure the dashcam is recording and detecting events as intended, providing accurate data for safety analysis and compliance.

Installing your AI Dashcam

AI Dashcam Service Kit 

The AI Dashcam Service Kit contains everything you need to install your AI Dashcam in a new vehicle or fix an existing installation.

The contents of the service kit includes:

  • Rugged duty mount
  • Package of zip ties
  • Package of cable clips
  • Allen key wrench
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Spare adhesive stickers for the mount
  • Rugged duty mount: This mount attaches to the rear of the camera and then adheres to the windshield of the vehicle. It’s removable from the camera so you can move the AI Dashcam to a different vehicle. The adhesive strip can be replaced with one of the spares.
  • Zip ties: For keeping cables neat and tidy.
  • Cable clips: For routing cables around the windshield of the vehicle.
  • Allen key wrench: For tightening or loosening the thumb screw and secondary screw on the mount.
  • Alcohol swabs: For cleaning the mounting area on the windshield and the USB port area on the Vehicle Gateway.
  • Spare adhesive stickers: Replaceable adhesive stickers that go on the windshield side of the mount and then adhere to the windshield.

Follow these steps to install and verify your Motive AI Dashcam:

Pre-install preparation

  • Clean the windshield where you plan to mount the dashcam using glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth
  • Unbox the dashcam and confirm you have all components:
  • Camera
  • USB cable
  • Mounting bracket
  • Wire clips
  • Allen key

Choose a mounting location

  • Mount behind the rearview mirror, within the windshield wiper sweep area
  • Make sure the dashcam does not block the driver’s view
  • For dual-facing models, ensure a clear view of the driver

Connect the dashcam to the Vehicle Gateway

  • Plug the USB cable into the dashcam and connect it to the Vehicle Gateway’s USB port
  • Wait for the light bar to illuminate (see color guide below)

Adjust the camera angle

  • Adjust the camera by hand or use the Allen key for precision
  • Ensure the road—and driver, if applicable—are clearly visible

Use the app to test the image feed

  • In the Motive Fleet App go to Devices > Vehicle Gateway → Dashcam
  • Preview the camera feed and fine-tune the angle if needed

Mount the dashcam

  • Peel the adhesive from the mounting bracket
  • Press firmly onto the cleaned area of the windshield
  • Hold for at least 30 seconds to secure

Route the cable

  • Use the provided wire clips to route the USB cable neatly along the windshield edge and dashboard
  • Tuck away any excess cable to avoid interference

Adjusting AI Dashcam Mount 

  • The AI Dashcam has an adjustable mount that makes finding the perfect angle for your camera easy. Loosen the main thumb screw with your finger or with the included Allen key.

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  • The mount’s position can now be freely adjusted to achieve the best viewing angle for your dashcam.

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  • Once you have a clear view of the road (and of the driver for the dual-facing model), tighten the main thumbscrew once more so that the camera won’t move while the vehicle is in motion.

Lens Cover Usage

The AI Dashcam comes with an optional lens cover to protect driver privacy when recording is not needed. Proper use ensures compliance and prevents unintended video capture.

Steps to use the lens cover:

  1. Attach the lens cover: Slide the cover onto the Dashcam from the left side until it clicks into place.

  2. Position the flap:

    • For road-facing only camera: ensure the flap fully covers the road-facing lens.

    • For dual-facing camera (DC‑54): ensure the flap covers the driver-facing lens if privacy is desired.

  3. Remove the lens cover: Slide the cover back to expose the camera lens fully before recording is needed.

  4. Important note: While the lens cover is on, the Dashcam will not record. Always remove the cover before starting a trip if recording is required.

Tips:

  • Ensure the cover is firmly in place to prevent accidental exposure.

  • Do not block the camera lens with objects other than the official lens cover.

  • Check camera view in the Driver App after removing the cover to confirm proper visibility.

Verifying installation in the Fleet App

After mounting and connecting your dashcam, verify setup using the Motive Fleet App:

  1. Open the Motive Fleet App
  2. Go to Devices and select Vehicle Gateway 
  3. Search the Vehicle Gateway serial number and select a Vehicle Gateway
  4. The details about the selected Vehicle Gateway appear on the screen. Scroll to the Dashcam section and tap the arrow. This shows the images captured by the Dashcam to ensure proper alignment.
  5. Make necessary adjustments to the Dashcam for clearer images if required. Tap refresh to display the updated images.

