Vermont
Vermont Laws on Recording Police
In Vermont, the First Amendment protects recording on-duty police officers in public spaces. Vermont sits in the Second Circuit, which has not issued a binding civilian ruling on this right. Federal one-party consent under 18 U.S.C. 2511 allows you to audio record your own police interactions.
Vermont residents have the right to record police performing their duties in public. The First Amendment provides the constitutional foundation. Federal one-party consent (18 U.S.C. 2511) allows you to audio record your own interactions with officers.
This guide covers your constitutional right to record, traffic stops, body cameras, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Constitutional Right to Record
The First Amendment protects recording police in public. Officers who seize devices or arrest people for recording face liability under 42 U.S.C. 1983.
Vermont is in the Second Circuit, not the First Circuit. The Second Circuit has not issued a published civilian ruling clearly establishing a First Amendment right to record on-duty police in public. Reyes v. City of New York (2d Cir. June 18, 2025) was a procedural certification to the New York Court of Appeals -- not a constitutional holding.
First Circuit decisions -- including Glik v. Cunniffe, 655 F.3d 78 (1st Cir. 2011), and Project Veritas Action Fund v. Rollins, 982 F.3d 813 (1st Cir. 2020) -- are persuasive sister-circuit authority only. They are not binding in Vermont federal courts.
When You Can Record
Traffic stops, arrests, police checkpoints, protests, government building interactions, and any public encounter. Maintain safe distance, do not interfere, do not trespass.
Body Camera Footage
Vermont's body-worn camera framework operates under two statutes. 20 V.S.A. 1819 requires the Vermont State Police Field Force to equip officers with body cameras (effective October 2, 2020). 20 V.S.A. 2369 established a statewide policy through the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, effective January 1, 2022. Municipal departments follow the VCJC policy framework.
Access to footage runs through Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. 315-320), with exemptions for ongoing investigations.
Open Meeting Law
Vermont's Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. 310-314) protects recording of public government meetings. Act 133 (2024) and Act 51 (2025) updated recording requirements.
What to Do If Rights Violated
- Remain calm, do not resist
- State your First Amendment right
- Document officer details
- Contact the ACLU of Vermont
- Consult an attorney about 42 U.S.C. 1983 claims
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record police officers in Vermont?
Yes. The First Amendment protects recording on-duty officers in public. Federal one-party consent also allows audio recording of your interactions with police.
Does Glik v. Cunniffe apply in Vermont?
No. Glik was decided by the First Circuit, which does not cover Vermont. Vermont is in the Second Circuit. Glik is persuasive authority but is not binding in Vermont federal courts.
Can police take my phone for recording them?
No. Under Riley v. California (2014), police need a warrant to search phones. State you do not consent and contact an attorney.
Can I record a traffic stop in Vermont?
Yes. Use a phone, [dashcam](/dashboard-camera-legality-and-privacy-laws-is-it-illegal-to-use-dashcams-in-north-america), or any device. Keep hands visible and do not interfere with the stop.
Do Vermont police wear body cameras?
Vermont State Police are required to use body cameras under 20 V.S.A. 1819. A statewide policy covering all law enforcement agencies took effect January 1, 2022 under 20 V.S.A. 2369. Access to footage runs through the Public Records Act.
What if police order me to stop recording?
State your First Amendment right calmly. Do not resist. Document the interaction and contact an attorney about a 42 U.S.C. 1983 claim.
Sources and References
- 18 U.S.C. 2511 -- Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)
- 42 U.S.C. 1983 -- Civil Rights Action(law.cornell.edu)
- 20 V.S.A. 1819 -- State Police Body Camera Equipping(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 20 V.S.A. 2369 -- Statewide Body Camera Policy (VCJC)(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- Vermont Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. 310-314)(legislature.vermont.gov).gov