In the era of smartphones and social networks, the question of the legality of filming in public places is becoming increasingly relevant. The metro is one of the most visited places in large cities, where millions of shots are recorded every day: from selfies in front of beautiful stations to video blogs about city life. However, not everyone knows that the rules for filming in the metro are strictly regulated, and their violation may result in a fine or even criminal liability.

In this article we will figure out Is it possible to shoot video and take photographs in the subway in 2026, what laws govern this process, where special restrictions apply, and what to do if you are stopped by security or police officers. Let us separately dwell on the nuances for professional filming, the use of drones and publishing materials on the Internet - these points often become the cause of conflicts.

Spoiler: Filming in the subway is not completely prohibited, but requires compliance with strict rules - from the absence of flash to approval from the administration for commercial projects. Ignoring these norms can cost from 1,000 to 50,000 rubles in a fine or even a real sentence for distributing extremist content.

Legislative framework: what standards regulate filming in the subway

There is no single law in Russia that would directly prohibit or allow filming in the metro. However, there are several regulations that indirectly or directly regulate this process:

  • 📜 Federal Law No. 395-FZ "On the safety of transport infrastructure facilities" - classifies the metro as critical facilities, where security measures have been strengthened.
  • 📜 Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO), art. 20.1 (“Petty hooliganism”) and Art. 20.2 (“Violation of the procedure for organizing or holding meetings, rallies...”) - can be used when filming that interferes with other passengers.
  • 📜 Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1158 — establishes rules of conduct on transport, including a ban on actions that pose a threat to safety.
  • 📜 Local acts of subways (for example, Rules for using the Moscow metro) - often contain direct prohibitions on professional photography without approval.

It is important to understand that The metro is not just transport, but an object of increased danger. The same restrictions apply here as at airports or train stations: you cannot photograph inspection areas, security posts, technical rooms and service areas. Even if you are just taking a photo of the beautiful interior of the station, if a security camera or a uniformed employee is caught in the frame, this could be considered a violation.

Particular attention is paid filming using drones. According to Art. 11.4 of the Air Code of the Russian Federation, launching drones within the city without permission is prohibited, and in the metro this is classified as a gross violation of security. Fines for such an offense reach 50,000 rubles for individuals.

📊Have you ever shot a video or taken photos on the subway?
Yes, often
Yes, but rarely
No, I'm afraid to break the rules
No, I don't see the point

Where can you take pictures on the subway and where is it absolutely forbidden?

The Metro is conventionally divided into zones with different levels of permissible filming. Below is a table that will help you figure out where you can take pictures without risk, and where it’s better to put the camera away:

Metro area Is filming allowed? Limitations and risks
Lobbies and ticket halls ✅ Yes You cannot film queues, conflicts, or employees without consent. Flash prohibited.
Escalators ⚠️ Conditional You can film the interior, but you can't block traffic. Filming people without consent is a risk of conflict.
Platforms and platforms ✅ Yes, with reservations It is prohibited to film tracks, signal systems, and metro employees. Professional filming requires approval.
Trains (inside carriages) ✅ Yes Do not disturb passengers or use tripods or lighting equipment. Filming people without consent may lead to complaints.
Technical rooms, tunnels, depots ❌ No Filming in these areas is considered a security violation. It is possible to initiate a criminal case.

Particular care should be taken when filming office premises and metro employees. Even if you are photographing the beautiful interior of a station, but a security post or surveillance camera accidentally appears in the frame, this may be regarded as an attempt to disclose security measures. In such cases, employees have the right to request removal of materials.

One more nuance - shooting during rush hour. At this time, any photograph or video may be perceived as an obstacle to the movement of passengers. If you block the passage or create a crowd of people, security has the right to demand that you stop filming, even if you do not violate other rules.

⚠️ Attention: If you shoot with a professional camera (with a lens, external microphone or tripod), this automatically equates to commercial shooting. Without permission from the metro administration, such actions are prohibited and may result in a fine of up to 30,000 rubles.

Professional photography: how to get permission

If you are planning commercial shooting (for a film, advertising, photo shoot), it is impossible to do without the approval of the metro administration. The process of obtaining permission can take from several days to a month, so it is better to do this in advance.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to legalize professional photography:

  1. Decide on locations. Make a list of stations and areas where you plan to film. Please note that some stations (for example, with memorial status) may be closed for filming.
  2. Prepare a package of documents:
    • 📄 Application addressed to the director of the metro (a sample can be requested from the press service).
    • 📄 Script or storyboard of the shooting (what, where and how it will be filmed).
    • 📄 Copies of passports of film crew members.
    • 📄 Agreement with the customer (if the shooting is commercial).
  • Pay the fee. The cost of a permit varies from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles depending on the scale of shooting and the number of locations.
  • Agree on a date and time. Filming is usually allowed during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
  • Get a pass. Each member of the film crew must have permission and a passport.

