Louisiana Recording Laws

Louisiana Recording Law Summary:

Last Updated: January 2025 | Verified against current Louisiana Revised Statutes

Quick Answer

Louisiana is a one-party consent state. You can legally record phone calls and conversations as long as you’re a party to the conversation or have consent from at least one participant. Louisiana takes illegal recording seriously, with penalties including hard labor imprisonment.

Key Point	Answer
Consent Type	One-Party
Can you record your own calls?	Yes
Must you inform others?	No
Primary Statute	La. R.S. 15:1303
Maximum Fine	$10,000
Maximum Prison Time	10 years at hard labor

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Understanding Louisiana’s Recording Laws

The Legal Foundation

Louisiana’s electronic surveillance laws are found in Title 15, Sections 1301-1312 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The key statute is:

• La. R.S. 15:1303 – Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic, or oral communications
• La. R.S. 15:1302 – Definitions
• La. R.S. 15:1312 – Civil remedies

Under La. R.S. 15:1303, it’s unlawful to intentionally intercept, attempt to intercept, or procure any other person to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication. However, the law provides an exception when at least one party to the communication consents.

One-Party vs. Two-Party Consent Explained

In a one-party consent state like Louisiana, only one person in the conversation needs to know about and consent to the recording. That person can be you. You don’t need to announce “this call is being recorded” or get anyone else’s permission.

In contrast, two-party (or all-party) consent states like California and Florida require everyone in the conversation to agree to be recorded.

Recording Phone Calls in Louisiana

Can You Record Phone Calls in Louisiana?

Yes. Under La. R.S. 15:1303, you can record any phone call you’re participating in without informing the other party. This applies to:

• Landline calls
• Cell phone calls
• VoIP calls (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.)
• Video calls

Recording Calls Across State Lines

If you’re in Louisiana calling someone in a two-party consent state, the stricter law typically applies. States requiring all-party consent include:

• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada (for phone calls)
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

Best practice: If you’re recording calls with people in other states, either inform them or get all-party consent to be safe.

Business Call Recording

Louisiana businesses can record calls for quality assurance, training, or compliance. Consent can be obtained through:

1. Verbal consent before the call begins
2. A recorded announcement (“This call may be recorded…”)
3. A periodic beep tone during the call

Recording In-Person Conversations

When Is It Legal?

You can record in-person conversations in Louisiana when:

• You’re participating in the conversation
• You’re in a public place where there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy
• You have consent from at least one party (which can be yourself)

When Is It Illegal?

It’s illegal to record conversations when:

• You’re not a party to the conversation and don’t have consent
• You’re intercepting communications in places where parties have a reasonable expectation of privacy
• You’re using illegally obtained recordings for any purpose

What About Recording in Your Own Home?

You can record conversations in your own home if you’re participating. However, you cannot:

• Plant a hidden device and leave to record others without being present
• Record guests in areas with privacy expectations (bathrooms, guest bedrooms)
• Record intimate activities without consent

Louisiana Video Recording Laws

Public Spaces

Louisiana has no general prohibition on video recording in public spaces. You can:

• Film on public streets, parks, and sidewalks
• Record public meetings and government proceedings
• Use dashcams in your vehicle
• Film public protests or demonstrations

Private Property and Video Voyeurism

On private property, the property owner sets the rules. Louisiana has video voyeurism laws under La. R.S. 14:283 that prohibit:

• Recording intimate images without consent
• Recording someone in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy
• Distributing intimate images without consent

If you are recording someone’s likeness for business purposes, you should ensure that you gain proper consent by having them fill out a photo or video consent form.

Recording in the Workplace

Can Your Employer Record You?

Louisiana employers can generally record in common work areas where employees don’t have a privacy expectation. However, employers cannot record in:

• Bathrooms
• Locker rooms
• Changing areas

Can You Record Your Employer?

