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Auto shows bring together car lovers, families, and photographers under one roof. Visitors walk in expecting to admire new models, but many aim to capture the moment with selfies inside the cars. Some booths welcome that, while others set strict limits.
The answer depends on the event, the type of car, and the rules in place. Knowing how access works makes the difference between a great photo and being told to step away. Every show runs on a mix of promotion, crowd control, and vehicle safety.
Are Selfies Inside Cars Allowed at Auto Shows
Selfies inside cars are often allowed at auto shows, but not universally. The decision comes down to the organizers and the type of car on display. Some vehicles are meant for full interaction, while others are strictly visual. Every major show includes clear signs or staff to indicate which cars are open to the public.
Real Event Examples
At the 2024 New York International Auto Show, several manufacturers like Ford and Toyota allowed visitors to enter select models and take interior photos. High-end concept models such as the Genesis X Convertible were fully closed off with security ropes and no-photo signs. The Chicago Auto Show also designated “ride and drive” zones where attendees could sit, snap photos, and even test drive certain models on site.
Some Shows Use an iPad Photo Booth App for Controlled Access
Auto shows with high attendance often turn to digital tools to manage selfie traffic. One common feature is an iPad photo booth app set up near high-end models. Guests stand in a marked spot, tap the screen, and get a timed selfie without needing to touch the car. Organizers at the 2023 LA Auto Show used this method near the Lucid Motors booth, keeping things orderly while letting people walk away with branded, high-quality photos.
How to Know Which Cars You Can Enter
You can tell which cars are open for selfies by looking for specific cues around each display. Most open-access vehicles will have doors unlocked, signage that invites visitors to sit inside, or a representative encouraging interaction. On the other hand, vehicles surrounded by barriers or guards are off-limits for entry.
Look for These Signs
- Open doors with “Please Sit Inside” or similar text
- A step platform beside the car with no barrier
- Staff giving direct permission to enter
- Visible lack of ropes or tape around the car
Auto shows like SEMA in Las Vegas usually include a mix of accessible and restricted vehicles. Aftermarket brands often welcome visitors into custom builds, while major automakers restrict entry to unreleased prototypes.
Always Ask Before Getting Inside
Even if a car appears open, asking permission is the best move. Staff members are stationed for a reason, and they will always clarify what is allowed. Asking also avoids conflict with owners, especially at shows featuring privately owned or collector vehicles.
Why Asking Matters
At events like Monterey Car Week, privately owned classics often look accessible but are not. One incident in 2022 involved a showgoer who sat in a vintage Aston Martin DB5 without asking. Staff intervened quickly, and the individual was escorted out of the exhibit hall. Asking takes five seconds and prevents real problems.
Rules for Touching Interiors and Controls
@civicky This is really getting out of hand. Touching cars at carshows is really not acceptable in 2024 🥲 #carshow #cars ♬ Funny Song – Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones & Sounds Reel
Once inside an approved display car, keep your interaction limited. Hands off the steering wheel, gearshift, buttons, and screens unless a staff member gives direct permission. Many cars include non-functional controls or mock interiors designed only for sitting.
Collectors and manufacturers report frequent damage caused by careless visitors who twist knobs or yank handles. At the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a limited-edition Ferrari interior was damaged after someone leaned on the dash to take a group selfie. Insurance covered the repair, but access was restricted for the rest of the day.
Common courtesy keeps everyone happy. Sit respectfully, take the photo, and exit without poking around.
Photography Etiquette Around Display Vehicles
Even outside the car, photo behavior still matters. Blocking the space for extended selfies, using harsh flash, or climbing near the hood for an angle all draw negative attention. Professional photographers and other guests need access too.
Tripods are usually restricted unless press credentials are granted. Auto show staff often ask visitors to limit time spent in prime spots, especially near highly anticipated models. At the Geneva Motor Show, security routinely rotates visitors through the high-demand EV concept zone to prevent crowd backups.
Keep your phone ready, step in fast, take the shot, and move. It helps the entire crowd get a chance.
Why Some Cars Are Off Limits
Concept cars, unreleased models, and high-value collectibles are usually off limits for selfies or entry. These vehicles represent massive investment and often sit under strict agreements with manufacturers. Some are prototypes with no finished interior.
At the Tokyo Auto Salon, concept vehicles were placed behind thick acrylic panels. No one could touch them, let alone step inside. Security rotated in shifts to prevent any tampering, and photos were only allowed at a distance.
When a car is roped off or covered, respect the boundary.
Staff Instructions and Event Policies
Event staff have the final say on access and photo rules. Their job includes crowd management, protecting vehicles, and enforcing show policies. Ignoring their directions often leads to removal or restrictions on re-entry.
Most major shows publish visitor rules in advance, including what gear is allowed and which areas prohibit flash or close-up shots. CES in Las Vegas clearly marks photography zones and has a posted code of conduct. Staff are trained to repeat these guidelines and step in when boundaries get ignored.
Always listen to staff. They know the access level for each vehicle and can save you from making a mistake.
Smart Tips for Safe and Respectful Selfies
A few smart moves can help you enjoy auto shows without problems. Use your own phone, not someone else’s expensive camera. Take quick, clear shots and avoid crowding others in high-traffic zones. Keep bags close to your body to avoid bumping cars or other visitors.
Never set objects on the car, including purses, drinks, or equipment. At Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, one person scratched a luxury SUV hood by placing their camera bag on it. Incidents like that spread fast among staff and ruin the experience for everyone.
Move with awareness, stay polite, and leave no marks.
Last Words
Auto shows offer the perfect setting to capture memories, but respect always comes first. Taking selfies inside cars can be a fun part of the experience, but only when done with care, clarity, and consideration. Access is a privilege, not a given.
Follow posted rules, ask before stepping in, and treat every vehicle like it belongs to someone else.
