Alabama

In Alabama, it is illegal to use a GPS tracking device without the consent of the person being tracked, unless you are the registered owner of the vehicle.

Additionally, under Alabama code 13A-11-32, engaging in surveillance while trespassing on private property is prohibited. Since GPS tracking could be considered a form of surveillance, it’s important to exercise caution and ensure compliance with state laws.

Alaska

Alaska strictly prohibits GPS tracking without consent. You can review the complete anti-stalking law for details. Installing or using a tracking device to monitor someone’s location may be considered a violation under this law.

An important point to note is that only law enforcement agencies are permitted to conduct GPS tracking and even then, they must obtain a court-issued warrant. Employers may also track employees only with their explicit consent.

Arizona

Arizona law 13-2923 explicitly prohibits anyone from using an electronic, digital, or GPS device to monitor another person or that person’s online or wireless activity continuously for 12 hours or more, or on two or more separate occasions, without proper authorization.

Such actions are classified as stalking under the law.

Arkansas

Arkansas law is clear employers may track company-owned vehicles without consent, but tracking employee-owned vehicles requires prior consent. The distinction depends entirely on who owns the vehicle being monitored.

California

California has some of the strictest GPS tracking laws in the U.S.

Installing a GPS device without the vehicle owner’s consent or a valid legal reason is prohibited. Employers are also legally required to notify employees if their movements are being tracked through GPS.

Refer to California Penal Code 637.7 for full details.

Colorado

Colorado has strict stalking laws under Vonnie’s Law (C.R.S. 18-3-602), named in memory of Vonnie Flores, who was tragically murdered by a stalker in 2010. This law was enacted to strengthen protections against stalking and enhance penalties for those who engage in such behavior.

Under this law, it is illegal to repeatedly follow, contact, or place another person under any form of surveillance without consent. This includes monitoring someone’s location using electronic devices such as GPS trackers.

Connecticut

Under Connecticut’s Public Act 21-56 on online harassment, it is unlawful to monitor or track another individual using any type of device without consent. The law clearly prohibits the use of electronic or digital tools, including GPS trackers, to surveil someone’s activities or movements without proper authorization.

Delaware

According to Delaware Criminal Code Title 11, Chapter 5, it is illegal to install or use a tracking device to monitor someone’s location without the vehicle owner’s consent. Doing so constitutes an invasion of privacy. However, exceptions apply to law enforcement officers and parents or guardians tracking their minor children.

Florida

Under Florida Statute Chapter 934, Section 425, it is unlawful for anyone to knowingly install or use a tracking device or application on another person’s property without obtaining their consent. Doing so constitutes a violation of privacy, unless the action falls under specific legal exceptions such as law enforcement authorization.

Georgia

In Georgia, it is unlawful to use a GPS tracking device without the vehicle owner’s consent or proper legal authorization. Law enforcement officers must secure a warrant before conducting any GPS surveillance. The state maintains strict privacy laws and imposes serious penalties for unauthorized tracking or misuse of monitoring devices.

Hawaii

Hawaii law strictly forbids the use of GPS tracking devices without consent, except when performed by law enforcement with proper authorization or by the vehicle’s rightful owner. The regulations governing this are outlined under H.R.S. 803-41 and H.R.S. 803-42, which clearly define the limits of lawful electronic surveillance.

Idaho

Idaho’s Title 18, Section 6701 regulates the use of electronic devices for intercepting or monitoring communications, though it does not specifically address GPS tracking or location monitoring. Despite the lack of explicit mention, it’s strongly recommended to obtain consent before tracking a person or vehicle you do not own to avoid potential privacy violations or legal issues.

Illinois

Under Illinois Statute 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3, it is illegal to place anyone under surveillance without their explicit consent. The law specifically includes the act of “placing an electronic tracking device on a person or their property” as a violation. Engaging in such activity without permission can lead to serious legal consequences under Illinois privacy and stalking laws.

Indiana

According to Indiana Code 35-46-8.5-1, it is illegal to use a GPS tracking device to monitor someone’s movements without their consent. Exceptions exist for law enforcement officers acting under a valid search warrant or in certain family-related situations permitted by law. Any unauthorized GPS tracking may result in criminal penalties for violating privacy rights.

Iowa

Under Iowa Code 708.11A, the law explicitly addresses the use of GPS devices, defining the offense as the “unauthorized placement of a global positioning device.” It is illegal to attach or use a GPS tracker on a person or their property without consent or a valid reason. Doing so constitutes an invasion of privacy and can lead to criminal charges.

