A VIOFO CPL filter is a useful dash cam accessory designed to reduce windscreen glare, dashboard reflections and strong sunlight in your footage. For Australian drivers, a CPL filter can help improve daytime video clarity, especially in bright conditions.

What Does a VIOFO CPL Filter Do?

CPL stands for Circular Polarising Lens. It attaches to the front of the dash cam lens and helps reduce unwanted reflections from the windscreen and dashboard.

If you often see dashboard glare, windscreen reflection, or bright sunlight affecting your footage, a CPL filter can help improve image clarity.

This guide explains what a CPL filter does, when you should use one, and whether it is worth adding to your VIOFO dash cam.

Quick answer

Yes, a CPL filter is worth considering if you want clearer daytime footage and reduced windscreen reflections.

A CPL filter is especially useful if:

• Your dashboard reflects onto the windscreen
• You drive in strong sunlight
• Your footage looks washed out or glary during the day
• You want cleaner road and number plate visibility
• You drive in Australia’s bright conditions

However, a CPL filter is not always essential. If your current footage looks clean and you mainly drive at night, you may not need one immediately.

What does a CPL filter do?

A CPL filter helps reduce reflected light before it reaches the dash cam lens.

Inside a vehicle, one of the most common problems is dashboard reflection. Light from the sun hits the dashboard, reflects onto the windscreen, and appears in the dash cam footage.

This can make footage look hazy, bright, or distracting.

A CPL filter helps reduce this effect, giving a cleaner image.

Main benefits of a CPL filter

1. Reduces windscreen reflection

This is the biggest benefit.

Without a CPL filter, the dash cam may record reflections from:

• Dashboard surface
• Air vents
• Chrome trim
• Interior panels
• Sunlight glare
• Objects placed on the dashboard

A CPL filter can help reduce these reflections and make the footage cleaner.

2. Improves daytime clarity

In bright sunlight, dash cam footage can sometimes look overly reflective or washed out.

A CPL filter can help improve contrast and make daytime footage look more natural.

This is especially useful in Australia, where strong sunlight, clear skies, and bright road surfaces can create harsh reflections.

3. Helps number plate visibility

A CPL filter will not magically capture every number plate in every situation, but reducing glare can help make the image clearer.

This may improve visibility when:

• Driving in bright sun
• Following vehicles with reflective surfaces
• Recording through a reflective windscreen
• Capturing footage on open roads or highways

4. Makes footage look cleaner

Even if you do not need it for evidence, a CPL filter can make dash cam footage look more professional and easier to review.

This is helpful if you regularly view, share, or save dash cam videos.

When a CPL filter helps most

A CPL filter is most useful in these situations:

Bright daytime driving

If you drive during the day, especially in direct sunlight, a CPL filter can help reduce glare and reflections.

Vehicles with reflective dashboards

Some vehicles have dashboards that reflect strongly onto the windscreen. A CPL filter can help reduce this.

Large windscreens

Vehicles with wide or angled windscreens can show more interior reflection.

Common examples include:

• SUVs
• Vans
• Utes
• Commercial vehicles
• Some European vehicles
• Vehicles with steep or large windscreens

Long-distance and highway driving

On highways, glare can come from the road, sky, other vehicles, and windscreen angle. A CPL filter can help clean up the image.

Premium dash cam setups

If you are buying a premium model such as the VIOFO A229 Pro, A229 Ultra or A329S, a CPL filter is a good accessory to consider because it helps get the most out of the camera.

When you may not need a CPL filter

A CPL filter is useful, but it is not mandatory for everyone.

You may not need one immediately if:

• Your dash cam footage already looks clear
• Your dashboard does not reflect much
• You mostly drive at night
• Your vehicle has a dark matte dashboard
• You are happy with the standard image
• You want the simplest setup possible

For some drivers, the dash cam works perfectly well without a CPL filter.

Does a CPL filter affect night recording?

A CPL filter can slightly reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

In daytime, this is usually not a problem and can actually help reduce glare. At night, less light can sometimes make the image slightly darker.

For most users, this is not a major issue, especially with modern VIOFO models using Sony STARVIS 2 sensors. However, if you mainly drive at night and have very little daytime glare, you may choose not to use a CPL filter.

