CCTV and Hidden Surveillance Camera Laws

Hidden CCTV Surveillance Camera Laws

The definition of a "private place" is one where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from unauthorized surveillance.

NOTE: ESLI Surveillance LLC is not a law firm. This page is only intended to give you basic information regarding CCTV surveillance cameras and hidden camera laws. ESLI Surveillance LLC advises you to consult and follow all Federal, State & Local Laws when installing any surveillance camera. It is the liability of the buyer and not the ESLI Surveillance LLC and/or its suppliers to ascertain and obey all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding the possession and use of all products on this site.

Laws of 13 states expressly prohibit the unauthorized installation or use of cameras in private places. In Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Utah, installation or use of any device for photographing, observing or overhearing events or sounds in a private place without the permission of the people photographed or observed is against the law.

Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Utah also prohibit trespassing on private property to conduct surveillance of people there. In most of these states, unauthorized installation or use of a hidden camera, or trespassing to install or use one, is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. In Maine, the privacy violation is a felony. In Michigan, unauthorized installation or use of a hidden camera is a felony, punishable by a $2,000 fine and up to two years in prison.

Several states have laws prohibiting the use of hidden cameras in only certain circumstances, such as in locker rooms or restrooms, or for the purpose of viewing a person in a state of partial or full nudity. See Individual States CCTV Laws

Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-31, 13A-11-32; Ark. Code § 5-16-101; Cal. Penal Code § 632 (see also People v. Gibbons, 215 Cal. App. 3d 1204 (Cal. Ct. App. 1989); but see Wilkins v. NBC, Inc., 71 Cal. App.4th 1066 (1999)); Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, §§ 1335, 1336; Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-60 to 16-11-64; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 711-1111; Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001 (see also State v. Martin, 658 P.2d 1024 (Kan. 1983)); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A § 511; Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.539d; Minn. Stat. § 609.746; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 644:9; S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 22-21-1; Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-401, 76-9-403, 76-9-702.7.

Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-31, 13A-11-32; Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, §§ 1335, 1336; Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-60 to 16-11-64; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 711-1111; Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001; Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A § 511; Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.539d; Minn. Stat. § 609.746; S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 22-21-1; Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-402. 401, 76-9-403, 76-9-702.7.

See, e.g., Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001(a)(4); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A, § 511.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the buyer and not the ESLI Surveillance LLC and its suppliers to ascertain and obey all applicable federal, state and local laws in regard to the possession and use of all products on this site. By placing an order the buyer represents that he/she is of legal age, and that the products will be used in a legal manner. ESLI Surveillance LLC (ESLI) cannot assume any liability for the use of these products and recommend the buyer become familiar with the laws in their city, state, province, that regulates the use and possession of these products. Consult your local and state authority before ordering if you are in doubt. By placing an order the buyer represents that he/she is of legal age, and that the products will be used in a legal manner. ESLI Surveillance LLC (ESLI) cannot assume any liability for the use of any product on this site and recommends the buyer become familiar with the laws in their city, state or province, that regulates the use and possession. Consult your local and state authority before ordering if you are in doubt! All information is the sole property of ESLI Surveillance LLC and may be used only with written permission from ESLI Surveillance LLC