Kansas

Kansas Senate Bill 217 prohibits the use of GPS tracking devices to monitor, follow, or stalk an individual’s location or movement patterns without consent. The legislation, officially approved by the governor, aims to strengthen privacy protections and prevent the misuse of tracking technology for harassment, surveillance, or stalking-related offenses across the state.

Kentucky

Under Kentucky Statute 508.152, it is unlawful to intentionally install or use a tracking device on a motor vehicle without the owner’s or operator’s consent. Doing so constitutes the illegal use of a tracking device. The law is designed to protect individuals from unauthorized surveillance and ensure personal privacy and security in vehicle-related tracking situations.

Louisiana

Under Louisiana Law R.S. 14:323, it is unlawful for any individual to use a tracking device to monitor or determine another person’s location or movements without their explicit consent.

The statute is straightforward in its intent — unauthorized GPS tracking is a clear violation of privacy rights. Only individuals with legal authority or consent may use such tracking devices lawfully.

Maine

According to Maine Title 17-A M.R.S., 210-A, it is unlawful to follow, monitor, track, or observe another individual through any means or device. Such behavior is considered a form of stalking and is punishable under the state’s criminal laws protecting personal privacy.

Maryland

Under Maryland Code 3-802, it is illegal to use any device to monitor or track another person’s location without their consent. Doing so is classified as criminal stalking and is punishable under state law for violating an individual’s privacy and safety.

Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts Law ALM GL. 265-43A, criminal harassment includes using any device that transmits data as part of a repeated pattern of conduct intended to cause distress or fear to another person.

While the statute does not explicitly mention GPS tracking devices, such tools could reasonably be considered part of this prohibited behavior if used to harass or intimidate someone.

Michigan

Under Michigan Statute MCLS 750.5392, it is illegal to install a tracking device on a vehicle without the owner’s or lessee’s consent. Violating this law can result in penalties of up to one year in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both.

Minnesota

According to Minnesota Statute 626A.35, it is unlawful to track another person’s movements without their consent or a court order. Violators may face penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, 364 days in prison, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, using a GPS device to track or follow someone in a manner that causes them fear or discomfort is considered stalking. Such actions are prohibited under Stalking Law 97-3-107, which protects individuals from unwanted surveillance and harassment

Missouri

Under Missouri Law 455.095, it is illegal to install a tracking device on another person’s vehicle without their consent. The only exception applies when the individual is incapable of caring for themselves, allowing lawful monitoring in such circumstances.

Montana

In Montana, tracking someone’s location requires either their consent or a valid search warrant. Enacted in 2013, House Bill 603 mandates that law enforcement officials must obtain a warrant before monitoring an individual’s movements using any tracking device.

Nebraska

No specific GPS tracking laws are currently available for Nebraska. However, a state senator is working on proposed legislation aimed at penalizing individuals who use tracking devices to stalk or harass others, signaling potential future protections against unauthorized GPS monitoring

Nevada

Nevada’s Bill AB356 addresses mobile tracking devices, making it illegal to install a tracking device on another person’s vehicle. The law recognizes such actions as an invasion of privacy, and unauthorized installation or use of tracking devices is strictly prohibited.

New Hampshire

Under New Hampshire Statute 644-A:4, it is illegal to install or use an electronic tracking device on another person’s vehicle without their consent. Such actions are considered a violation of privacy and are prohibited by state law.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, Statute 4:6B-22 prohibits employers from tracking employees without their explicit consent. This law ensures that employees’ movements and privacy are protected in the workplace.

Notably, the statute applies to both company-owned and employee-owned vehicles, meaning that employers must obtain consent before using any GPS or tracking device, regardless of who owns the vehicle being monitored.

New Mexico

New Mexico’s anti-stalking law 30-3A-3 prohibits the use of any device to monitor, follow, or observe another person without consent. This includes GPS trackers or similar technology used to track someone’s movements.

The law specifically addresses situations where such actions cause a person to reasonably fear death, bodily injury, assault, or unlawful restraint, making unauthorized tracking a serious criminal offense.

New York

In New York, the term “following” includes using a GPS or similar device to monitor someone’s movements without permission. Under fourth-degree stalking laws, it is illegal to intentionally target an individual without justification, especially if it causes emotional or psychological distress after being asked to stop.