    • Important: even with permission, you must comply with additional rules:

    • 🚫 Do not block the movement of passengers.
    • 🚫 Do not use pyrotechnics, smoke machines or other special effects.
    • 🚫 Do not film in a format that may be perceived as a threat (for example, simulating a terrorist attack).

    Have all locations been approved by the administration?

    Does each team member have a pass|

    Has the shooting fee been paid?

    Is the equipment prepared (without tripods and lighting)|

    Is there any backup time in case of delays-->

    If you are filming for social networks (for example, TikTok or YouTube), but without a commercial purpose, theoretically you can do without permission. However, if your content gains great popularity or is monetized, the metro may file claims for unauthorized filming. It is better to clarify the nuances with the press service.

    ⚠️ Attention: Shooting in the subway using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is strictly prohibited, even with permission for ground photography. Launching a drone in tunnels or at stations is classified as creating an emergency situation and is punishable under Art. 11.4 of the Air Code of the Russian Federation.

    Filming people in the subway: what the law says about the right to privacy

    One of the most controversial issues is Is it possible to film other passengers without their consent?. From a legal point of view, two rights intersect here:

    • 📸 Right to creative freedom (Article 44 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
    • 🔒 Right to privacy (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).

    Default filming in a public place (which includes the metro) does not require the consent of people included in the frame if:

    • 👥 They are not the main subject of shooting (for example, you take a photo of a station, and people just pass by).
    • 📢 Materials are not used for commercial or defamatory purposes.
    • 🚫 There are no signs of hidden shooting (for example, the camera is disguised as another object).

    However, if a person becomes central object of your frame (for example, you are shooting a portrait or interview), his consent is required. Without it, publication of such material may be regarded as a violation of Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of privacy”), which threatens a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor.

    You should be especially careful when filming children. Even if a child is just playing on the platform, publishing his photo without parental consent can lead to legal action. In 2023, there was a precedent in Moscow when a blogger paid a fine 50,000 rubles for a video of children in the subway, filmed without the permission of their parents.

    💡

    If you're filming on the subway and strangers appear in the frame, make the shots as neutral as possible: avoid close-ups, blur faces in post-processing, or use the "blur" function for faces in the video. This will reduce the risk of claims.

    Fines and liability for violating filming rules

    The punishment for unauthorized or prohibited filming in the metro depends on the severity of the violation. Here are the main types of responsibility:

    Type of violation Article of law Fine/punishment
    Filming in technical areas or on tracks Art. 20.1 Code of Administrative Offenses (petty hooliganism) or Art. 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (promotion of terrorism) From 1,000 to 50,000 rubles or arrest for up to 15 days
    Professional filming without permission Art. 20.2 Code of Administrative Offenses (violation of the procedure for conducting events) From 10,000 to 30,000 rubles
    Drone photography Art. 11.4 Air Code of the Russian Federation From 20,000 to 50,000 rubles
    Publishing photos of people without consent Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of privacy) Fine up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor
    Filming that interferes with passenger traffic Art. 20.1 Code of Administrative Offenses (petty hooliganism) From 500 to 2,500 rubles

    The most common case is when metro security asks you to delete photos or videos. By law they have no right seize your device or forcefully erase files, but they can:

    • 📋 Draw up a violation protocol.
    • 🚔 Transfer the material to the local police officer or the police.
    • 🚫 Prohibit you from further filming in the metro area.

    If you are accused of a violation, do not give in to provocations:

    • 🗣️ Politely explain that you did not break the rules (if that is the case).
    • 📱 Do not give away your phone without a protocol.
    • 📝 Demand to present the document on the basis of which you are accused.
    • 📞 If there are threats of detention, call the metro hotline or the on-duty lawyer.
    💡

    Even if you are accused of violating, remember: metro security does not have the right to seize your equipment or forcefully delete files. All actions must be recorded in a protocol, which you have the right to appeal.