Yes. As a one-party consent state, you can record conversations with your boss, HR, coworkers, or anyone else at work – as long as you’re part of the conversation. This can be valuable for:

• Documenting harassment or discrimination
• Recording performance reviews
• Protecting yourself in disputes
• Preserving important instructions

Caution: Your employer may have policies against recording. While recording is legal under Louisiana law, violating company policy could result in termination.

Recording Police and Government Officials

Can You Record Police Officers in Louisiana?

Yes. The First Amendment protects your right to record law enforcement officers performing their duties in public. In Louisiana, you can:

• Film traffic stops (including your own)
• Record arrests happening in public
• Document interactions with police
• Livestream encounters

Important limitations:

• Don’t interfere with police operations
• Don’t trespass to get a better angle
• Follow lawful orders to step back (within reason)
• Don’t obstruct the officer’s duties

Recording Government Meetings

Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law (La. R.S. 42:11-28) requires most government meetings to be open to the public. Recording of public meetings is generally permitted. You can record:

• City council meetings
• Parish council meetings
• School board meetings
• State legislative proceedings
• Public hearings

Specific Situations

Can I Record My Landlord in Louisiana?

Yes, if you’re part of the conversation. Recording interactions with landlords can help document:

• Verbal agreements about repairs
• Harassment or illegal entry
• Disputes about lease terms
• Evidence for tenant rights cases

Can I Record My Doctor in Louisiana?

Yes, you can record medical appointments you attend. This can be helpful for:

• Remembering complex medical instructions
• Documenting informed consent discussions
• Having a record of diagnoses
• Sharing information with family caregivers

Can I Record DCFS Workers?

Yes. Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) workers are government employees, and you can record your interactions with them as long as you’re participating in the conversation.

Can I Record My Ex-Spouse or Co-Parent?

Yes, during conversations you’re part of. This is common in custody disputes. However:

• Don’t record your children’s private conversations without being present
• Don’t use children to secretly record the other parent
• Consider how recordings may be viewed by family courts

Can I Use a Dashcam in Louisiana?

Yes. Dashcams are legal in Louisiana. There are no specific laws restricting their use, but you should:

• Mount the camera so it doesn’t obstruct your view
• Be aware that audio recording follows one-party consent rules
• Check if your insurance offers dashcam discounts

Using Recordings as Evidence in Louisiana

Are Recordings Admissible in Court?

Recordings made legally under Louisiana’s one-party consent law are generally admissible as evidence. However, courts may consider:

• Authentication – Can you prove the recording is genuine and unaltered?
• Relevance – Does the recording matter to the case?
• Hearsay rules – Some statements may be excluded
• Prejudicial vs. probative value – Does it unfairly influence the jury?

Criminal Cases vs. Civil Cases

• Criminal cases: Illegally obtained recordings are typically inadmissible and may result in felony charges against you
• Civil cases: Rules can be more flexible, but illegally obtained evidence may still be excluded

Penalties for Illegal Recording in Louisiana

Criminal Penalties (La. R.S. 15:1303)

Unlawful interception of communications is a serious felony in Louisiana:

Penalty	Amount
Prison time	2 to 10 years at hard labor
Fine	Up to $10,000

Civil Liability (La. R.S. 15:1312)

Victims of illegal recording may sue for:

• Actual damages
• Statutory damages of $100 per day or $1,000, whichever is greater
• Punitive damages
• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisiana a one-party consent state?

Yes. Louisiana is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record any conversation you’re part of without informing other participants.

Is Louisiana a two-party consent state?

No. Louisiana does not require all parties to consent to recording. Only one party needs to consent, and that party can be you.

Can I record a conversation without the other person knowing in Louisiana?

Yes. As a participant in the conversation, you can record without telling the other person.

Can I sue someone for recording me in Louisiana?

Only if the recording was illegal – meaning you were recorded without your consent by someone who wasn’t part of the conversation. If someone you were talking to recorded you, that’s legal in Louisiana.

Do I need to tell someone I’m recording in Louisiana?

No. There’s no legal requirement to inform others that you’re recording a conversation you’re part of.

Can I record a Zoom call in Louisiana?

