Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§2278b Photographing, Etc., of Commission Installations; Penalty

Title 42 › CHAPTER 23 — DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL OF ATOMIC ENERGY › SUBCHAPTER XVII — ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER › § 2278b

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

You must get permission from the Commission before taking photos, sketches, maps, or any similar pictures of certain sites or equipment on property the Commission controls, when the President has said those items need protection for defense and security. You must also give the pictures to the Commission right away for inspection or other action. You may not use an aircraft or any flying device to make those images unless the Commission allows it. Breaking these rules can lead to a fine up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §2278b

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

It shall be an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both—

(1)to make any photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map or graphical representation, while present on property subject to the jurisdiction, administration or in the custody of the Commission, of any installations or equipment designated by the President as requiring protection against the general dissemination of information relative thereto, in the interest of the common defense and security, without first obtaining the permission of the Commission, and promptly submitting the product obtained to the Commission for inspection or such other action as may be deemed necessary; or

(2)to use or permit the use of an aircraft or any contrivance used, or designed for navigation or flight in air, for the purpose of making a photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map or graphical representation of any installation or equipment designated by the President as provided in the preceding paragraph, unless authorized by the Commission.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 2278b

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102