Low Bitrate Dash Camera Parking Mode
I'm Safe Drive Solutions, and in this post I'll walk you through how low bitrate parking mode works on dash cameras, why it's a great option for many drivers, and what to watch out for when using it. If you want continuous parked recording without burning through your SD card, low bitrate parking mode is worth understanding.
What is low bitrate parking mode?
Low bitrate parking mode records continuously while your vehicle is parked, but it reduces video quality to roughly one-third of the normal file size on most dash cameras. The trade-off is simple: you get much longer recording time at the cost of lower image quality.
How it works
When enabled, low bitrate parking mode saves footage at the same frame rate many people expect — 30 frames per second — but compresses or lowers the bitrate so that one hour of normal footage takes up only about one-third of the space. Practically speaking, that means you can get roughly three hours of parked recording while using the SD card space of a single hour.
Benefits (Pros)
- Continuous recording while parked — the camera doesn't stop until you turn it off or it runs out of storage or power.
- Audio recording while parked — low bitrate mode commonly supports audio capture, which can be useful for evidence or context.
- 30 FPS — maintaining 30 frames per second improves the chance of capturing critical information such as license plates or fast-moving events.
Drawbacks (Cons) and practical considerations
Low bitrate parking mode is powerful, but it's not a perfect solution for every situation. Here are the main trade-offs to consider:
- More footage to review: Because recording is continuous, you may need to sift through a lot of video to find the relevant event unless the camera flags an impact or motion event.
- Constant power draw: The camera doesn't go to sleep in this mode, so it draws current from the vehicle battery while parked.
- SD card size: Since the camera is always recording, a small SD card will be overwritten quickly unless the system saves major-impact events separately. Consider a larger SD card if you need longer retention.
When to choose low bitrate parking mode
Low bitrate parking mode is ideal if you want continuous, long-duration parked recording without buying huge SD cards or a more advanced power solution. It's especially useful in situations where you want both audio and smooth 30 FPS video capture and are willing to review footage manually when needed.
Recommended cameras
Our top picks for low bitrate parking mode cameras are from Viofo (commonly recommended by our team). Models we recommend include:
- Viofo A229 Pro Plus
- Viofo A329S
- Other Viofo models that support low bitrate parking mode
Quick setup tips
- Enable low bitrate parking mode in your camera settings if available.
- Use a high-quality, larger-capacity SD card if you want more retention before overwriting.
- If you regularly park for long stretches or drive long distances before parking, consider a hardwire kit with battery protection or an external battery pack to prevent car battery drain.
- Decide whether audio while parked is appropriate — in some regions there are privacy considerations when recording audio.
Conclusion
Low bitrate parking mode is a practical, efficient option for drivers who want continuous parked recording without immediately filling their SD card. It preserves the smoothness of 30 FPS and usually includes audio, but requires more review time and careful power management. For most customers looking for a balance between storage and coverage, low bitrate is our recommended parking mode — especially on reliable models like the Viofo A229 Pro Plus and A329S.
If you'd like safedrivesolutions.com/pages/dash-cam-installation" target="_blank">professional installation or want to shop recommended dash cams, visit safedrivesolutions.com for support, products, and installations in Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto. We also ship across Canada through safety.com.
"It will continuously record while parked. It will record audio while parked. It will record in 30 frames per second, giving you a great chance of getting critical information."
