A:AnswerThe dash cam is powered through the car's cigarette power port and must be plugged in at all times in order to keep recording. A dash cam is not meant to be charged then used. Hardwiring in a dash cam is completely optional and is up to the end user. If you would like continuous recording the dash cam would need to be hardwired in professionally or you can use a OBD II power cable to power your dash cam.