Riverside County, CA Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)

In unincorporated Riverside County, homeowners and businesses may install security cameras on their own property. Video-only recording of areas visible from public vantage points — such as driveways, front porches, and yards — is generally legal without consent. However, California Penal Code §632 is a strict two-party consent law that makes it illegal to record confidential communications without the consent of all parties. This means security cameras with audio recording enabled require the consent of anyone whose conversation is captured. California Penal Code §647(j) further prohibits using any recording device to view the interior of bedrooms, bathrooms, or other areas where occupants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras should not be aimed at neighboring windows, backyards screened by privacy fences, or other areas where privacy is expected. Posting visible signs notifying visitors of video surveillance is recommended as a best practice and can serve as implied consent for video recording. For businesses, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) may require additional disclosures about security camera footage collection. Riverside County does not have local ordinances that go beyond state law regarding residential security cameras.