RobNYC
7th of October 2008 (Tue), 16:37
Here is something that could affect anyone who shoots in New York City.
A new law went into effect on August 13, 2008 under Title 43, Chapter 9, Rules of the City of New York. It seems we are lucky, but if you shoot video or use lights... maybe another story. I am not going to copy in the whole law, just what photographer's need to know.
MOFTB = Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting
a MOFTB permit is required for:
filming and taking of motion pictures
taking of photographs
(others I won't list)AND the person doing it is:
using vehciles or equipment OR
the activity obstructs 1 or more lanes of a street or walkway or bridge OR
the activity obstructs more than 1/2 of the sidewalk or other pedestrian passageway, or if the sidewalk is less than 16 feet, the activity obstructs more than 8 feet of passagewayEquipment is defined, and the definition does NOT include handheld devices. Handheld devices includes film cameras and tripods! So with a SLR and tripod you are OK. In fact, the release says "Therefore, a camera mounted on a tripod is a handhled device and no permit is required."
This new rule carries NO penalty, but other laws can be enforced, such as Disorderly Conduct for blocking the sidewalk. The new rule is also different if you have a NYC press pass issued by NYPD.
For those who like to shoot bridges, tunnels, trains, etc.
Bridges and tunnels under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority have their own rules. They post signs that say photography is prohibited. They can arrest you or write you a summons for disobeying the signs. You are allowed to take photos in the NYC Subway without any permit as long as you don't use any ancillary equipment (so no tripod and no lighting equipment).
I am not your attorney, so feel free to get an attorney's opinion if you think you need it. I just thought some of you might find this useful since alot of people shoot in NY regularly or come in for vacation. :)
A new law went into effect on August 13, 2008 under Title 43, Chapter 9, Rules of the City of New York. It seems we are lucky, but if you shoot video or use lights... maybe another story. I am not going to copy in the whole law, just what photographer's need to know.
MOFTB = Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting
a MOFTB permit is required for:
filming and taking of motion pictures
taking of photographs
(others I won't list)AND the person doing it is:
using vehciles or equipment OR
the activity obstructs 1 or more lanes of a street or walkway or bridge OR
the activity obstructs more than 1/2 of the sidewalk or other pedestrian passageway, or if the sidewalk is less than 16 feet, the activity obstructs more than 8 feet of passagewayEquipment is defined, and the definition does NOT include handheld devices. Handheld devices includes film cameras and tripods! So with a SLR and tripod you are OK. In fact, the release says "Therefore, a camera mounted on a tripod is a handhled device and no permit is required."
This new rule carries NO penalty, but other laws can be enforced, such as Disorderly Conduct for blocking the sidewalk. The new rule is also different if you have a NYC press pass issued by NYPD.
For those who like to shoot bridges, tunnels, trains, etc.
Bridges and tunnels under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority have their own rules. They post signs that say photography is prohibited. They can arrest you or write you a summons for disobeying the signs. You are allowed to take photos in the NYC Subway without any permit as long as you don't use any ancillary equipment (so no tripod and no lighting equipment).
I am not your attorney, so feel free to get an attorney's opinion if you think you need it. I just thought some of you might find this useful since alot of people shoot in NY regularly or come in for vacation. :)