Tripod restrictions NYC/NY state parks 2009

Boy it sure seems that the boots of the anti-photo Gestapo are pounding harder and harder each day. Luckily in Belgium there aren't stupid laws like that, you may photograph wherever you want with whatever you want if you are on public grounds. Only exception is certain zones in the harbor (because they are under lease of companies) and train stations (although it's not very enforced since it's all about an old law from 1913 against spying, pretty outdated nowadays). Last week I was photographing a cokes factory in the French speaking part of Belgium and I was approached by 2 cops on motorcycle. After the usual ID check they told me it was forbidden to take photographs of industrial site. So I told them I was on public property and that I may photograph whatever the hell I wanted. So they started to look in the lawbooks they carry with them and after a few minutes standing there looking in the books they packed things up, said "have a good day" and left. they couldn't find a thing against photographing industrial sites.

Same here in the northern bit of the Low Countries, across the border from Uncle Goose: the only restriction is that you may not cause an obstruction in a public place. (Without having a permit that says you can, that is.)
Putting up a tripod in itself is not causing an obstruction. People have to start falling over it, with no other choice left, before it is.
On private property (including musea, churches, and what have you) the rules are set by the owner, of course.
I have yet to come across a privately owned bit of land (i hesitate to use the word "nature", since we have no such thing in our country. Everything is 'managed landscape' at best), opened to the public, that has a tripod or photography ban.

That's why I always get a permit, even if my shoot is not commercial in nature. It's free, same day and when anyone 'in authority' approaches, I pull that out and they walk away. Total 'hassle' = 1 minute. I don't have the patience to go through the hoops whether it's 'right' or not.

Regards, Art.

A free NYC tripod permit doesn't apply, however, if you happen to be shooting in a State Park.