Can You Film Inside NYC Transit?

Filming throughout New York City is commonly regulated by the various entities responsible for the land or facilities from which the film takes place. Depending on where you’re at, you may require a permit from the city. Or from the individual property owner or regulator in order to film legally in NYC. While filming is permitted in most areas, many wonder. Can you film inside NYC transit? And, if you can film inside the subway…What kind of rules are filmmakers required to follow?

Filming Inside NYC Transit

NYC transit subway systems are property of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Which represents North America’s largest transportation network. And serves a population of more than 15 million people across more than 5,000 square miles.

Filming on MTA property, such as the NYC transit, has taken place for more than 100 years. But how?

Shooting within the NYC subway transit system generally requires filmmakers to handheld equipment. Which does NOT include tripods, reflectors, lighting or other ancillary equipment in their filmmaking.

Thus, legal filmmaking in the subway system is possible, however some subsections of the NYC transit rules may be interpreted otherwise.

The NYCRR

For instance, Section 1050.9 of the NYC Transit Rules of Conduct states also that regulations allow this rule to be overridden. Such as in 21 NYCRR 1050.6 which under “Use of the Transit System” directly prohibits commercial activity, and non transit use of facilities.

Where non transit use is broadly defined as “non commercial activities that are not directly related to the use of a facility or conveyance for transportation purposes.”

Further, section 1050.9g states that “no person may carry or bring to any facility any item that constitutes a hazard to operation or interferes with passenger traffic.”

So, can you film inside NYC transit? Based on the unique wording of the statutes that govern transit rules and regulations. Which could be interpreted in various ways.

Filming could or could not be a violation of the transit rules. It all kind of depends on who you’re dealing with and what you’re doing.

Tips for Safely Filming Inside NYC Transit

Now that you know that the rules of NYC transit could very well be determined in a few different ways. Which may or may not make it acceptable to film inside the NYC transit. How about some tips for safely filming inside the NYC transit without any trouble or hassle?

Many filmmakers have found ways to film inside the transit. And without any real trouble or problems. Because the rules can be interpreted in different ways. It’s up to the discretion of the officer that catches you filming.

It is possible to film without trouble as long as you’re not trespassing. And you’re not creating any kind of hazard, danger, or added work for law enforcement as a result of your filming. 

Be Prepared

Naturally, an officer would be more inclined to write you a ticket. Maybe interpret the rules of the NYC transit statutes against you if you’re causing any kind of disturbance. Or if you’re distracting subway workers. Or if you’re creating any kind of hazard to the operation.

If you’re not doing any of that, you can likely film inside the NYC transit without any major repercussions or fault. Just be prepared for the potential that rules could be misinterpreted against your favor in either case.