Utah
Utah Video Recording Laws
Silent video recording in public spaces is legal in Utah without restriction. When your camera captures audio of a conversation you are part of, Utah Code 77-23a-4 permits that recording under one-party consent. Utah Code 76-9-702.7 prohibits secret recording in locations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Utah allows video recording in public spaces without restriction. There is no state statute that broadly prohibits filming in areas where people have no reasonable expectation of privacy. Utah's voyeurism statute (76-9-702.7, renumbered during the 2025 criminal code recodification) creates strict limits on video recording in private settings.
This guide explains where you can and cannot use video cameras in Utah, privacy expectations, and criminal penalties for violations.
Public Video Recording in Utah
Your Right to Record in Public
Utah does not restrict video recording in public locations. You can film on public streets, sidewalks, parks, government buildings open to the public, and at public events. Video-only recording in public does not implicate Utah's wiretapping statute (77-23a-4), which focuses on audio interception.
When Public Recording Includes Audio
If your video camera captures audio, Utah's one-party consent rule applies. As long as you participate in any conversation being recorded, the audio is lawful.
Video Recording in Private Places
Utah's Voyeurism Statute (76-9-702.7)
Under Utah Code Ann. 76-9-702.7, a person is guilty of voyeurism who intentionally uses technology to secretly record an individual for the purpose of viewing any portion of the individual's body regarding which they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without their knowledge or consent, and under circumstances where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Penalties for Voyeuristic Recording
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Voyeuristic recording | Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year jail |
| Distribution of voyeuristic images | Third Degree Felony | 5 years prison |
| Distribution involving child under 14 | Second Degree Felony | 15 years prison |
2025 Criminal Code Recodification
Effective May 7, 2025, Utah completed a major recodification of its criminal code. The voyeurism statute (76-9-702.7) and related privacy provisions in Title 76, Chapter 9 were renumbered. The substantive requirements and penalties remained the same.
Video Recording in Specific Settings
Workplace
Employers can install video cameras in common areas but cannot place them in bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas. The NLRA restricts surveillance that chills protected concerted activity.
Security Cameras
Homeowners can install cameras on their own property. Cameras should be pointed at your property, not directly at neighbors' private areas.
Dashcams
Dashcams are legal in Utah. Video captured on public roads is lawful.
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.
Using Video as Evidence
Video recordings made legally are generally admissible in Utah courts. Courts evaluate authentication, relevance, chain of custody, and whether probative value outweighs prejudicial effect.
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 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 Public Recording Recording
- Utah Biometric Privacy Laws
- Surveillance Camera Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to [video record someone in Utah without their consent](/is-it-illegal-to-video-record-someone-without-their-consent)?
In public spaces, yes. You can video [record anyone in public without consent](/us-laws/is-it-illegal-to-record-someone). In private places where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, secretly recording them violates Utah's voyeurism statute (76-9-702.7).
What are the penalties for voyeuristic video recording in Utah?
Voyeuristic recording is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail. Distributing voyeuristic images is a third degree felony (up to 5 years). Distribution involving a child under 14 is a second degree felony (up to 15 years).
Can I record a public meeting in Utah?
Yes. Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act (52-4-203) requires public bodies to record their meetings and allows the public to make their own recordings of open meetings.
Are hidden cameras legal in Utah?
Hidden cameras are illegal in locations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and bedrooms. In public areas, hidden cameras are not specifically prohibited by state law.
Can I use video as evidence in Utah court?
Yes. Video recordings made in compliance with Utah law are generally admissible. The footage must be authenticated, relevant, and unaltered.
Sources and References
- Utah Code Ann. 76-9-702.7 -- Voyeurism Offenses(le.utah.gov).gov
- 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
- National Labor Relations Act(nlrb.gov).gov
- 18 U.S.C. 2511 -- Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)