Section 653z.
Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 653z.
in effect(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: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026