Yes, if you’re a participant in the call. Note that Zoom has its own recording features and may notify participants depending on settings.

What is the penalty for illegal recording in Louisiana?

Illegal recording is a felony in Louisiana, punishable by 2-10 years at hard labor and up to $10,000 in fines.

Can recordings be used in divorce court in Louisiana?

Yes, legally obtained recordings can be used as evidence in divorce proceedings. Courts often allow them to document communications about custody, finances, or misconduct.

Does Louisiana have hidden camera laws?

Yes. La. R.S. 14:283 prohibits video voyeurism and recording intimate images without consent.

Related Louisiana Laws

• Louisiana Car Seat Laws
• Louisiana Child Support Laws
• Louisiana Hit and Run Laws
• Louisiana Lemon Law
• Louisiana Sexting Laws
• Louisiana Statute of Limitations
• Louisiana Whistleblower Laws

Sources and Legal References

Source	Link
La. R.S. 15:1303 – Interception Prohibited	Justia
Louisiana Electronic Surveillance Act	La. R.S. Title 15
Louisiana Open Meetings Law	La. R.S. 42:11-28
Reporters Committee Recording Guide	RCFP

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Recording laws can be complex, and specific situations may have unique considerations. If you have questions about your particular circumstances, consult with a licensed Louisiana attorney.

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One-Party Consent States Reference

The following table provides a quick reference to all one-party consent states in the United States.

State	Summary	Key Statute
Alabama	One-party consent.	Ala. Code § 13A-11-30
Alaska	One-party consent.	AS 42.20.310
Arizona	One-party consent.	ARS 13-3005
Arkansas	One-party consent.	Ark. Code § 5-60-120
Colorado	One-party consent.	C.R.S. § 18-9-303
District of Columbia	One-party consent.	D.C. Code § 23-542
Georgia	One-party for audio; all-party for video in private places.	O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62
Hawaii	One-party consent.	HRS § 803-42
Idaho	One-party consent.	Idaho Code § 18-6702
Indiana	One-party consent.	Ind. Code § 35-33.5-5
Iowa	One-party consent.	Iowa Code § 808B.2
Kansas	One-party consent.	K.S.A. 21-6101
Kentucky	One-party consent.	KRS 526.020
Louisiana	One-party consent. Severe penalties (hard labor).	La. R.S. 15:1303
Maine	One-party consent.	Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15, § 710
Minnesota	One-party consent.	Minn. Stat. § 626A.02
Mississippi	One-party consent.	Miss. Code Ann. § 41-29-531
Missouri	One-party consent.	Mo. Ann. Stat. § 542.402
Nebraska	One-party consent.	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 86-290
Nevada	One-party for oral; ALL-PARTY for wire/phone.	Nev. Rev. Stat. § 200.620
New Jersey	One-party consent.	N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:156A-4
New Mexico	One-party consent.	N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-12-1
New York	One-party consent.	N.Y. Penal Law § 250.00
North Carolina	One-party consent.	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-287
North Dakota	One-party consent.	N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-15-02
Ohio	One-party consent.	Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2933.52
Oklahoma	One-party consent.	Okla. Stat. tit. 13, § 176.4
Rhode Island	One-party consent.	R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21
South Carolina	One-party consent.	S.C. Code Ann. § 17-30-30
South Dakota	One-party consent.	S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-35A-20
Tennessee	One-party consent.	Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-601
Texas	One-party consent.	Tex. Penal Code § 16.02
Utah	One-party consent.	Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4
Vermont	One-party consent (case law).	Case law
Virginia	One-party consent.	Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-62
West Virginia	One-party consent.	W. Va. Code § 62-1D-3
Wisconsin	One-party consent.	Wis. Stat. § 968.31
Wyoming	One-party consent.	Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-3-702

Federal Law: Under the ECPA and 18 U.S. Code § 2511, federal law operates as one-party consent.

Two-Party Consent States

The following states require all parties to consent:

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

Visit our Two-Party Consent States guide for details.