Vermont
Vermont Phone Call Recording Laws
Vermont has no state wiretapping statute, so phone call recording is governed entirely by federal law. Under 18 U.S.C. 2511, any participant in a call may record it without notifying the other party.
Vermont allows you to record any phone call you participate in under federal one-party consent law (18 U.S.C. 2511). Because Vermont has no state wiretapping statute, federal law is the sole statutory framework.
This guide covers personal calls, business calls, VoIP, interstate rules, and penalties.
One-Party Consent
Your participation in the call is your consent. No announcement required. Applies to cell phones, landlines, VoIP, video calls, and messaging apps.
Interstate Calls
Vermont borders two all-party consent states:
- Massachusetts -- all-party consent
- New Hampshire -- all-party consent
The stricter law typically applies. Inform the other party for calls to these states.
Business Call Recording
Businesses can record with employee consent as a participating party. FCC regulations apply. Many businesses announce recording as best practice.
Penalties
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Illegal interception (18 U.S.C. 2511) | Up to 5 years |
| Civil damages (18 U.S.C. 2520) | $10,000 minimum + attorney fees |
Evidence
Lawfully recorded calls are admissible in Vermont courts. Keep originals unedited.
More Vermont 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
Back to Vermont Recording Laws
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a phone call in Vermont?
Yes. Federal one-party consent (18 U.S.C. 2511) allows recording any call you participate in. No announcement required.
Can I record a call with someone in Massachusetts?
You should get consent. Massachusetts requires all-party consent. The stricter law typically applies.
Is wiretapping illegal in Vermont?
Yes. Intercepting calls without any participant's consent violates federal law (18 U.S.C. 2511), carrying up to 5 years imprisonment.
Can I use a recorded call as evidence?
Yes. Lawfully recorded calls are generally admissible in Vermont courts.
Why does Vermont have no wiretapping law?
Vermont never enacted a comprehensive wiretapping statute. It is the only state where federal law alone governs phone call recording.
Sources and References
- 18 U.S.C. 2511 -- Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)
- 18 U.S.C. 2520 -- Civil Damages(law.cornell.edu)
- FCC Recording Guide(fcc.gov).gov
- Reporters Committee -- Vermont(rcfp.org)