Rhode Island § 11-65-2 - Unlawful Operation of a Recording Device
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-65-2 — Unlawful Operation of a Recording Device, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-65-2. Unlawful Operation of a Recording Device
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-65-2
§ 11-65-2. Unlawful operation of a recording device.
(a) Any person who knowingly operates the audiovisual recording function of any device in a motion picture theater, while a motion picture is being exhibited with the intention of recording the movie or picture being played, and without the consent of the motion picture theater owner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) A person found guilty of the crime of unlawful operation of a recording device shall be imprisoned for not more than one year, or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the operation of an audiovisual recording function of a device by any authorized employee or agent of a local, state or federal law enforcement agency while such employee or agent is engaged in authorized investigative, protective, law enforcement or intelligence gathering activities.
(d) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution of a person under any other provision of the general statutes.
(e) Any person reasonably believed to have committed or to be committing the crime of unlawful operation of a recording device as defined in § 11-65-2 shall be subject to detention by a police officer in accordance with § 12-7-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 164, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-65-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-65-2 cover?
Section 11-65-2 ("Unlawful Operation of a Recording Device") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 11-65-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-65-2" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 11-65-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.