A notable case, Cunningham v. New York Department of Labor (2013), involved the Department tracking an employee’s vehicle after work hours without his knowledge. The court upheld the surveillance, ruling that the GPS evidence was valid due to the employee’s prior record of falsifying work hours.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s cyberstalking law 14-196.3 makes it illegal to knowingly install or use a GPS tracking device to monitor another person’s movements without their consent. This law is designed to protect individuals from unauthorized surveillance and invasion of privacy, ensuring that tracking technologies are used only with proper permission or legal authority.

North Dakota

North Dakota’s Code 12.1-17-07.1 on stalking specifically includes the unauthorized use of GPS devices to monitor or track another person’s movements. Engaging in such conduct without consent is considered stalking and is punishable under the state’s criminal laws protecting individual privacy.

Ohio

Ohio’s Section 2903.211 does not directly reference GPS tracking but does address the use of electronic devices to transmit or gather information. Such actions could fall under the state’s stalking or harassment laws if done without consent.

Oklahoma

Under statutes Title 21-1173, it is illegal to use a GPS device to monitor or track another person’s location without their consent. Doing so constitutes a violation of privacy and may result in criminal penalties.

Oregon

According to Oregon Statute 163.715, it is unlawful to install or use a GPS device on another person’s vehicle to track their location without obtaining their consent, as this is considered an invasion of privacy.

Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania Title 18, Subchapter D, consent is required before placing or using a mobile tracking device on any vehicle. Installing such a device without permission is considered a violation of privacy and state law.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s General Laws 11-69-1 make it illegal to knowingly install, hide, or attach an electronic tracking device to another person’s vehicle without their consent. However, the law provides exceptions for authorized law enforcement activities conducted as part of official investigations.

South Carolina

According to South Carolina Code 17-30-50, it is unlawful to use any tracking device, pen register, or trap device to monitor or record another person’s location or activity without proper authorization. Such actions are considered a violation of privacy under state law.

South Dakota

Under South Dakota Codified Law 23A-35-4.3, law enforcement officers must obtain a warrant from a magistrate before placing or using a GPS tracking device for surveillance purposes. This ensures that tracking is conducted only with legal authorization.

The law emphasizes judicial oversight and privacy protection, meaning GPS surveillance cannot be carried out arbitrarily. It upholds citizens’ rights by requiring court approval before any monitoring occurs.

Tennessee

Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-13-606, it is unlawful to install or attach an electronic tracking device to a vehicle without the consent of all registered owners. The law also prohibits renters or lessees from placing a GPS tracker on a leased or rented vehicle without authorization, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized surveillance.

Texas

According to Texas Penal Code 16.06, it is unlawful to install an electronic tracking device on a vehicle without the consent of the owner or lessee. However, exceptions exist when the tracking is conducted as part of a lawful criminal investigation.

Utah

Under Utah Code 76-9-408, it is illegal to place a tracking device on a vehicle owned or leased by someone else without their consent. Exceptions include law enforcement with a valid warrant, licensed private investigators, and legal guardians monitoring minors or dependent adults.

Vermont

Vermont’s anti-stalking laws make it illegal to track or monitor another person’s movements using any device without their consent. Such actions are considered a form of stalking and are punishable under the state’s privacy and harassment regulations.

Virginia

Under Virginia Code 18.2-60.5, it is unlawful to install or use a GPS or electronic tracking device to monitor another person’s movements without their consent. Doing so violates state privacy laws and can result in criminal penalties unless authorized by law enforcement or other legal exceptions.

Washington

According to Washington’s cyberstalking law (RCW 9A.90.130), using an electronic or GPS tracking device to monitor another person’s location without consent is illegal. Such actions are considered a form of harassment or stalking and may lead to serious criminal consequences under state law.

West Virginia

Under West Virginia Code 61-3-50, using a GPS device to track someone without their consent is unlawful. The law treats the first violation as a misdemeanor, while any repeat offenses are elevated to felonies, carrying more severe legal penalties.

Wisconsin

According to Wisconsin Statute 940.315, placing a GPS tracking device on someone else’s vehicle without their consent is prohibited. The law also forbids collecting or using location data obtained from an unauthorized tracking device, ensuring privacy protection for vehicle owners.

Wyoming

Under Wyoming Statute 6-2-506, it is unlawful to use any electronic, digital, or GPS tracking device to monitor or follow another person’s movements without their consent or proper legal authorization. This law helps protect individual privacy and prevent unauthorized surveillance.