Simple rule

• Mostly daytime driving: CPL filter is recommended
• Mostly night driving: CPL filter is optional
• Mixed driving: CPL filter is still useful for most users

Is a CPL filter useful for the rear camera?

The main purpose of a VIOFO CPL filter is to reduce unwanted reflections from the windscreen, especially reflections from the dashboard, vents and interior trim.

Usually, the CPL filter is most commonly used on the front camera because the front windscreen creates the strongest dashboard reflection.

However, some rear cameras may also benefit from a CPL filter if the rear window has glare or reflections.

Rear camera CPL usefulness depends on:

• Rear window angle
• Tint level
• Hatchback or sedan design
• Interior reflection
• Camera position
• Sun direction

For most customers, start with the front CPL filter first.

CPL filter vs HDR: what is the difference?

CPL and HDR are different features.

CPL filter

A CPL filter is a physical lens accessory that reduces reflection and glare before the image reaches the camera sensor.

HDR

HDR is image processing inside the dash cam. It helps balance bright and dark areas and can improve number plate visibility in difficult lighting.

Do you need both?

They work together. HDR helps with exposure, while the CPL filter helps reduce reflected glare.

For the best result, use:

Good camera placement + HDR + CPL filter

How to adjust a CPL filter

A CPL filter needs to be rotated to the correct angle.

If it is not adjusted properly, the reflection reduction may not be as effective.

Basic adjustment steps

1. Install the CPL filter on the dash cam lens.
2. Turn on the dash cam and view the live image through the VIOFO app or screen.
3. Look for dashboard reflection on the windscreen.
4. Slowly rotate the CPL filter.
5. Stop when the reflection is reduced as much as possible.
6. Check the view again in bright daylight.

Do this during the day, not at night, because reflections are easier to see in sunlight.

Which VIOFO models should use a CPL filter?

A CPL filter can be useful for many VIOFO dash cams, but compatibility depends on the exact model and lens size.

Common models where customers often consider CPL filters include:

• VIOFO A119 Mini 2
• VIOFO A119M Pro
• VIOFO A229 Plus
• VIOFO A229 Pro
• VIOFO A229 Ultra
• VIOFO A329S

Always check the product page or ask us before ordering to make sure you choose the correct CPL filter for your exact model.

CPL filter comparison table

Common questions

Does a CPL filter improve video quality?

It can improve perceived video clarity by reducing reflection and glare. It does not increase camera resolution, but it can make footage look cleaner.

Will a CPL filter guarantee better number plate capture?

No accessory can guarantee perfect number plate capture in every situation. Speed, angle, lighting, motion blur, headlight glare and distance all matter. However, reducing windscreen glare can help improve overall clarity.

Should I leave the CPL filter on all the time?

Most users leave it installed all the time. If you mainly drive at night and notice the image is too dark, you may choose to remove it.

Can I use any CPL filter?

No. You should use a compatible CPL filter designed for your VIOFO model. The wrong filter may not fit correctly or may block part of the image.

Is a CPL filter better than changing camera angle?

Both matter. Correct camera placement is still important. A CPL filter helps with reflections, but it should not replace proper camera positioning.

Final recommendation

For most drivers, a VIOFO CPL filter is worth considering if they regularly drive in bright daylight or notice glare in their dash cam recordings.

It is especially recommended if you drive during the day, have noticeable windscreen reflections, or want the cleanest possible footage from your dash cam.

Choose a CPL filter if:

• You see dashboard reflection in your footage
• You drive in bright sunlight
• You want cleaner daytime image quality
• You are using a premium VIOFO model
• You want the best result from your dash cam setup

You may skip it if:

• Your footage already looks clear
• You mostly drive at night
• You want the simplest setup
• Your dashboard does not reflect strongly

For most drivers, the best setup is:

VIOFO dash cam + high-endurance microSD card + compatible hardwire kit + CPL filter

This gives you a clean, reliable and practical dash cam system for Australian roads.

Need help choosing the right CPL filter?

Not sure which CPL filter suits your VIOFO dash cam? View VIOFO official CPL filter information

Contact VIOFO Dashcam Australia for help choosing the correct filter, memory card, hardwire kit and dash cam bundle.

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