Testing the AI Dashcam

Note: You must install your AI Dashcam properly before following the steps below.
  1. Log in to the Driver App and tap Logs.
  2. Tap Current Vehicle.
  3. Tap Manage dashcam. If the camera is detected, it shows a Connected status and gives you the option to take a test image.
  4. Tap View Images to ensure the camera has a clear view of the driver and road.
  5. A new screen appears where you can view your images. If the Dashcam is dual-facing, you can see both images together.

Using the lens cover for the AI Dashcam

  • For moments that require a bit more privacy—like sleeping in your vehicle—drivers can use the AI Dashcam Lens Cover accessory.
  • The cover easily slips over the dashcam to conceal both the road-facing and dual-facing lenses (works with both DC-53 and DC-54 models).
  • The cover is bright orange to clearly indicate that video recording is not being captured in areas where it is prohibited.

Covering the AI Dashcam

1. Slide the lens cover from the left side of the camera. The arrow sign indicates the direction.

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2. Once the lens cover is centered, it will cover the driver-facing camera (DC 54 - dual facing model).

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Covering the Road Facing Camera

1. Adjust the flap upwards (for covering the road-facing lens) or downwards (for keeping the road-facing lens open).

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Updating Dashcam firmware

AI Dashcam 

1. The LED bar on AI Dashcam blinks in the pattern of On > Off > On. Once the firmware update starts, the LED bar flashes a white color.

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2. After a few seconds, it disappears and indicates no color.

img_2.png

3. Within the next few seconds the LED bar starts flashing white color again.

img_3.png

This On > Off > On cycle continues until your Dashcam firmware is getting updated. Once the update is complete, the LED bar turns to a solid blue color to indicate the regular recording operation.

Note: The blinking pattern can differ depending on different Dashcam models.

 

Smart Dashcam 

1. The LED light on the Smart Dashcam blinks red in the pattern of On > Off > On while the firmware is getting updated. Once the update starts, the LED light flashes solid red color.

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2. After a few seconds it disappears and indicates no color.

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3. Within the next few seconds the LED bar starts flashing solid red color again.

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This On > Off > On cycle continues until your Smart Dashcam firmware is getting updated. Once the update is complete, the LED turns to a solid red color to indicate the regular recording operation.

Re-pairing AI Dashcam

AI Dashcams must be re-paired/reconnected once they have been disconnected or disabled in the Fleet Admin Dashboard, or installed with the engine powered off. You can repair the AI Dashcam by following the steps given below:

1. Turn on the vehicle engine and keep it running for about 5 minutes. 
2. Unplug the AI Dashcam and keep it unplugged for about 5 minutes. 
3. Keep the engine running during this time ( You may drive if needed ).
4. Now, plug in the AI Dashcam back into the Vehicle Gateway USB port.

Note: This triggers an AI Dashcam connection by the Vehicle Gateway device.

LED light bar indicator

LED Color / PatternMeaning
Solid White (Center)Dashcam is powered but has not finished booting.
Progress White (Left → Right)Dashcam is booting up.
Blinking WhiteFirmware update in progress.
Single White BlinkPinhole reset button held for 10–15 seconds.
Solid BlueDashcam is active and recording.
Exhaling Blue (Center → Sides)Driver/Quick Capture button was pressed.
Blinking BlueLive stream is active.
Blinking YellowDriver not connected to the Vehicle Gateway (unidentified driver/trip).
Blinking Purple/VioletDashcam not connected to the Vehicle Gateway (loose or disconnected cable).
Solid GreenDriver Privacy Mode active; driver-facing camera disabled when engine is idle/off.
Blinking RedUnsafe driving event detected (e.g., harsh braking/acceleration, speeding, close following, distraction, phone use, seat belt violation).

Test the AI Dashcam

After installing and powering the AI Dashcam, follow the steps below to confirm that the camera is connected and capturing images correctly.

