Utah
Utah Laws on Recording in Public
Recording in public in Utah is legal. Silent video and photography in public places are protected by the First Amendment, and audio recording of conversations you participate in is permitted under Utah Code 77-23a-4. No Utah statute restricts filming or photographing in locations with no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Utah broadly permits recording in public places. There is no state statute prohibiting filming, photographing, or audio recording in locations where people have no reasonable expectation of privacy. The First Amendment and Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act provide additional protections.
This guide covers your rights to record in public, government meeting recording, audio rules, private property limits, and drone recording.
Your Right to Record in Public
You can film on public streets, sidewalks, parks, government buildings, public transit, and at public events without restriction. Video-only recording in public does not implicate Utah's wiretapping statute. No press credential is required.
Recording Government Meetings
Under Utah Code Ann. 52-4-203, public bodies must record their own open meetings and make recordings available within three business days. The public can also make their own recordings of city councils, county commissions, school boards, legislative proceedings, and public hearings.
Audio Recording in Public
One-party consent under 77-23a-4 applies. If you participate in a conversation, you can record the audio. Public conversations at normal volume generally carry no privacy expectation.
Private Property Open to the Public
Businesses can set their own recording rules. They can ask you to stop and ask you to leave. Footage captured before the request is generally legal. Religious venues, sports facilities, and entertainment venues may restrict recording through terms of entry.
Drone Recording
Drone recording in public airspace is generally permitted subject to FAA regulations. Do not use drones to record in private areas where people have privacy expectations.
More Utah Recording Laws
Audio Recording | Video Recording | Voyeurism & Hidden Cameras | Workplace Recording | Recording Police | Phone Call Recording | Security Cameras | Recording in Public | Landlord-Tenant | Dashcam Laws | Schools | Medical Recording
More Utah Laws
- Utah AI Meeting Recording Laws
- Utah Alimony Laws
- Utah At-Will Employment Laws
- Utah Car Accident Laws
- Utah Car Seat Laws
- Utah Child Custody Laws
- Utah Child Support Laws
- Utah Common Law Marriage Laws
- Utah Data Privacy Laws
- Utah Deepfake Laws
- Utah Divorce Laws
- Utah Dog Bite Laws
- Utah Emancipation Laws
- Utah Expungement Laws
- Utah Hit and Run Laws
- Utah Landlord-Tenant Laws
More Utah Recording Topics
- Utah Recording Laws
- Utah Audio Recording
- Utah Video Recording
- Utah Medical Recording
- Utah Schools Recording
- Utah Workplace Recording
- Utah Police Recording
- Utah Phone Calls Recording
- Utah Security Cameras Recording
- Utah Voyeurism Recording
- Utah Landlord Tenant Recording
- Utah Dashcam Recording
- Utah Biometric Privacy Laws
- Surveillance Camera Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record in public in Utah?
Yes. Utah has no statute prohibiting recording in public. You can film, photograph, and audio record in any public location.
Can I record a government meeting in Utah?
Yes. The Open and Public Meetings Act (52-4-203) requires public bodies to record their own meetings and allows public recording.
Can a store tell me to stop recording in Utah?
Yes. Businesses are private property and can set their own rules. Footage captured before the request is generally legal.
Can I use a drone to record in public in Utah?
Yes, subject to FAA regulations. Do not use drones to record people in private areas with a reasonable privacy expectation.
Do I need permission to photograph people in public in Utah?
No. There is no Utah statute requiring permission to photograph people in public, but voyeuristic recording under clothing is prohibited by 76-9-702.7.
Sources and References
- Utah Code Ann. 52-4-203 -- Open and Public Meetings Act(le.utah.gov).gov
- Utah Code Ann. 77-23a-4 -- Interception of Communications(le.utah.gov).gov
- Utah Code Ann. 76-9-702.7 -- Voyeurism(le.utah.gov).gov
- Reporters Committee -- Utah Recording Guide(rcfp.org)