CA Penal Code Section 653z

(a)

Every person who operates a recording device in a motion picture theater while a motion picture is being exhibited, for the purpose of recording a theatrical motion picture and without the express written authority of the owner of the motion picture theater, is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(b)

For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1)

“Recording device” means a photographic, digital or video camera, or other audio or video recording device capable of recording the sounds and images of a motion picture or any portion of a motion picture.

(2)

“Motion picture theater” means a theater or other premises in which a motion picture is exhibited.

(c)

Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.

Source: Section 653z, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=653z.­.

Last Updated

Aug. 19, 2023

§ 653z’s source at ca​.gov