A Guide On GPS Laws Of Different US States That Everyone Should Know

Mindfulness is a valuable commodity. GPS tracking solutions can provide you with the peace of mind that you are tracking your fleet and are almost always ready to aid your operators. GPS trackers are now an essential part of everyone’s life since their introduction in 1983. You can monitor your dear ones or valuable items with little investment and effort. As a result, people are dependent on them to provide 24/7 real-time surveillance for various purposes.

However, mindfulness isn’t the only benefit in store for trucking companies. GPS Technologies’ GPS tracking system has saved customers millions of dollars since 1988. GPS data aids in both theft prevention and recovery. GPS data powers telematics, which allows you to keep track of your drivers and their vehicles to anticipate and resolve issues before they disrupt on-time delivery. 

In this article, we will discuss A Guide On GPS Laws Of Different US States That Everyone Should Know. So stay with us till the end.

GPS Tracking Laws And The Legalities

Have you ever considered if GPS tracking is legal? Laws vary from one state to the next. Therefore, you should be familiar with the rules and regulations of each region before you start tracking. To know about GPS tracking laws “A  Guide On GPS Laws Of Different US States That Everyone Should Know” will help you.

GPS trackers have a variety of purposes. However, before doing so, you must consider whether it is legal in your area. Ensure that the GPS device is perfectly installed. In all states, drivers need to have clear visibility while driving. GPS units should not distract the driver. Although unlikely, the driver may get a ticket to use the GPS device while driving. Before beginning a run, operators must study their routes and program their devices.

Using GPS Trackers In Different Situations (Legally)

GPS trackers are a quick and easy way to keep track of your loved ones, vehicles, and assets. You can legally use them for a variety of purposes.

• Your teen child has recently begun driving, and you are concerned about their security. You can track their movements with a GPS tracker. In addition, you can monitor the vehicle’s speed.
• As a parent, you are always concerned about the safety of your school-going child until they return home. Using the GPS tracker, you can ensure they return home safely.
• Do you suspect your spouse of infidelity? You can install a GPS tracker on the vehicle to keep track of it. But keep in mind that you should be the registered keeper of the motor they are driving. Otherwise, seek the advice of a legal investigator or enforcement agency.
• What can derail your well-planned vacation? A misplaced suitcase. A real-time GPS tracker can help you secure your backpack.
• Are you concerned about the security of your assets on-site? When renting them, you can only rely on your client’s safety.

Although state laws differ in wording, the bottom line is as follows:

• It is legal to install GPS in a vehicle you own and use for personal purposes.
• You can legally install a GPS tracker in a car/truck that your employee uses – provided you are the owner. 
• It is typically legal to install GPS in a fleet vehicle you own but driven by a contractor.
• Also, it’s always almost illegal to use a GPS device to track another company’s assets.

With a real-time GPS tracker, you can forget about your worries and stay up-to-date on their whereabouts. 

• If you’re a private investigator, you might be wondering if you can use a GPS tracker to gather evidence for a client. Law enforcement uses GPS trackers to chase down fugitives and collect evidence.
• Want to reduce wasted fuel consumption in your fleet or organization? Track multiple cars and trucks on a single dashboard using a GPS tracker. You can limit vehicle idling, reckless driving, and unauthorized use in this manner.

Laws In Different States Of America That Are Related To GPS Trackers

GPS trackers are not subject to such stringent legislation in the United States. There are several references to them in various state statutes.

Let us go over them individually: 

Alabama

As per section 13A-11-32, a person who intentionally engages in surveillance while trespassing in a private area can be charged with “criminal surveillance.”

Alaska

In Alaska, it is illegal to install a device to observe, document, or photograph events occurring in someone’s home, vehicle, or workplace without permission. 

Furthermore, they go far beyond the scope of that person’s authorization. It becomes stalking in the second degree.

Arizona 

Stalking is the continuous use of a digital electronic device or GPS device without permission to monitor a particular individual for at least 12 hours.

Arkansas 

Not found. 

California

No GPS tracking device can determine the location of a person whose registration, lessee, or lessor does not match the vehicle. On the other hand, a law enforcement agency can use an electronic power steering device for legal purposes.

Colorado 

According to Bonnie’s law, stalking occurs when a person keeps another person under surveillance using electronic surveillance to learn the person’s whereabouts and exchanges information with the stalker either instantaneously or shortly after.

Connecticut 

A person may be charged with electronics stalking if they use a GPS device repeatedly and cause another person to fear for their physical safety.

Delaware

Installing an electronic tracking device on a moving vehicle without the approval of the registered proprietor, lessor, or lessee is a class A misdemeanor and a Class G felony. Exemptions to this law include law enforcement officers conducting lawful tracking and a parent or legal guardian.

District Of Columbia 

It is illegal to use GPS devices to identify others without permission.

 

Florida 

There is a fine for installing a GPS tracking device on another person’s vehicle without permission. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule.

Georgia 

Not found. 

Hawaii

If a person is stalking another individual with a GPS tracking device to harass, annoy, or alarm that person, that person is deemed guilty of stalking.

Idaho 

It is illegal to intercept or disclose any tracking device.

Illinois

It is not legal to use an electronic tracking device to determine the location of any person at any time.

Indiana

IC 35-33-5 authorizes using of an electronic tracking device to determine the location of another person or object for legal purposes.

Iowa

It is illegal in Iowa to place a GPS device on somebody without their consent.

Kansas

Not found. 

Kentucky

Under Chapter 456, “civil orders of protection,” a person must wear a GPS device system that does not interfere with their bodily integrity to determine their location.

