Surveillance Camera Laws by State (2026 Guide)
Video-only security cameras are legal in all 50 states, though no single federal law governs their placement. Every state's voyeurism statutes prohibit cameras in bathrooms, bedrooms, and changing rooms. When a camera records audio, state wiretap laws apply: 38 states plus D.C. require one-party consent; 12 states require all-party consent for at least some private conversations.
Surveillance camera laws vary significantly from state to state. While no federal law regulates general security cameras on private property, every state has voyeurism statutes, wiretapping laws, and privacy protections that govern where cameras can be placed, whether audio can be recorded, and what penalties apply for violations.
This guide links to detailed state-by-state pages covering home security cameras, workplace surveillance, hidden camera laws, audio recording consent, neighbor disputes, nanny cams, and penalties.
If you think a camera or microphone has already been placed in your home or a rental, see how to detect and block listening devices for the sweep method and the federal rules on bugging.
Surveillance Camera Laws by State
Camera Laws by Situation
Beyond the state rules above, these national guides answer the most common surveillance camera questions:
- HOA Security Camera Rules covers when a homeowners association can restrict your camera or video doorbell.
- Neighbor Security Camera Laws explains what to do when a neighbor's camera records your property.
- Nanny Cam Laws covers recording a caregiver at home and the audio and private-area limits.
- Workplace Surveillance Camera Laws explains when your employer can record you at work.
- Landlord Security Camera Laws covers what cameras a landlord may install in a rental.
- Automated License Plate Readers covers ALPR networks like Flock Safety, the federal legal gap, and state data-sharing restrictions.
- Police Bodycam Laws covers the reverse question: retention, redaction, and public access to footage police record of civilians.
- Drone Laws covers privacy, trespass, and law-enforcement rules for aerial surveillance once a drone captures video or images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are security cameras legal?
Yes. Video-only security cameras on your own property are legal in all 50 states. Adding audio triggers wiretap consent laws. Cameras are never legal in bathrooms, bedrooms (of others), locker rooms, or changing rooms.
Can my neighbor point a camera at my house?
A neighbor can generally record what is visible from their own property or public spaces. They cannot aim cameras into your windows, private areas, or places where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Laws vary by state.
Do I need consent to record audio on a security camera?
In 38 states plus D.C. (one-party consent), you can record audio if you are a participant or on your own property. In 11 all-party consent states (CA, FL, IL, MD, MA, MT, NH, OR, PA, WA, CT for phone calls), everyone must agree before audio is recorded.
Are nanny cams legal?
Video-only nanny cams in common areas (living room, kitchen) are legal in all states. Audio recording on nanny cams triggers wiretap consent laws. Cameras are never permitted in bathrooms or the caregiver's private bedroom.
Can my employer put cameras in the workplace?
Employers can install cameras in common work areas (lobbies, hallways, sales floors). Cameras are prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas in every state. Some states like Connecticut, Delaware, and New York require employers to notify employees about electronic monitoring, though only Connecticut law expressly covers cameras.
Sources and References
- 18 U.S.C. § 2511: federal prohibition on intercepting wire, oral or electronic communications(law.cornell.edu).gov
- California Penal Code § 630: invasion of privacy and eavesdropping(leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).gov