Utah

Utah Laws on Recording Police

By Recording Law Editorial TeamPublished March 23, 2026Reviewed May 15, 20265 min read

Utah residents have a First Amendment right to record on-duty police officers in public, backed by Tenth Circuit precedent. Utah's one-party consent law, Utah Code 77-23a-4, also lets you audio record any police interaction you are part of, with no obligation to notify the officer.

Utah residents have the right to record police officers performing their duties in public. This right is grounded in the First Amendment and supported by Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals precedent. Utah's one-party consent law (77-23a-4) further allows you to audio record any interaction with police that you are part of.

This guide explains when and how you can legally record police in Utah, your rights during traffic stops, body camera rules, and what to do if your rights are violated.

Your Constitutional Right to Record Police

First Amendment and Tenth Circuit Precedent

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which covers Utah, has recognized the First Amendment right to record police officers performing their duties in public. In Irizarry v. Yehia, 38 F.4th 1282 (10th Cir. July 11, 2022), the Tenth Circuit held that the First Amendment right to film police performing their duties in public was clearly established as of May 26, 2019. For incidents predating that date, Frasier v. Evans, 992 F.3d 1003 (10th Cir. 2021) governs (the court declined to find a clearly established right under qualified immunity). Together, Frasier and Irizarry define the 10th Circuit progression on this right.

This means recording police in Utah is constitutionally protected. Officers who seize devices or arrest people solely for recording face potential liability under 42 U.S.C. 1983.

Under Utah Code Ann. 77-23a-4, you can audio record any conversation you participate in. During a traffic stop or other police interaction, you are a participant and can lawfully record.

When You Can Record

Utah a dome security camera in the corner of an office ceiling, soft interior daylight

Traffic stops (your own or from a bystander position)
Arrests happening in public
Police checkpoints
Public protests where police are present
Interactions at government buildings
Any public encounter with law enforcement

Limits on Recording

Utah wooden gavel on a sound block on a judge bench

Do not physically interfere with police operations
Do not trespass on private property to record
Follow lawful orders to maintain a safe distance
Do not obstruct officers performing their duties

Device Seizure Protections

Police cannot confiscate your phone solely for recording. Under Riley v. California (2014), searching a phone generally requires a warrant. If an officer takes your device, clearly state you do not consent to the search or seizure.

Utah Body Camera Programs

Utah over-the-shoulder crop of two people seated across a small table mid-conversation

Utah has been proactive in adopting body cameras for law enforcement. The state established the Utah Body-Worn Camera Program to provide funding and guidelines for agencies implementing body camera systems. Many Utah police departments now equip officers with body cameras.

Body camera footage is generally subject to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), though certain records may be classified as private or protected.

Recording Government Meetings

Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act (52-4-203) requires public bodies to record their own meetings and allows the public to record as well.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

Remain calm and do not physically resist
Clearly state your First Amendment right to record
Document the officer's name, badge number, and agency
Contact an attorney about a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. 1983
File a complaint with the officer's agency or the ACLU of Utah

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record police officers in Utah?

Yes. The First Amendment and Tenth Circuit precedent protect your right to record police performing duties in public. Utah's one-party consent law also allows you to audio record your interactions with officers.

Can police take my phone for recording them in Utah?

No. Under Riley v. California (2014), police generally need a warrant to search a phone. Officers cannot confiscate your device solely for recording. If they do, state you do not consent and contact an attorney.

Can I record a traffic stop in Utah?

Yes. You can record your own traffic stop using a phone, [dashcam](/dashboard-camera-legality-and-privacy-laws-is-it-illegal-to-use-dashcams-in-north-america), or any recording device. Passengers can also record. Keep hands visible and avoid sudden movements.

Can I get police body camera footage in Utah?

Body camera footage is subject to GRAMA (Utah's public records law). Some records may be classified as private or protected. Defendants can obtain footage through legal discovery. Public records requests may be partially fulfilled depending on classification.

What should I do if police order me to stop recording?

Calmly state your First Amendment right to record. Do not physically resist. Comply to avoid arrest but document the interaction. Contact an attorney about a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. 1983.

Sources and References

Utah Code Ann. 77-23a-4 -- Interception of Communications(le.utah.gov).gov
Utah Code Ann. 52-4-203 -- Open and Public Meetings Act(le.utah.gov).gov
GRAMA -- Government Records Access and Management Act(le.utah.gov).gov
42 U.S.C. 1983 -- Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights(law.cornell.edu)
Reporters Committee -- Utah Recording Guide(rcfp.org)

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