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What is Obstructed Camera?
Obstructed Camera is a safety event generated when Samsara AI detects that the driver’s or road-facing camera view is blocked or significantly obscured.
For Samsara to accurately identify hazards and driving behaviour, both cameras must have a clear, unobstructed view at all times. Any obstruction can prevent the system from monitoring driving safely and may reduce the effectiveness of safety coaching and event detection.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring the cameras remain clean, clear and unobstructed throughout every journey.
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How is it Measured?
Samsara AI continuously monitors the visibility of both the driver-facing and road-facing cameras.
An Obstructed Camera event may be generated if the system detects that either camera’s view is partially or completely blocked.
To avoid Obstructed Camera events, you should:
Check both cameras before starting your route.
Ensure nothing is hanging from or covering the camera unit.
Keep the windscreen clean around the road-facing camera.
Avoid placing paperwork, parcels or accessories where they could block the cameras.
Report any damaged or faulty camera equipment immediately.
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Target
To achieve Fantastic performance, you should aim for:
0 Obstructed Camera Events
Every journey should be completed with both cameras maintaining a clear view at all times.
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How the AI Detects It
Samsara AI continuously analyses the image quality from both cameras.
The system may identify:
Objects covering part or all of a camera.
A blocked or obscured field of view.
Poor visibility caused by dirt, condensation or debris.
Camera movement affecting image quality.
Loss of visibility that prevents accurate monitoring.
If the system cannot clearly see the driver or the road, it may generate an Obstructed Camera event.
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What Causes It?
Obstructed Camera events are commonly caused by:
Hanging air fresheners or personal items from the mirror.
Parcels or paperwork blocking the driver-facing camera.
Dirt, mud, frost or condensation covering the windscreen near the camera.
Stickers or accessories placed in front of the camera.
Moving or tampering with the camera unit.
Loose equipment falling into the camera’s field of view.
Even a partial obstruction may reduce the system’s ability to detect safety events accurately.
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Best Practice
To consistently avoid Obstructed Camera events:
Inspect both cameras during your daily vehicle checks.
Clean the windscreen regularly, especially around the camera housing.
Never attach items to the camera or mounting bracket.
Keep the dashboard tidy and free from loose objects.
Ensure parcels cannot fall or slide into the camera’s view.
Report any faults or damage to your manager immediately.
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Real-World Examples
Examples of Obstructed Camera events include:
An air freshener hanging in front of the road-facing camera.
A delivery bag or parcel blocking the driver-facing camera.
Heavy condensation preventing the road-facing camera from seeing clearly.
Mud or ice covering the camera’s viewing area.
Paperwork placed on the dashboard obstructing the camera.
The camera being knocked out of position during the day.
These situations may prevent Samsara from accurately monitoring your journey.
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Can This Be Challenged?
Some safety events may be reviewed if they have been recorded incorrectly.
Examples may include:
A temporary environmental condition affected camera visibility.
Sun glare or severe weather reduced image quality.
A camera fault caused the event.
The recorded footage does not accurately reflect the circumstances.
If you believe an Obstructed Camera event has been recorded incorrectly, report it to your manager as soon as possible.
Not every event can be overturned, but genuine equipment faults or false positives may be investigated.
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Why It Matters
A clear camera view is essential for the safety system to operate correctly.
Maintaining unobstructed cameras helps:
Ensure accurate safety event detection.
Support fair and reliable driver coaching.
Protect your Safety Score.
Improve incident investigations when required.
Maintain the effectiveness of Samsara’s safety technology.
Demonstrate professional vehicle standards.
Taking a few moments to check your cameras before every shift helps ensure the system can accurately record your journey and support safer driving.
