Have you ever wondered if it’s legal to track someone’s car with GPS? Maybe you want to keep an eye on your teen, monitor a company vehicle, or just protect your family. GPS tracking is a powerful tool, but the laws around it can be confusing.
In this article, we will explain GPS tracking laws by state in 2025 and answer important questions like: When is it legal or illegal to track someone? Can parents track their kids? What about employers and spouses? Whether you are a small business owner or just curious, understanding these laws helps you use GPS tracking the right way — safely and legally.
Key Takeaways
- GPS tracking laws vary from state to state in the U.S.
- You usually need permission to track someone’s vehicle with GPS.
- Parents can legally track their minor children’s cars.
- Employers must inform employees before tracking company vehicles.
- Secret GPS tracking can lead to fines, jail, or lawsuits.
What Is GPS Tracking?
GPS tracking is a way to know where something or someone is using technology. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It uses satellites in space to find the exact location of a device on Earth.
Many things can have a GPS tracker — like a car, phone, pet collar, or even a child’s backpack. The tracker sends signals to satellites, which then show where the object is on a map. This helps people keep track of things or loved ones in real-time.
How GPS works:
- A GPS tracker uses signals from satellites in space.
- At least four satellites are needed to find your exact location.
- This information is sent to a computer or phone so someone can see the location.
- It can track movements in real time (as they happen).
Is It Legal to Track Someone’s Car with GPS?
GPS tracking laws in the U.S. say it’s not always legal to track someone’s car. The rules depend on who owns the car, who gives consent, and your relationship with the person.
What Do Federal GPS Tracking Laws Say?
At the federal level, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 (United States v. Jones) that putting a GPS tracker on someone’s car without a warrant counts as a search under the Fourth Amendment. This means:
- Police need a warrant to track someone’s vehicle using GPS.
- If they don’t have a warrant, it may be illegal, and the evidence might not count in court.
If you are not law enforcement, these laws still matter—especially if you’re tracking someone else’s car.
Key Factors That Decide If GPS Tracking Is Legal
Here are the main things that decide if GPS tracking is allowed:
1. Ownership of the Vehicle
- If you own the car, you can legally place a GPS tracker on it.
- If you do not own the car, tracking it without permission is usually illegal.
2. Consent
- Tracking someone with their consent is legal.
- Tracking someone without their consent can break privacy laws and lead to legal trouble.
3. Relationship to the Person
- Parents can usually track their minor children if they own the car.
- Employers can track company vehicles, but employees must be informed.
- Spouses, partners, or friends cannot secretly track each other’s personal vehicles. That’s usually illegal.
Example: Is It Legal to Track Your Spouse’s Car?
- If you both own the car, it might be legal.
- If your spouse owns it alone and doesn’t know about the tracker, it’s probably illegal.
GPS Tracking Laws in the USA – 2025 State-by-State Guide
This guide is for GPS tracking laws in the United States in 2025. Every state has different laws, and many have updated their rules to protect people’s privacy.
If you live in the U.S. and want to use a GPS tracker, it’s important to check your state’s GPS laws first. What is legal in Florida may not be legal in California.
