Is Hidden Cameras & Surveillance Devices Legal in Minnesota? (2026)
Partially — Hidden Cameras & Surveillance Devices are legal with restrictions in Minnesota as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: There is growing use of Flock cameras by police agencies in Minnesota, which has raised privacy concerns. In addition, a 2023 law requires written consent for monitoring in residential care facilities.
Quick Answer
Hidden cameras are legal with restrictions in Minnesota. Stat. § 609.746. Hidden cameras are legal in public areas but illegal in private areas where there is an expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.
What the Law Says
Minnesota Statute § 609.746 prohibits interference with privacy, specifically making it a gross misdemeanor to surreptitiously gaze, stare, or peep in a window of a house or dwelling, or to record private conversations without the consent of all parties involved.
— Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.746
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Property Rules | Legal to possess hidden cameras; illegal to record private conversations without consent. |
| Audio Recording Rules | No restrictions on sale of hidden cameras. |
| Criminal Penalties | Violations are gross misdemeanors punishable by fines and imprisonment up to one year. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
There is growing use of Flock cameras by police agencies in Minnesota, which has raised privacy concerns. In addition, a 2023 law requires written consent for monitoring in residential care facilities.
Enforcement Reality
Minnesota is a one-party consent state for audio recordings. The state's primary statute for hidden camera enforcement is the interference with privacy law, which makes it a gross misdemeanor to surreptitiously gaze, stare, or peep in a window of a house or place of dwelling of another.
A common mistake is recording a conversation without being a party to it and without consent. Another is placing a camera in a location where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bathroom or changing room.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Minnesota. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Hidden Cameras & Surveillance Devices are legal with restrictions in Minnesota. This product is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Minnesota vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, using hidden cameras is fully legal in 0 states, restricted in 46, and illegal in 4. Minnesota falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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