    What to do if your rights have been violated: algorithm of actions

    Situations where passengers or bloggers are wrongfully accused of violating filming rules happen regularly. If you are sure that you did not break the law, but they stopped you or are trying to fine you, follow the following algorithm:

    1. Stay calm. Do not enter into conflict, but also do not submit to illegal demands (for example, erasing photographs).
    2. Specify the reason for the complaint. Ask exactly what rule you violated and ask to see the document where this is stated.
    3. Capture everything on video. Turn on the recording on your phone (not discreetly!) and behave correctly. This will help in case of an appeal.
    4. Do not sign protocols under pressure. You have the right to familiarize yourself with the document, make amendments and indicate your vision of the situation.
    5. Request the presence of witnesses. If a protocol is drawn up, by law there must be independent witnesses.
    6. Appeal illegal actions. A complaint can be submitted to the metro website, to the prosecutor's office or through the Dobrodel portal.

    If you are accused of photography of transport infrastructure objects (for example, tracks or signal systems), specify what you photographed. Security guards often confuse regular footage with “disclosure of security measures.” In this case, you can refer to Letter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 1/7764 of 2018, which clarifies that filming public places is not a violation if it does not contain signs of extremism or a threat to security.

    If the conflict occurred due to filming metro employees, remind them that their uniform is not a state symbol, and they themselves are not officials within the meaning of the law (unless they present an ID). Filming in a public place is permitted as long as it does not interfere with their work.

    Example of a complaint about illegal actions of metro security

    “I ask you to consider my complaint about the unlawful actions of security officers at the station [name] dated [date]. I was accused of violating the rules of filming, although I photographed the interior of the station without using a flash or professional equipment. Requests to delete photographs are illegal, since filming in public places is permitted by Article 44 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. I ask you to conduct an inspection and evaluate the actions of the employees. I am attaching a video recording of the incident.”

    Filming in the subway for social networks: rules for bloggers and tiktokers

    Short video boom TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts led to the metro becoming one of the most popular locations for content. However, not all bloggers know that even “harmless” videos can violate the rules. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

    • 🎥 No tripods or monopods. Any equipment that takes up space or interferes with passengers is prohibited.
    • 🔦 No flash. It can distract the driver or cause an epileptic attack in passengers.
    • 👥 Without filming people point-blank. Taking close-ups of strangers without consent is a risk of having your account blocked for violating community rules.
    • 🚇 No simulation of dangerous situations. Videos in the style of “I’m stuck in the subway” or “the train is traveling without a driver” can be regarded as misinformation.
    • 💰 No hidden advertising. If you are filming branded content (for example, with a company logo), this is considered commercial filming and requires permission.

    Particular attention is paid challenges. For example, in 2023, the “kiss on the escalator” challenge was banned in the Moscow metro due to the risk of injury. Participation in such actions can result not only in a fine, but also in a lawsuit from the metro.

    If you monetize content filmed in the metro, theoretically the metro could make claims for the use of its brand (logos, corporate station design). In practice, such cases are rare, but if the video gets millions of views, the risk increases. To avoid problems, you can:

    • 📌 Indicate in the description that the shooting has been agreed upon (even if this is not the case - many bloggers do this).
    • 📌 Blur subway logos in post-processing.
    • 📌 Do not use phrases like “official metro video” in titles.

    ❌ Filming while the train is moving (risk of falling and injury).

    ❌ Use of a selfie stick (can be considered professional equipment).

    ❌ Publishing videos with recognizable faces of strangers without blurring.

    ❌ Filming in carriages with open doors (prohibited by safety rules).-->

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about filming in the subway

    Is it possible to take pictures with your phone on the subway without permission?

    Yes, Photography with a smartphone for personal purposes is permitted, if you do not use a flash, do not disturb passengers and do not photograph prohibited areas (paths, technical rooms). However, professional equipment or filming for commercial purposes requires approval.

    What happens if I get caught filming in a tunnel?

    Filming in tunnels, technical rooms or on tracks qualifies as violation of transport infrastructure security. The fine can be up to 50,000 rubles, and in some cases - criminal liability under Art. 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Promotion of terrorist activities").

    Is it possible to post photos of people on the subway on Instagram?

    It is possible if people are not the main subject of shooting. For example, if you are taking a photo of a station and people are just passing by, that is acceptable. But if you're taking a portrait or close-up of a stranger, consent required. Otherwise, a person may sue for violation of the right to privacy (Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

    Do I need to coordinate filming for a YouTube blog?

    If your blog is non-commercial (no advertising, sponsorship or monetization), theoretically you can do without approval. However, if you are using professional equipment (camera, microphone, tripod) or filming in a format that may disturb passengers, permission is required. Otherwise, the fine is up to 30,000 rubles.

    Can they confiscate my phone for taking pictures on the subway?

    No, security has no right to seize your device. The maximum is to draw up a report and transfer the material to the police. If you are forced to delete photos or give up your phone, demand to see documents and record the incident on video. Such actions can be appealed through the prosecutor's office.