Privacy & Surveillance in Michigan (2026)
7 rules on the books across Michigan, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Security Camera Rules
Rules about where residential security cameras can point, whether they can record neighbors' property, audio recording consent requirements, and HOA restrictions on camera placement.
Clinton Township
Heavy RestrictionsClinton Township requires banks, gas stations, pawnbrokers, liquor stores, pharmacies, hotels, scrap metal and firearm…
Read full rule →Detroit
Some RestrictionsDetroit requires City Council approval before any city department, including police, buys or installs surveillance…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Light RestrictionsGrand Rapids has no general residential camera ordinance, but its CPTED code lets the city require businesses declared…
Read full rule →Recording & Consent Laws
State and local laws about recording audio and video, one-party vs two-party consent requirements, and when recordings can be used as evidence in disputes.
Ottawa County
Significant RestrictionsOttawa County Code § 400.5.2.3 makes it unlawful to photograph, videotape or audio-record any work area, person or…
Read full rule →Saginaw County
Significant RestrictionsSaginaw County Ordinance #121 bars audio and video recording of Sheriff's deputies, court staff, clerks and health…
Read full rule →Facial Recognition Ban
City bans on government use of facial-recognition technology, scope (police vs other agencies), exceptions (e.g., still-image post-incident review), and enforcement.
License Plate Readers
Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.