State |
GPS Tracking Laws – Details |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama’s GPS tracking laws say you must get permission before placing a GPS tracker on someone’s car or property. Tracking without consent is illegal and can lead to fines or jail. The law protects people’s privacy by stopping secret tracking. |
| Alaska | Alaska’s GPS tracking laws make it illegal to track someone without their consent. If caught, a person can face heavy fines up to $25,000. These laws are strict to protect privacy and prevent stalking. |
| Arizona | In Arizona, you need the owner’s consent before using GPS to track a vehicle or property. Secretly placing a tracker is against the law and can bring legal trouble. The state focuses on respecting privacy rights. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas code 22-8-105 GPS tracking laws forbid attaching a GPS device to someone else’s vehicle without permission. If you do, you could face criminal charges. The law helps prevent harassment and protects personal privacy. |
| California | California penal code section 637.7 laws say you can only track a vehicle with GPS if you own the car or have the owner’s permission. Tracking without consent is illegal and can result in fines or jail time. The law aims to protect privacy and prevent misuse of GPS devices. |
| Colorado | Colorado C.R.S. 18-3-602 requires consent before using GPS tracking devices on someone else’s property or car. Using GPS secretly is illegal and punishable by law. These laws help keep tracking fair and lawful. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut GPS tracking laws fall under its Public Act 21-56, making it illegal to place a tracker on a vehicle without the owner’s permission. Secret tracking can lead to criminal charges. The state protects people from being followed without consent. |
| Delaware | Delaware requires you to get permission before tracking a vehicle or person with GPS. Without consent, using a GPS device is illegal and may lead to penalties. The laws focus on preventing stalking and invasion of privacy. |
| Florida | Florida GPS tracking laws make it illegal to track someone’s vehicle without their consent. Using GPS secretly can result in criminal charges. The law protects people from unwanted tracking and stalking. |
| Georgia | Georgia doesn’t have very specific GPS tracking laws, but tracking someone without permission can cause legal problems. It’s best to always get consent before using GPS trackers. Privacy and fairness are important. |
| Hawaii | In Hawaii, H.R.S. 803-41 and H.R.S. 803-42 both prevent stalking or harassing someone. It’s illegal to track anyone with GPS without their permission. The law helps protect people’s safety and privacy. |
| Idaho | Idaho Code 18-6702 makes it illegal to track with or intercept GPS devices. Using a tracker without permission is illegal. The state enforces privacy protections to stop secret tracking. |
| Illinois | Illinois statute 720 ILCS 65/12-7.3 says GPS tracking is prohibited unless it’s your own property. Illinois requires consent before placing a GPS tracker on someone’s vehicle. Secret tracking is a crime that can bring fines or jail time. These laws protect privacy and prevent harassment. |
| Indiana | Since 2024, under Indiana Code 35-46-8.5-1, it’s illegal to track someone or their car with a GPS device without their written consent. Unauthorised tracking is illegal and punishable. The law ensures that GPS is not misused for stalking or spying. |
| Iowa | In Iowa, Iowa Code 708.11A makes it illegal to put a GPS device on a person or their car without permission is illegal. You must have consent to avoid legal trouble. The laws protect people from secret or unwanted tracking. |
| Kansas | Kansas Statute 21-5427 does not have clear GPS tracking laws, but it is safest to get permission before using trackers. Unauthorised tracking could lead to lawsuits or other legal issues. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Statute 508.152 treats unauthorised GPS tracking as stalking, which is illegal. People caught can face fines or jail. These laws protect individuals from being tracked secretly. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana GPS tracking laws R.S. 14:323, say you must have consent before tracking someone. Tracking without permission can lead to fines or jail. The state focuses on privacy and preventing harassment. |
| Maine | Maine criminal code 17-A M.R.S., 210-A requires permission before using GPS trackers on vehicles or people. Illegal tracking can cause legal penalties. The laws aim to stop stalking and protect privacy. |
| Maryland | Maryland Code 3-802 makes it illegal to track a person’s location. GPS laws forbid placing GPS devices without the owner’s consent. Secret tracking is illegal and punishable. The law protects individuals from privacy violations. |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Bill H.1572 requires you to get consent before using GPS trackers. Illegal tracking can lead to criminal charges. These laws protect people from being followed without permission. |
| Michigan | Michigan statute MCLS 750.5392l bans using GPS devices without consent. Violating the law can result in fines or jail time. The state protects privacy and stops unwanted surveillance. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota’s statute 626A.35 prohibits tracking the car movement or any person without a court order or the person’s consent. Unauthorised use can lead to criminal charges $3,000 fine, or 364 days in prison. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi fall under the state’s stalking law 97-3-107. It is illegal to track, harass or stalk someone. Consent is needed before using a GPS device. The law helps protect personal safety and privacy. |
