When a Neighbor’s Security Camera Crosses the Line: What Montana Law Says

I’m the kind of person who dreads confrontation. I’ll wave from across the fence, smile at the mailbox, and keep things polite and neighborly. But recently, I had to have a very uncomfortable conversation and honestly, it was overdue.

I noticed it a few weeks ago. Every time I stepped onto my back deck, my neighbor’s security camera moved. Not just moved, it swiveled, pointed, and then started recording.  I’m all for home security- we've got several cameras ourselves because in this day and age, it makes total sense to want to protect your home and property. But this camera wasn’t pointed at their driveway, door, or yard. It was aimed straight at mine. Like, zero privacy level aimed.

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At first, I told myself I was imagining things. I even tried changing the time I used my deck. But every single time, there it was. That slow mechanical turn and that little light flicking on. It started feeling less like security and more like surveillance. So, I took a deep breath, mustered up all my courage, and decided it was time for a talk.

I walked over, knocked on the door, and explained the situation as calmly as I could. I let them know that while I totally support their right to protect their home, the angle of their camera was making me feel uncomfortable in my own backyard. I didn’t yell, accuse, or make demands. I just explained how it felt to constantly be recorded while on my own property.

To their credit, they were surprisingly receptive. They admitted they hadn’t realized how intrusive it came across and agreed to readjust the camera.

Montana Privacy Laws

For anyone else who might be in a similar spot, Montana actually does have privacy laws. According to Montana Code 45–5–223, while you can absolutely install security cameras around your home, you can’t point them where they violate someone else’s reasonable expectation of privacy.

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The law uses the phrase “surreptitious visual observation or recordation.” Basically, if you're secretly recording someone where they should feel private, like in their yard, windows, or on their deck, you could be crossing a legal line.

Common Sense Should Be the Starting Point

Whether or not the law is involved, it really comes down to basic respect. Security cameras are great. But just because you can point one somewhere doesn't always mean you should. If your camera captures more of your neighbor’s life than your own front door, it might be time to rethink the setup.

A Lesson in Speaking Up

I didn’t want to have that conversation. But I’m glad I did. It turned out to be easier and more productive than I expected and now, I can sip coffee on my deck without feeling like I’m in some sort of neighborhood reality show.

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If you ever find yourself in the same situation know your rights, trust your gut, and remember, it’s okay to speak up for your own peace of mind but when you do speak up, be polite about it.