5 Places Where it’s Illegal to Take Photos in Minnesota

I'm pretty sure I've taken a photo in all of these places. I know, I'm a criminal! But I bet most of us have taken a picture in at least one of the spots and most likely without knowing it was illegal to do so in Minnesota

Once we get into the locations, it'll be obvious why it's not allowed.

First, let's talk about the top spots for senior photos because one of the places on the list I found is actually one of the locations where it's illegal to take photos.

Top Places to Take Senior Photos

I found this list from a blog called Local Lens. In the post, they write about some of the top spots for senior photos. Those spots include "train tracks, rooftops with an urban skyline, an open field, next to a tree, and right on campus".

Can you pick out which one is the place you're not allowed to take pictures?

Places Where You Can't Take Pictures in Minnesota

Train Tracks

A very popular place for photos is also a dangerous place to photos, which is why it's illegal. As the rail safety education website Operation Lifesaver says, "No photo, video or selfie is worth the risk."

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Hospitals

Who has taken a selfie in a hospital gown? Or had someone take a picture of you recovering from surgery? Most people!

Don't worry, those pictures aren't illegal. It's the unwelcome pictures that are illegal according to Minnesota law. So basically, random people are not allowed to start taking pictures of you in the hospital. That seems fair.

Locker Rooms

Similar to the hospital situation. You want privacy in a locker room, therefore, it's illegal to take a picture in the locker room. I've definitely taken a picture with friends in middle school or high school in our locker room but everyone in the photo knew it was being taken and there was no one in the background or anything.

Fitting Rooms

The number of pictures my friends and I took in fitting rooms while trying on clothes in grade school is embarrassing. And yet it's another place where taking photos is illegal in Minnesota. That is if it's taken without approval. Like someone being gross and sneaking a camera under dressing room doors.

Restrooms

And finally, taking pictures in the restroom is also illegal. Another no-brainer when you think about it. But I also know I have a number of bathroom selfies taken in my time.

For all of these except the train tracks, they follow a general rule that Jane Kirtley, a professor of media law at the University of Minnesota explained to WCCO: "'it's any place where you'd have a reasonable expectation of privacy.'"

Those selfies you've taken with friends in these places or pictures of you recovering from surgery? As far as I'm aware those are totally fine because the people in the photo consented to it. No need to go delete that bathroom selfie from the last time you were out with your girlfriends.