GPS Laws By State: Your Definitive Guide

Are you a motorist interested in learning more about GPS laws by the state? Have you ever wondered if there are different rules governing the use of GPS navigators inside your vehicle in various states across America?

This guide is here to provide a comprehensive overview of all things relating to GPS tracking and relevant laws by state. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive right in!

Is GPS Tracking Legal?

GPS trackers’ legality varies depending on the local laws and the state where you live. Generally, most states allow individuals to install a GPS device in a personal car, truck, or other vehicle as long as they own it. However, some states have stricter laws requiring notification or explicit permission from the person before installation. Additionally, certain limitations may be when tracking vehicles used by businesses or other entities.

Tracking someone’s location on Google Map

Different Situations Where It Is Legal To Use GPS Trackers

When tracking children, GPS trackers are legal as long as they ensure their safety and well-being. Parents may use it to monitor the route taken by their kids to and from school.
Tracking vehicles is also a legal way of using GPS trackers since it allows parents to ensure that their adolescent drivers are not speeding and adhering to the rules of the road.

You can use real-time GPS trackers for personal belongings such as suitcases or backpacks. It will help reduce the chances of them getting lost during a vacation.
GPS trackers can monitor partners in cases where there are suspicions of infidelity.
Lastly, real-time GPS trackers can secure on-site assets rented out or entrusted to others. It allows owners or renters to keep a close eye on their valuable items without having to constantly check up on them themselves.

Tracking people’s whereabouts

Whilst the US does not have a strict legal framework surrounding GPS trackers, we could find several mentions in various state statutes. Let’s discuss each one individually:

Alabama

As per Section 13A-11-32 outlines that anyone who intentionally engages in surveillance while trespassing on private property will face prosecution for ‘criminal surveillance’.

Alaska

In Alaska, if someone unlawfully spies on events occurring on private property without the resident’s consent or authorization, they will be considered stalking in the second degree. Installing devices to observe, record, and take photos of these scenarios is illegal.

Arizona

When someone utilizes digital electronics or GPS technology to clandestinely monitor another person without consent and continues this activity for 12 hours or more, the court will classify them as a stalker.

California

Unauthorized individuals cannot utilize a GPS tracking device to identify another person’s whereabouts. On the other hand, law enforcement agencies may use an electronic power steering device for legitimate purposes.

California on the map of the USA

Colorado

If someone uses electronic surveillance to track another person and shares their whereabouts, the court will firmly sanction them for stalking.

Connecticut

Any individual that uses a GPS to intimidate and scare another, thus inducing fear in the latter’s safety and security, is liable for electronic stalking.

Delaware

If an individual installs a tracking device on someone else’s car without authorization, they will be convicted of Class A misdemeanor and Class G privacy violation. Exceptions to this rule include law enforcement agencies for legitimate monitoring purposes, as well as parents or legal guardians.

District of Columbia

It is prohibited by law for an individual to utilize a GPS device without consent to pinpoint someone else’s exact location.

Florida

Installing a tracking device on someone else’s vehicle without their consent carries the consequence of paying a fine. Nevertheless, there are various instances where this is permissible by law.

Hawai

If somebody intentionally uses a GPS tracker to stalk or harass another person, they will be guilty of stalking and will face the consequences.

Idaho

The unauthorized interception or access of any tracking device is strictly illegal.

Illinois

It is illegal to use electronics, such as tracking devices, to pinpoint the exact whereabouts of any individual.

Indiana

According to IC 35-33-5, it is permissible for individuals to utilize an electronic tracking device to identify the location of another person or object with a legitimate purpose.

Iowa

In Iowa, it is a criminal offense to place a GPS device on someone’s property or vehicle without their knowledge and consent.

Kentucky

As stated in Chapter 456 of the Civil Orders of Protection Device, individuals can wear GPS devices to trace their whereabouts while respecting their physical autonomy.

Louisiana

Senate Bill 123 clearly outlines that GPS technology can be a useful tool to transmit an individual’s latitude and longitude. Yet it should not infringe on the person’s right to privacy or autonomy.

Maine

Stalking, as per legal definition, is when an individual intentionally and repeatedly follows or monitors another person without their consent. It can be a frightening experience that leaves many feeling unsafe.

