Vermont
Vermont Security Camera Laws
Vermont has no specific security camera statute, so legality turns on the voyeurism law (13 V.S.A. 2605) and federal wiretap rules. Silent video surveillance of your own property is generally legal; cameras may not capture areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and audio recording requires one-party consent under 18 U.S.C. 2511.
Vermont does not have a specific security camera statute. Legality is determined by the voyeurism statute (13 V.S.A. 2605), federal wiretap law (18 U.S.C. 2511), and Vermont case law.
Residential Cameras
Homeowners can install exterior and interior cameras. Cannot place cameras in guest bathrooms or bedrooms, or aim directly at neighbors' private areas. Doorbell cameras are legal; audio follows one-party consent rules.
Business Cameras
Permitted: Retail, warehouses, parking lots, lobbies. Prohibited: Bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas (13 V.S.A. 2605). No notification statute, but signage recommended.
Privacy Protections
State v. Geraw bars hidden recording in private homes. The voyeurism statute protects against cameras in areas with privacy expectations.
Camera Footage as Evidence
Authenticate, preserve chain of custody, keep unaltered. Regularly used in Vermont courts.
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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See Also
- Vermont Surveillance Camera Laws covers home, HOA, neighbor, workplace, and landlord camera rules in Vermont.
More Vermont Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Are security cameras legal in Vermont?
Yes. Homeowners and businesses can install cameras. The voyeurism statute (13 V.S.A. 2605) prohibits cameras where people have privacy expectations.
Do I need to tell neighbors about cameras?
No. Vermont does not require notification. Point cameras at your own property.
Can my camera record audio?
Audio follows federal one-party consent. Your own conversations are legal. Others' conversations carry risk.
Can police access my doorbell camera without a warrant?
You are not required to share without a warrant. Voluntary cooperation is your choice.
Can my landlord install cameras in my apartment?
No. Under State v. Geraw, hidden recording in private homes violates Article 11.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on 2 statutory provisions held in our own legal record, each retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
United States Code Title 18
§ 2511Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibitedIn forcecited in 351 of our articles
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter any person who— intentionally intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, any wire, oral, or electronic communication; intentionally uses, endeavors to use, or procures any other person to use or endeavor to use any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication when— such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through, a wire, cable, or other like connection used in wire communication; or such device transmits communications by radio, or interferes with the transmission of such communication; or such person knows, or has reason to know, that such device or any component thereof has been sent through the mail or transported in interstate or foreign commerce; or such use or endeavor to use (A) takes place on the premises of any business or other commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign commerce; or (B) obtains or is for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the operations of any business or other commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign…
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-28 · Read the full section at uscode.house.gov
Also relied on in: US Recording Laws by State (2026): All 50 States Explained, Alabama Audio Recording Laws: Consent Rules and Penalties, Alabama Dashcam Laws: Legality, Mounting Rules, and Evidence Use
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 13: Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Chapter 59: Lewdness and Prostitution, Subchapter: LEWD AND INDECENT CONDUCT
§ 2605VoyeurismIn forcecited in 12 of our articles
(a) As used in this section: (1) “Bona fide private investigator or bona fide security guard” means an individual lawfully providing services, whether licensed or unlicensed, pursuant to 26 V.S.A. §§ 3151 and 3151a. (2) “Female breast” means any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola. (3) “Circumstances in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” means circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that his or her intimate areas would not be visible to the public, regardless of whether that person is in a public or private area. This definition includes circumstances in which a person knowingly disrobes in front of another, but does not expect nor give consent for the other person to photograph, film, or record his or her intimate areas. (4) “Intimate areas” means the naked or undergarment-clad genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast of a person.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-08-01 · Read the full section at legislature.vermont.gov
Also relied on in: Vermont Medical Recording Laws, Vermont Laws on Recording in Public, Vermont School Recording Laws
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Sources and References
- 13 V.S.A. 2605 -- Voyeurism(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 18 U.S.C. 2511 -- Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)
- Vermont Constitution -- Article 11(legislature.vermont.gov).gov