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Utah Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 16, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 16, 2026. · 10 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Utah Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are home security cameras legal in Utah?

Yes. Utah homeowners can legally install security cameras on their own property. Cameras may record outdoor areas such as driveways, porches, and yards, as well as common indoor areas like living rooms and kitchens. Cameras cannot be placed in areas where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, guest bedrooms, or aimed directly into a neighbor's home. Under Utah Code 76-12-302, installing a surveillance device in a private place without consent is a class B misdemeanor.

Can my neighbor legally point a security camera at my house in Utah?

It depends on what the camera captures. A neighbor's camera may legally record their own property and public areas like sidewalks or streets, even if part of your home appears in the background. However, if the camera is deliberately aimed to look inside your windows or into a fully fenced backyard where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, it could violate Utah Code 76-12-302. You can ask the neighbor to adjust the camera angle, file a police report, or consult an attorney about civil remedies including an invasion of privacy claim.

Is it legal to use a nanny cam in Utah?

Yes, you can use a video-only nanny cam in common areas of your home such as living rooms, kitchens, and playrooms. Cameras cannot be placed in bathrooms or private bedrooms used by the caregiver. If the nanny cam records audio, you must comply with the one-party consent rule under Utah Code 77-23a-4. Since you are not present during the recorded conversations, recording audio without the caregiver's knowledge could be a third degree felony. The safest approach is to inform the caregiver about all recording.

Can my employer record me at work with security cameras in Utah?

Utah does not have a specific law addressing workplace video surveillance by private employers. Employers may generally install video cameras in common work areas such as lobbies, hallways, production floors, and parking lots. Cameras are prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, and other spaces where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Employers should provide notice to employees that surveillance is in use. If cameras record audio, the one-party consent rule under Utah Code 77-23a-4 applies.

What are the penalties for illegal surveillance in Utah?

Penalties depend on the specific violation. A privacy violation under Utah Code 76-12-302 is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Voyeurism by recording under Utah Code 76-12-307 is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine, rising to a third degree felony for aggravating circumstances such as a victim under 14. Distribution of voyeuristic recordings under Utah Code 76-12-308 is a third degree felony with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Illegal wiretapping under Utah Code 77-23a-4 is also a third degree felony with the same penalties. Victims may also pursue civil lawsuits for damages of $10,000 or more.

Updates

Updated Utah's privacy violation citation from the superseded Utah Code 76-9-402 to the current 76-12-302, and the "private place" definition from 76-9-401 to 76-12-301, following the 2025 recodification (2025 Utah Laws Chapter 173, effective May 7, 2025), and repointed all links to the current sections.

Replaced every reference to Utah's repealed voyeurism statute (76-9-702.7) with the current sections that took effect May 7, 2025 (76-12-306 viewing, 76-12-307 recording, 76-12-308 distribution), including corrected penalty tables and FAQ answers.

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. Utah Code 76-9-402 - Privacy Violation(le.utah.gov).gov
  2. Utah Code 76-12-306 to 76-12-308 - Voyeurism Offenses and Penalties (recodified eff. 5/7/2025)(le.utah.gov).gov
  3. Utah Interception of Communications Act (Title 77, Chapter 23a)(le.utah.gov).gov
  4. Utah Code 77-23a-4 - Offenses, Criminal and Civil, Lawful Interception(le.utah.gov).gov
  5. Utah Code 57-8-8.1 - Condominium Security Camera Provisions(le.utah.gov).gov
  6. Utah Code 72-14-403 - Drone Operation Over Private Property(le.utah.gov).gov
  7. Utah Criminal Penalties - Utah Courts(utcourts.gov).gov
  8. Utah Recording Laws - Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press(rcfp.org)
  9. National Labor Relations Act - NLRB(nlrb.gov).gov
  10. Electronic Communications Privacy Act - DOJ(justice.gov).gov
  11. Utah Code 76-9-401 - Definitions (Private Place)(le.utah.gov).gov
  12. 2024 Utah Code Title 76 Chapter 9 Part 4 Section 402 - Justia(law.justia.com)
  13. Utah Code 76-12-302 - Unlawful Privacy Violation (renumbered from 76-9-402, eff. 5/7/2025)(le.utah.gov)
  14. Utah Code 76-12-301 - Definitions (Private Place)(le.utah.gov)
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