No photo or video allow outside of DMV office?

I took my son to DMV for his driving test today, and I try to take some photo and video (from my cell phone) of him driving off the lot, the office manager and a security officer stop me from doing it, and ask me to put my phone away before they call the cops, and I could be arrested. Is it legal to take photo/video of my children in public place? Is DMV office a private property?

There might be more than just privacy issues at play here. Look at the examination policies. They might not want to have people recording the tests for a number of reasons, like preventing lawsuits based on someone's perception of the examiner's behaviour/approach/&c.

Few years back when I was called to court for Jury duty, emphasis was, not enter any cellphone of any kind whether video/cam capable or not (For time not all had it). Two years back when called for most recent jury duty, no restriction on cellphone (When almost all has video and still camera) and no restriction in using them on waiting room.

I believe public are not allowed to use any recording device, including voice at government buildings so I am sure they had some right on their side to call on you.

But then with all the concealed recording devices in our days, I am not sure how one can even think of stopping people from recording something, almost anywhere in the world.

Nevertheless stay away from trouble at all costs.

Alveric wrote in post #17136002
There might be more than just privacy issues at play here. Look at the examination policies. They might not want to have people recording the tests for a number of reasons, like preventing lawsuits based on someone's perception of the examiner's behaviour/approach/&c.

The DMV is government property, so while on that property, the government can permit or restrict photography. If you had done it while standing outside the DMV lot, I am not aware of any restriction, though you still might run into someone who thinks there is one under some nonexistent "Homeland Security" clause.

moose10101 wrote in post #17136131
The DMV is government property, so while on that property, the government can permit or restrict photography. If you had done it while standing outside the DMV lot, I am not aware of any restriction, though you still might run into someone who thinks there is one under some nonexistent "Homeland Security" clause.

But they must do so by approved public policy, regulation, or law. Otherwise it would be permitted as public space (especially outside). Likely they just don't like it in case you were planning on throwing a fit when your son failed.

I was about to show them this (I have lot of copies in my car), but I don't want to make a big scene out of it. BTW, my son passed the test
http://www.aclupa.org …1/KYRPhotograph​ersweb.pdf

You could always carry a copy of that with you and produce it whenever someone challenges you. Just make sure all of the rights therein mentioned apply in your state.

walkien wrote in post #17136432
I was about to show them this (I have lot of copies in my car), but I don't want to make a big scene out of it. BTW, my son passed the test
http://www.aclupa.org …1/KYRPhotograph​ersweb.pdf

When dealing with the mental midgets in public "service" it's easier to just walk away (unless you really have hours/days/weeks to piss away).

Legal, right or logic have no place in their arguments. Trying to reason with them will only aggravate and infuriate you further.


FWIW - I may be a bit biased, having lived most of my life in one of the most crooked states in the union, and without a doubt the most crooked county in that state. YMMV.

Politely ask for a printed copy of the regulation or rule that prohibits you from taking photos. As mentioned above government facilities, while publicly owned, are not fully public property and there may be legitimate secutity or privacy concerns. As a 25 year employee of the state Mbellot loves to denigrate I can assure you that the majority of the public employees are just trying to do their jobs within the rules given to them. Start by asking to see the rules, if they dont provide it ask via a freedom of information request.

samsen wrote in post #17136023
Few years back when I was called to court for Jury duty, emphasis was, not enter any cellphone of any kind whether video/cam capable or not (For time not all had it). Two years back when called for most recent jury duty, no restriction on cellphone (When almost all has video and still camera) and no restriction in using them on waiting room.

I believe public are not allowed to use any recording device, including voice at government buildings so I am sure they had some right on their side to call on you.

But then with all the concealed recording devices in our days, I am not sure how one can even think of stopping people from recording something, almost anywhere in the world.

Nevertheless stay away from trouble at all costs.

Roughly 2008... I was doing jury duty and I asked one of the clerks if I could bring my camera in and take some photos of the really cool interior of the court house during our down time. She was very friendly and assured me it was ok. I did and had no issues and no one confronted me. I did avoid including people in the pics as much as possible, but that was not a condition.

Can't guarantee this for everywhere, though. Just my one anecdote.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17136487
Politely ask for a printed copy of the regulation or rule that prohibits you from taking photos. As mentioned above government facilities, while publicly owned, are not fully public property and there may be legitimate secutity or privacy concerns. As a 25 year employee of the state Mbellot loves to denigrate I can assure you that the majority of the public employees are just trying to do their jobs within the rules given to them. Start by asking to see the rules, if they dont provide it ask via a freedom of information request.

I agree with this. I would probably wait and take it up after I got home, and just file the answer away for future use.

This "No Photos or Video" policy is in place because Kalifornia does not want other states stealing the secrets detailing how the Department of Motor Vehicles offer such a high level of service to the public. Having spent hours dealing with these helpful public servants, I can fully understand their desire to keep these tidbits confidential. If this policy were not in place I have no doubt their offices would be flooded by spies with cameras from other states wanting to rip off their mojo.

rick_reno wrote in post #17138797
This "No Photos or Video" policy is in place because Kalifornia does not want other states stealing the secrets detailing how the Department of Motor Vehicles offer such a high level of service to the public. Having spent hours dealing with these helpful public servants, I can fully understand their desire to keep these tidbits confidential. If this policy were not in place I have no doubt their offices would be flooded by spies with cameras from other states wanting to rip off their mojo.

Riiiiiight....

rick_reno wrote in post #17138797
This "No Photos or Video" policy is in place because Kalifornia does not want other states stealing the secrets detailing how the Department of Motor Vehicles offer such a high level of service to the public. Having spent hours dealing with these helpful public servants, I can fully understand their desire to keep these tidbits confidential. If this policy were not in place I have no doubt their offices would be flooded by spies with cameras from other states wanting to rip off their mojo.

Nice... and accurate.

Though, I will say that once I actually did get stellar service.

mbellot wrote in post #17136445
When dealing with the mental midgets in public "service" it's easier to just walk away (unless you really have hours/days/weeks to piss away).

Legal, right or logic have no place in their arguments. Trying to reason with them will only aggravate and infuriate you further.

Yes, with this mindset dealing with public servants and others about whom you make similar assumptions must be a pure pain. In my experience starting with an assumption they may (or may not) turn out to be potential allies, listening carefully, staying calm and speaking slowly and respectfully most often works well.

AZGeorge wrote in post #17139199
Yes, with this mindset dealing with public servants and others about whom you make similar assumptions must be a pure pain. In my experience starting with an assumption they may (or may not) turn out to be potential allies, listening carefully, staying calm and speaking slowly and respectfully most often works well.

Yep. A hostile attitude is going to get a negative attitude in return. And a friendly one often helps a lot.

I've been dealing with the California DMV for more than 50 years, sometimes with complicated tasks such as lien sales. It used to be a terrible experience, but around 12-15 years ago they got the message and changed everything.

No more standing in line for an hour or more, they have chairs. I can make an appointment if I want to wait for a couple of weeks, but I've found checking their web site I can get an accurate picture of wait times at all the offices in my area and select the office and time accordingly. Last time I went to the DMV (no appointment) the wait was two minutes.

-js