California is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording any confidential communication without all parties' consent is a crime under Penal Code 632. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio on security cameras.
California Penal Code 632 makes it a crime to record or eavesdrop on any confidential communication without the consent of all parties. A confidential communication is one where any party has a reasonable expectation of privacy — such as conversations in homes, offices, private meeting spaces, or any area not generally open to the public. The law applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, video calls, and any electronic communications. For security cameras, video-only recording in public areas is generally legal, but adding audio immediately triggers the two-party consent requirement. The law distinguishes between confidential and non-confidential communications — conversations in clearly public settings where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists may not be considered confidential. California's eavesdropping law also prohibits using electronic amplifying or recording devices to eavesdrop on conversations in private places. Evidence obtained in violation of PC 632 is inadmissible in court.
First offense: fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. Subsequent offenses: fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment. Civil lawsuits can result in damages of $5,000 per violation or three times the actual damages, whichever is greater, plus punitive damages. Illegally obtained recordings are inadmissible as evidence.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County noise ordinance (Chapter 6.60) sets detailed dB limits by zone and time. Residential nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): 45 dBA for 30+ min/hr, up to 65 d...
Alameda County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated Alameda County requires compliance with residential decibel limits and typically a temporary use or special event permit for ...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas allow leaf blowers during general construction/maintenance hours. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered lea...
Alameda County, CA
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates RV parking through zoning ordinance. 72-hour street limit applies. Specific requirements vary by PD and zoning district.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment p...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County Zoning Code §17.52.430 limits fences to 4 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. A 2-foot limit applies within 30 fee...
See how Alameda County's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.