Massachusetts

Utilizing an electronic communication device to harass or intimidate another person is punishable by up to five years in prison, as well as a fine of $1,000.

Michigan

Committing the crime of tracking another person’s vehicle without his/her consent is a form of stalking, and it carries serious consequences. Offenders are subject to one year in jail and fines of up to 1,000 dollars.

Minnesota

Without consent, it is illegal to use any tracking technology to monitor the moves of another individual.

Mississippi

According to Mississippi law, stalking is using an electronic tracking device on another individual that causes them distress or anxiety.

Montana

Stalking is an illegal act whereby a person purposefully and persistently intimidates or harasses another individual through the use of digital devices, such as GPS.

Nebraska

If a person has installed a tracking device, the court may issue them with an arrest warrant.

Nevada

Nevada’s Revised Statute 179.451 legally permits citizens to place a tracking device to keep track of an individual or object’s location.

New Hampshire

Hampshire’s laws stipulate that no governmental organization can install an electronic device to monitor any individual’s data without a warrant acquired through the court system.

New Jersey

The New Jersey Revised Statutes, Title 2A, specifies that law enforcement can carry out electronic tracking of individuals they deem to be potential suspects in criminal acts. In order for this to occur lawfully and without penalty, they must possess a reasonable basis as justification.

New Mexico

In the State of New Mexico, it is illegal to use any type of electronic surveillance system, such as cameras or recording devices, without first obtaining authorization from those who you will track.

New York

The state of New York has a strict policy against using electronic tracking devices to pinpoint someone’s location without explicit permission.

Map with a pinpoint of new york in the USA

North Carolina

It is illegal for an individual to employ a tracking device without the consent of another person—and this includes electronic methods.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, stalking is the illegal tracking of someone’s movements that causes them to feel frightened or harassed. Such activities are punishable by law in the state.

Ohio

Ohio’s laws strictly prohibit the installation of any tracking device on an individual without their explicit consent.

Oklahoma

While it is technically legal to monitor someone else’s car, clandestinely tracking a vehicle with GPS without their knowledge or consent is not legal.

Oregon

Unless a court has granted permission, no one is legally allowed to track someone with a GPS tracker.

Pennsylvania

If you live in Pennsylvania and want to use a GPS tracker, you must first get permission from the police or a licensed private investigator. You should get this authorization approved before use.

Rhode Island

Putting a GPS tracking device on someone else’s car without their permission is against the law and could get you sent to jail. Therefore, it is important to refrain from such activity.

South Carolina

According to Section 17-30-50, anyone utilizing a GPS tracking device to monitor another individual’s travels will face appropriate penalties.

South Dakota

A magistrate’s warrant is essential for the installation of any GPS device.

Tennessee

It is a punishable crime to unlawfully install, hide or place an electronic tracking device on any motor vehicle without the consent of its owner.

Texas

Illegal in Texas, installing a GPS tracker on someone else’s vehicle without the owner’s consent is strictly prohibited.

Utah

In Utah, using an electronic tracking device to monitor someone is legal when done for a legal purpose.

Vermont

Ambiguous.

Virginia

Any person found using a GPS device to track another without their knowledge will be prone to severe penalties.

Washington

It is permissible for a person to use a GPS device to monitor someone, as long as it is done for legal purposes.

West Virginia

It is a criminal offense to use an electronic GPS device to unlawfully track another person without their expressed permission.

Wisconsin

Stalking is a dangerous and illegal course of conduct that involves monitoring someone without their permission, commonly through the use of GPS technology.

Wyoming

It is illegal for anyone to track someone without their authorization using a GPS device.

States with Ambiguous or with No Laws Discovered

Arkansas

Georgia
Kansas
Maryland

Missouri

GPS tracking app

Summary

When deciding whether or not to use a GPS tracker for personal or business use, it is important to consider all relevant aspects, including applicable laws and regulations in your area. While most states allow for the use of trackers in certain circumstances, there are several restrictions that you have to take into consideration first. Consulting an attorney familiar with local law is the best way to ensure that your intentions are legal and compliant. We hope this guide has been helpful, don’t hesitate to contact us.