In what states are you allowed to film in public?

[zacchaeus21]

I understand that there are 38 states in which you are allowed to film in public, but what are the other remainder 12 states?

Am I legally allowed to film in Detroit, Michigan? Places such as Public property?

Also am I allowed to film on Public parking lots (unless advised to leave by the private business owners)?

Like lets say I'm filming in a wal mart parking lot. Am I allowed to film? Will I be sent directly to jail or will I be given the chance to leave once the private owners advise me to?

Sorry if this is a difficult question for you, I just wanna be more well aware of my rights.

Thank you!

[zackary42]

You seem to have a misunderstanding of what constitutes public property. A Walmart parking lot is not public property, it is private property.

There is nothing inherently illegal about operating a video camera virtually everywhere in the United States, with the exception of some military/government installations that are clearly marked. It's not illegal to film on public property, though many places require you to get a permit if you're doing anything substantial. It's not illegal to film on private property either, but if the business asks you to stop and you refuse, you can be arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct. It is illegal to film people where they have an expectation of privacy, like through the windows of their own home or in a restroom.

If you want to film something on public property, like in a city park, contact the city/county/local authorities to see if you need a permit. If you want to film something in a Walmart parking lot or a shopping mall, talk to the managers of that property for permission.

[sebastiano]

Anyone is allowed to film anywhere that is freely accessible to the public unless there is an expectation of privacy (such as a restroom). A permit may be required for filming on public property if the filming will disrupt or limit the movement of people or traffic. When filming on private property (including a business parking lot), the owner/manager of the property can tell you to leave. Failure to comply could result in trespassing charges. In any case, it is highly unlikely that anyone would go to jail over an incident of filming in a publicly accessible location unless you become belligerent and refuse to cooperate with the authorities.