| Missouri | Missouri law 455.095 prohibits installing a GPS tracking device on a vehicle without the vehicle owner’s consent. The exception is if the person is legally indigent. An example would be a child or an elderly person. |
| Montana | Montana House Bill 603 treats secret tracking as stalking, which is illegal. You must have permission before placing a tracker. The law helps protect people from being followed secretly. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska law 86-2,103 stops illegal tracking and orders the removal of devices. Using GPS without permission is against the law. The state protects privacy rights strongly. |
| Nevada | Nevada AB356 rule requires consent before using GPS trackers. Tracking someone secretly is illegal. The laws prevent stalking and protect privacy. |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire statute 644-A:4 prevents tracking vehicles without permission. Consent must be obtained before placing GPS devices. The law protects against invasion of privacy. |
| New Jersey | New Jersey signed into law statute 34:6B-22 in 2022, which requires consent to place GPS trackers on vehicles or employees. Secret tracking is a crime and can bring fines. The law protects individuals’ rights and privacy. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico 30-3A-3 forbids tracking without permission. Using a tracker secretly is illegal. These laws protect people from stalking and unwanted tracking. |
| New York | New York Penal Law 120.45 requires consent before placing GPS devices on vehicles. Unauthorised tracking can lead to criminal charges. The state protects privacy and prevents abuse. |
| North Carolina | North Carolina under 4-196.3 tracking laws requires permission before tracking. Secret tracking is illegal and punishable. The laws protect individuals from stalking and privacy invasion. |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Code 12.1-17-07.1 says you need consent before tracking with GPS. Illegal tracking is a crime that can lead to penalties. Privacy rights are protected by law. |
| Ohio | Ohio section 2903.211 requires consent before using GPS trackers on others’ vehicles. Secret tracking can cause legal trouble. The laws protect privacy and prevent stalking. |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma statutes Title 21-1173 GPS laws forbid tracking without permission. Using GPS devices secretly is illegal. The state enforces privacy protection laws. |
| Oregon | Oregon statute 163.715 states that it is illegal to place GPS devices on vehicles without consent. Violators can face criminal charges. The law protects privacy and prevents stalking. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania’s Title 18 Subchapter D requires permission before using GPS trackers. Tracking without consent is against the law. The state prioritises privacy and safety. |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island’s Gen. Laws. 11-69-1 bans GPS tracking without the vehicle owner’s consent. Secret tracking is a crime. These laws protect privacy rights. |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Bill 3213 requires consent for tracking. Tracking someone secretly is illegal and punishable. The laws protect people from harassment. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-35-4.3 states that GPS tracking laws say you must get permission before tracking. Illegal tracking can lead to penalties. The state protects personal privacy. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Code Ann. 39-13-606 requires consent before using GPS tracking devices. Secret tracking is illegal. The law stops stalking and protects privacy. |
| Texas | Texas Penal Code 16.06 allows parents to track their children legally. Employers have restrictions on tracking employees. Consent is important under Texas GPS tracking laws. |
| Utah | Utah tracking laws, Code 76-9-408, require permission before tracking. Unauthorised tracking is illegal and punishable. The laws help protect privacy. |
| Vermont | Vermont’s anti-stalking law prohibits monitoring, requires consent before tracking. Tracking someone secretly is against the law. The state protects privacy and safety. |
| Virginia | Virginia Code 18.2-60.5, it’s unlawful to use a tracker; you must have permission before placing GPS trackers. Illegal tracking can lead to fines or jail time. Privacy rights are protected by law. |
| Washington | Washington RCW 9A.90.130 prohibits tracking someone without their consent. Using GPS secretly is a crime. The state protects privacy strongly. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Code 61-3-50 states that it is illegal to use GPS devices. The illegal use of GPS devices is against the law and punishable. The laws protect personal privacy. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Statute 940.315 forbid tracking without consent. Violators can face fines or jail. Privacy protection is key under these laws. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Stat. 6-2-506 requires consent before using GPS trackers. Secret tracking with GPS devices is illegal and punishable. The laws prevent stalking and invasion of privacy. |
Legal vs. Ethical: What GPS Laws Don’t Always Cover
GPS tracking laws tell us what is legal, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right. This is where ethics come in.
Legal Use vs. Ethical Use of GPS Tracking
In many U.S. states, GPS tracking is allowed if you own the car or have permission. For example, parents can track their teenager’s car, and businesses can track company vehicles. This is legal under most GPS tracking laws.
But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s always ethical.
Ethical GPS tracking means respecting someone’s privacy and being honest. For example, secretly tracking your partner or friend without telling them might be legal in some places, but it’s not respectful or right.
Reminder: Legality ≠ Morality
Something legal can still be unfair, sneaky, or hurtful.
