Nevada § 205.216 - Unlawful operation of audiovisual recording function in motion picture theater
Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 205.216 — Unlawful operation of audiovisual recording function in motion picture theater, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 205.216. Unlawful operation of audiovisual recording function in motion picture theater
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, it is unlawful for a person to, without
the consent of the owner or lessee of a motion picture theater, knowingly operate
an audiovisual recording function of any device in the motion picture theater with
the intent to record a motion picture that is being exhibited in that theater. 2. Unless a greater penalty is imposed by a specific statute, a person who violates
the provisions of subsection 1 is guilty of: (a) For a first offense, a misdemeanor; and (b) For a second or any subsequent offense, a category D felony and shall be punished
as provided in NRS 193.130 . 3. An owner or lessee of a motion picture theater and an authorized agent or employee
of an owner or lessee of a motion picture theater who has reason to believe that a
person has operated an audiovisual recording function of any device in the motion
picture theater in violation of subsection 1 may take the person into custody and
detain the person, on the premises of the motion picture theater, in a reasonable
manner and for a reasonable length of time, for the purpose of informing a peace officer
of the circumstances of such detention. The owner, lessee, agent or employee is presumed to have reason to believe that
a person has operated an audiovisual recording function of any device in violation
of subsection 1 if the owner, lessee, agent or employee observed the person aiming
the device at a screen or other surface while a motion picture was being exhibited
on the screen or other surface. Such taking into custody and detention by an owner, lessee, agent or employee does
not render the owner, lessee, agent or employee criminally or civilly liable for false
arrest, false imprisonment, slander or unlawful detention unless the taking into custody
and detention are unreasonable under all the circumstances. 4. An owner, lessee, agent or employee is not entitled to the immunity from liability
provided for in this section unless there is displayed in a conspicuous place on the
premises of the motion picture theater a notice in boldface type clearly legible and
in substantially the following form: It is a crime to record a movie in this theater. If the owner or lessee of the theater or an employee or agent of the owner or lessee
has reason to believe that a person is recording a movie in this theater, he or she
may detain the person on the premises of the theater for the purpose of notifying
a peace officer. Violators of this crime are subject to arrest and prosecution. NRS 205.216 . 5. This section does not prevent a federal, state or local governmental agency or
officer thereof who is engaged in any lawful activity related to an investigation,
protecting the public, enforcing the laws or gathering information from operating
any audiovisual recording function of any device in a motion picture theater as part
of that lawful activity. 6. As used in this section: (a) “Audiovisual recording function” means a function which is capable of recording
or transmitting a motion picture or any part thereof by means of any technology now
known or later developed. (b) “Motion picture theater” means a movie theater, screening room or other venue
that is used primarily for the exhibition of a motion picture.
Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 205.216
What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 205.216 cover?
Section 205.216 ("Unlawful operation of audiovisual recording function in motion picture theater") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nevada § 205.216?
A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 205.216" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nevada law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.
How does Nevada § 205.216 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.