Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. Only one party to a conversation must consent. Video recording in public spaces is legal, but recording in private areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy is a state jail felony.
Texas Penal Code §16.02 establishes Texas as a one-party consent state for audio — you may record a conversation if you are a participant or have the consent of one party. Recording conversations you are not part of without consent is illegal. Texas Penal Code §21.15 prohibits invasive visual recording in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Public recording is protected under the First Amendment. Texas Penal Code §16.06 prohibits unauthorized use of tracking devices. These state laws apply uniformly across all Tarrant County jurisdictions.
Illegal wiretapping under §16.02 is a second-degree felony (2-20 years, up to $10,000 fine). Invasive visual recording under §21.15 is a state jail felony (180 days-2 years, up to $10,000). Unauthorized tracking is a Class A misdemeanor.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how Arlington's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
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