When GPS Tracking Becomes Harassment
If GPS tracking is used to stalk, control, or threaten someone, it may turn into harassment. This can quickly become illegal.
Example:
- An ex-partner hide a tracker under a car to follow someone around
- An employer tracking workers after hours without consent
This is where GPS tracking harassment and privacy invasion happen, and most states have strict laws against it.
Important: Misusing GPS tracking can lead to criminal charges, fines, or even jail.
GPS and Privacy: Think Before You Track
GPS can be helpful, but it must be used with care. Always ask:
- Do I have permission?
- Am I respecting the other person’s privacy?
- Would I be okay if someone did this to me?
If the answer is “no,” it might be time to stop—even if GPS tracking laws say it’s allowed.
Who Can Legally Track a Car?
GPS tracking laws are different for each group of people. Some people can legally track a car, while others may need permission or a warrant. Let’s break it down in simple words.
1. Parents Tracking Minors
If you’re a parent and your child is under 18, you can legally use a GPS tracker on their car. That’s because parents have the right to protect and monitor their children.
Example: You can track your teen’s car to make sure they’re safe.
2. Employers Tracking Company Vehicles
Employers can legally track work vehicles if they own them and tell the employees. It’s important to let workers know they are being tracked. This is often used for delivery vans or company cars.
Example: A delivery company tracks its vans to make sure drivers follow the route.
3. Spouses (Consent + Ownership)
Spouses can only legally track a car if:
- They own the car or are a co-owner, and
- They are not breaking privacy laws or stalking.
If the car belongs only to the other person, you cannot track it without permission.
Example: You can’t secretly track your husband’s car if your name is not on the title.
4. Law Enforcement (With a Warrant)
Police can’t just track anyone’s car. They must get a warrant from a judge first. This protects your rights under the law.
Example: Cops must go to court and show a reason before tracking someone’s car.
Penalties for Illegal GPS Tracking
Using a GPS tracker without someone’s permission can get you in big trouble. In the United States, each state has its own laws. If you break them, you could face fines, criminal charges, or even a lawsuit.
Common Penalties for Illegal GPS Tracking
Here are some typical punishments if you’re caught tracking someone without legal rights:
- Fines: You may have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Jail Time: In some cases, illegal tracking is a crime, and you could go to jail.
- Lawsuits: The person you tracked can sue you for invasion of privacy.
Real-Life State Examples
- California: It is illegal to track someone’s car without their consent. Violators can face jail time under California Penal Code §637.7.
- Texas: You need to own the vehicle or have permission. Breaking the law can lead to a misdemeanour charge and fines.
- New York: Tracking someone without permission may fall under harassment or stalking laws. You can be charged criminally.
- Florida: Secretly placing a GPS on someone else’s car can lead to jail time and civil lawsuits.
Conclusion
Understanding GPS tracking laws is important to keep you safe and legal when using GPS devices. Laws vary by state and depend on who owns the vehicle and if you have permission. Always get consent before tracking, respect privacy, and use GPS tracking responsibly to avoid legal trouble and protect everyone’s rights.
FAQs
1. How long can GPS tracking data be stored legally?
The length of time GPS tracking data can be kept depends on the laws of the state and the company’s privacy policy. Some states require data to be deleted after a certain period to protect privacy, while others have no specific rules. Always check local laws and terms of service.
2. Can GPS tracking devices be detected by regular car inspections?
Most regular car inspections do not check for GPS trackers. However, special devices called GPS detector tools can find hidden trackers if you suspect one. If you’re worried about being tracked, you can ask a professional to scan your car.
3. Are there special GPS tracking rules for rental or leased vehicles?
Yes. Rental and leasing companies often use GPS trackers for security and monitoring, but they must disclose this in the rental or lease agreement. It’s legal if you agree to it, but secretly adding a tracker without consent is usually illegal.
4. What should I do if I suspect someone is illegally tracking my car?
If you think someone is tracking your car without permission, you should report it to the police. You can also have your vehicle checked by a professional to find any hidden GPS devices and protect your privacy.
5. Can GPS tracking be used in legal disputes or court cases as evidence?
Yes. GPS tracking data can be used as evidence in court, but only if it was collected legally. Illegal tracking data may not be accepted in court and could lead to penalties for the person who placed the tracker.
