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New York, NY Privacy & Surveillance: Recording & Consent Laws (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Admin Code § 14-189
Effective date
August 14, 2020
Remedy
Private civil lawsuit
Filing deadline
1 year, 90 days
Limit on right
No physical interference with police

Summary

New York City law gives anyone the explicit right to record NYPD officers performing police activities and to keep the recording and the device used, with officer interference punishable by a private lawsuit.

A person may record police activities and maintain custody and control of any such recording and of any property or instruments used in such recording. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit a person to engage in actions that physically interfere with an official and lawful police function, or to prevent the seizure of any property or instruments used in a recording of police activities where the seizure is otherwise authorized by law, or to prohibit any officer from enforcing any other provision of law.

Source: NY Recording Law - DMLPView official code

Full Breakdown

Administrative Code § 14-189 lets a person record any on-duty officer's police activities and keep custody of the recording and recording device, so long as the recorder does not physically interfere with a lawful police function. Officers who prevent, threaten, seize property from, or arrest someone for recording face a private civil action for damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees, brought within one year and 90 days of the interference. NYPD must also post quarterly reports on recording-related arrests and summonses.

Violations & Fines

Interference by an officer (blocking, threatening, seizing gear, or arresting a recorder without cause) is not a fine on the public but exposes the officer/City to civil damages, punitive damages and attorney's fees in a private lawsuit under § 14-189(c).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally film NYPD officers in public?
Yes. City law lets you record any on-duty officer's police activities and keep the footage and your device, as long as you don't physically interfere with the officer's lawful function.
What can I do if an officer blocks or deletes my recording?
You can sue in state or federal court for damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief and attorney's fees within one year and 90 days of the interference, per Admin Code § 14-189(c).

Sources & Official References

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