Right to Record Police by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether the state recognizes a First Amendment right to record police, statutory restrictions like buffer zones, and penalties for interference.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Recognized	Restrictions	Penalty
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Limited	8 ft buffer (struck)	Class 3 misd.
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	Codified PC 148(g)	Misdemeanor
Yes	Right codified	Civil damages
Yes	Statutory right	Civil action
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Wiretap risk
Yes	No interference	Obstruction
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	Eavesdrop reformed	Class 4 felony
Limited	25 ft buffer law	Class C misd.
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Limited	25 ft buffer law	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Civil action
Yes	No interference	Wiretap reformed
Yes	Open recording OK	Wiretap if hidden
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Civil action
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	Right to Record Act	Civil damages
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Civil action
Yes	Wiretap reformed	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Civil action
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	No interference	Misdemeanor
Yes	First Amendment Act	Civil damages

Every federal circuit to consider the question (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th) has recognized a First Amendment right to record police performing their duties in public. Arizona's 8-foot buffer law (SB 1241) was enjoined in 2022; Indiana and Louisiana have enacted similar buffer laws facing constitutional challenge.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.