Louisiana

Senate Bill 123 defines GPS as a personal electronic device that transmits latitude and longitude. However, it should not intrude on or violate a person’s integrity.

Maine

Stalking, according to the law, is a curse of action in which a person directly or indirectly follows, surveils, or examines a person without their consent to the point where they become concerned for their safety.

Maryland 

Unclear.

Massachusetts

Anyone who uses an electronic communication device to track or threaten another person faces up to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Michigan 

A stalker is someone who installs a tracking device on another person’s vehicle without their permission. They will also face a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Minnesota

It is illegal to use an electronic device, such as a tracking device, to track somebody without approval.

Mississippi

Stalking in the Mississippi law – is defined as an event in which someone uses an electronic tracking device to track another person when they begin to feel uneasy.

Missouri

Not found. 

Montana

In Montana, stalking means causing discomfort to another individual by using any electronic communication device, such as GPS.

Nebraska

For installing a tracking device, a court can issue a warrant.

Nevada

Nevada revised statute 179.451 permits tracking individuals and objects using a GPS device.

New Hampshire

Under Hampshire law, it is illegal for government agencies to install electronic tracking devices to provide civilian information without a court-issued warrant.

New Jersey 

Under Title 2A, New Jersey’s amended law, law enforcement agencies can use electronic devices to track the whereabouts of potential criminals. But they should have a legitimate purpose for it.

New Mexico

Under New Mexico law, if you use an electronic tracking device to track someone to hurt an unauthorized person, that person is a stalker.

New York 

It is illegal in New York to use an electronic tracking device to ascertain a person’s location without authorization.

North Carolina

Using electronic tracking devices without another person’s consent is illegal.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, stalking means the unauthorized tracking of a person’s location to the point where they become fearful or intimidated.

Ohio

It is illegal to install a monitoring device to track somebody without approval. 

Oklahoma

Ambiguous.

Oregon

You cannot track anyone using a GPS tracker without a court-issued warrant.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law requires anyone who wants to use a GPS tracker to obtain a written receipt from an investigator or law enforcement agency.

Rhode Island

It is illegal to install, conceal, or place a GPS tracking device on another person’s vehicle without permission.

South Carolina

If a person is caught using a GPS tracker to spy on someone, they will face penalties under Section 17-30-50.

South Dakota

A magistrate’s warrant is required to install a GPS device.

Tennessee

It is a crime to install, hide or install an electronic tracking device in a car without the owner’s permission.

Texas

It is illegal for anyone to install a GPS device on a motor vehicle when they’re not the owner or lessor.

Utah

It is legal to use a GPS tracking device to monitor someone for legitimate purposes.

Vermont

Unclear.

Virginia

If a person is caught using a tracking device to monitor somebody without their permission, they will face a penalty.

Washington 

One can use a GPS device to locate someone for a legitimate reason.

West Virginia

It is illegal to track someone without consent using an electronic GPS device.

Wisconsin

Stalking is a behavior in which someone uses a GPS unit to track somebody without their permission.

Wyoming

It is illegal to track someone without consent using an electronic GPS device.

Disagreements Over Tracker Misuse

• Elgin VS Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 2005 – In a 2005 case, an employee filed a lawsuit against their employer for tracking them after office hours. The decision was ruled in favor of the employer by the court. That’s because the owner of the vehicle was the employer’s organization. 
• Tubbs VS Wynn Transport 2007 – An employee brought a similar case to court. The employee claimed that the employer was tracking the company-owned vehicle he was driving without his permission. For the same reason, the court sided with the employer once more.
• United States VS Jones 2011 – An unusual case was brought in the court against the police for using a GPS tracker on the vehicle owned by a suspected drug trafficker. The rulings were against the law enforcement agency. Why? As the act was a violation of the fourth amendment of human rights. 
• United States VS Katzin 2013 – Police placed a GPS tracker on a suspect – leading to a lawsuit against them. The Katzin brothers were successful in court. Why? Because they violated the fourth amendment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a GPS tracker to monitor a spouse?

The legality of using a GPS tracker to monitor a spouse varies by state. In some states, it is legal as long as the vehicle being tracked is jointly owned, while in others it may be considered a violation of privacy or stalking.

Can employers use GPS trackers to monitor employees?

Employers can use GPS trackers to monitor employees, but they must notify employees of the tracking and the information collected must be used for legitimate business purposes.

Are there any restrictions on using GPS trackers on rental vehicles?

Some rental car companies may have restrictions on the use of GPS trackers, so it is important to check with the rental company before installing a GPS tracker on a rental vehicle.

Are there any restrictions on using GPS trackers on company-owned vehicles?

Employers can generally use GPS trackers on company-owned vehicles, but they must notify employees of the tracking and the information collected must be used for legitimate business purposes.

Can law enforcement use GPS trackers without a warrant?

The legality of using GPS trackers without a warrant varies by state and the circumstances of the case. In general, law enforcement must obtain a warrant before using a GPS tracker to monitor a suspect’s location.

Are there any restrictions on using GPS trackers on personal property?

The legality of using GPS trackers on personal property varies by state. In general, it is legal to use a GPS tracker on property that you own or have permission to monitor, but it may be considered a violation of privacy to use a GPS tracker on someone else’s property without their consent.

Conclusion 

As the preceding explanations show, there is no evident law regarding GPS trackers. Its use is subject to state-specific restrictions. 

However, there are some exceptions to such limitations. 

• You have jurisdiction over the individual, 
• you own the vehicle, 
• Or you have a court-issued warrant.

You can legally use a GPS tracker if any of the above apply to you. Furthermore, you are not subject to such laws if you want a tracking system for your asset or vehicle. Choose a dependable GPS tracker for peace of mind.