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Moreno Valley, CA Privacy & Surveillance: Recording & Consent Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Requirement
Two-party consent required for confidential talks
Penalties
Civil and criminal penalties for violations
Rule
Public conversations less protected
Measurement
Security audio needs notice or disablement
Exemption
Police and wiretap exceptions exist

Summary

California Penal Code Section 632 makes Moreno Valley a two-party consent state for recording confidential communications, meaning all parties to a private conversation must consent before audio can be lawfully recorded.

(a) A person who, intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication, uses an electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop upon or record the confidential communication, whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device, except a radio, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per violation, or imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If the person has previously been convicted of a violation of this section or Section 631, 632.5, 632.6, 632.7, or 636, the person shall be punished by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation, by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment. [...] (c) For the purposes of this section, "confidential communication" means any communication carried on in circumstances as may reasonably indicate that any party to the communication desires it to be confined to the parties thereto, but excludes a communication made in a public gathering or in any legislative, judicial, executive, or administrative proceeding open to the public, or in any other circumstance in which the parties to the communication may reasonably expect that the communication may be overheard or recorded.

Source: California Penal Code Section 632View official code

Full Breakdown

California Penal Code Section 632 prohibits intentionally recording a confidential communication without the consent of all parties. A confidential communication is generally one where participants have a reasonable expectation that it will not be overheard, such as phone calls, in-home conversations, and private meetings. Public conversations in clearly open settings are not protected in the same way. Violations can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and also create civil liability. Moreno Valley does not override this statewide rule. Police body cameras and court-authorized wiretaps operate under separate exceptions. Residents and businesses using security systems that include audio should either disable the microphone or post conspicuous notice and limit audio capture to areas where consent can reasonably be inferred. Workplace recording by employers is further restricted by state labor rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I secretly record a phone call with a vendor?
No, California requires consent from all parties to record a confidential phone conversation, and violations can be criminal and civil.
Is it legal to audio-record my front porch?
Ambient audio from public areas is a legal gray area; best practice is to disable audio or post clear notice that recording occurs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Moreno Valley

All Moreno Valley rules

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