Steps to Test the Dashcam

  1. Open the Driver App and tap Logs.
     

    Testing AI Dashcam.jpeg
  2. Tap the Current Vehicle section.
     

    Testing AI Dashcam1.jpeg
  3. Tap Manage Dashcam.

    • If the Dashcam is detected, its status will show Connected.

    • You will see an option to Take Test Image.
       

      Testing AI Dashcam2.jpeg
  4. Tap View Images to confirm the Dashcam has a clear view of the road and driver.

    • If you are using a dual-facing Dashcam, both road-facing and driver-facing test images will appear.
       

      Testing AI Dashcam3.jpeg
  5. Review the captured images to ensure:

    • The road-facing camera has an unobstructed view

    • The driver-facing camera shows the driver from the waist up (if applicable)
       

      Testing AI Dashcam4.jpeg

Quick Capture Button

The AI Dashcam features a Quick Capture button, allowing drivers to instantly record events they deem important and share them with Fleet Admins.

Placement: Centrally located above the LED light bar on both DC‑53 (road-facing) and DC‑54 (dual-facing) Dashcam models. The button is marked with a triangle and oval symbol for easy identification.

Function:

  • Pressing the Quick Capture button records 30 seconds of video before and after the press.

  • Provides audible feedback (“Uploading Quick Capture”) and visual feedback via the Dashcam LED to confirm the event is being uploaded.

Fleet Admin Notifications:

  1. Fleet Dashboard:

    • Log in → Safety → Events

    • Filter by Driver Capture under All Events to view Quick Capture incidents.

  2. Email Alerts:

    • Admins who have enabled email notifications will receive alerts when a Quick Capture event occurs.

Tips:

  • Ensure the camera is powered and recording (solid blue LED) before using Quick Capture.

  • Use Quick Capture responsibly to share relevant safety events or unusual driving conditions.

Relocating the AI Dashcam to a New Vehicle

The AI Dashcam can be removed from its mount and reinstalled in a different vehicle — useful for fleet rotation, driver reassignment, or vehicle replacement.

Requirements:
  • The new vehicle must have a compatible Vehicle Gateway version 3.55 or newer installed.

  • A spare mount (from the AI Dashcam Service Kit) or adhesive patch may be needed if the original mount stays in the prior vehicle.

Steps to Relocate the Dashcam
  1. Loosen the main thumbscrew on the mount (using your fingers or the included Allen key).

  2. Tilt the Dashcam to access the secondary screw that connects the camera to the mount; loosen it.

  3. Detach the Dashcam from the mount (the windshield‑side bracket may remain attached, if desired).

  4. In the new vehicle, attach the Dashcam to a clean mount (adhesive mount or spare), secure screws tightly, and adjust the angle.

  5. Connect the Dashcam’s USB cable to the Vehicle Gateway’s USB port.

  6. Route and secure the cable appropriately (clips/zip‑ties), and mount the Dashcam per installation guidelines.

  7. Use the Fleet or Driver App to verify camera connection and run a test image to check view and alignment.

Tips:
  • Always check that the new vehicle has the correct Vehicle Gateway version before moving the Dashcam.

  • If the original adhesive mount is not reused, use a spare mount or adhesive from the Service Kit.

  • After relocation, confirm proper road‑facing and (if applicable) driver‑facing view, and verify all LEDs behave normally.

FAQs

Where is the OBDII port located in my vehicle?

It’s usually under the dashboard near the driver’s seat.

Do I need tools for installation?

No tools are required, but you can use a zip tie or adhesive pad to secure the VG.

Can I use the OBDII cable in heavy-duty trucks?

No. Use the correct cable for your vehicle type. Heavy-duty trucks require J1939, 6-pin, or RP1226 cables.

How do I know the VG is working?

The LED lights on the VG will turn on, and the device will appear in the Devices section of the Motive Dashboard.

What if my vehicle doesn’t have an OBDII port?

Most vehicles built after 1996 do. If yours does not, contact Motive Support for help with other cable options.

Is the installation reversible?

Yes. Simply unplug the VG and cable to remove it without damaging your vehicle.

Are both cameras active during Engine-Off Recording?

Yes, currently both Driver facing and road facing cameras (for applicable dual facing models) are active during the duration of Engine-Off Recording.

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