In order to carry out data recording efficiently, a data recording apparatus for a vehicle in the present invention determines whether a predetermined event occurs in a vehicle. When it is determined that a predetermined event occurs, generally at least data indicating a vehicle state is recorded in a recording part from an occurrence of the predetermined event until a predetermined period of time elapses. Also, it is determined whether, at a time when it is determined that the predetermined event occurs, the recording in the recording part is actually being carried out. When it is determined that the recording is actually being carried out, the data indicating the vehicle state at that time is recorded in the recording part instead of recording the data based on the occurrence of the predetermined event at least from the occurrence of the predetermined event until the predetermined period of time elapses.