Vehicle Tracking Methods: Legal Ways to Monitor Car Movements

Your son has just begged you for a brand-new, fancy car for his birthday. After much pleading, you finally cave and hand over the keys. Now, you’re losing sleep because you don’t trust his friends or his driving. Or maybe you’ve just handed over a company car to your new employee, and you want to make sure they’re not treating it like their personal car. 

In both cases, vehicle tracking can be your saving grace. It lets you keep tabs on the car’s whereabouts and gives you peace of mind. Currently, 78 million cars on the road are equipped with this tracking technology, and experts predict that within a few years, 98% of all new vehicles will feature it.

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But here’s the catch: now you’re scratching your head, wondering what the best practices are for tracking. What’s legal? What’s not? 

If you’re on the hunt for all the vehicle tracking methods available in the US market, then you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ve taken a deep dive into every possible method out there, breaking down the pros and cons for each. So, if you’re curious to learn more and want the full scoop, we highly recommend sticking around and reading till the very end. 

Vehicle tracking methods

Is Vehicle Tracking Legal?

In the U.S., vehicle tracking laws can vary from state to state, so what’s perfectly fine in one place could be against the rules in another. Before you install a tracker on your car, it’s important to check your state’s specific regulations. Taking a little time to understand the rules now can save you from potential legal headaches down the road. 

StateLaw NumberLaw
CaliforniaPenal Code Section 637.7Illegal to monitor someone’s movements without consent, except for owners, lessees, or law enforcement.
FloridaTitle 934.425Illegal to track someone without consent; exceptions include law enforcement and tracking minors or elders.
New YorkNo specific lawGPS tracking isn’t explicitly addressed in state law, though stalking laws may apply in some situations.
TexasPenal Code 16.06Unlawful to place a GPS tracker on a vehicle without the owner or lessee’s consent, except in investigations.
Illinois720 ILCS 65/12-7.3GPS tracking is prohibited without consent, except on personal property.
MichiganMCLS 750.5392Prevents placing trackers on vehicles without the owner or lessee’s knowledge or consent.
New Jersey4:6B-22Prohibits employers from tracking employees’ vehicles without consent; includes fines for violations.
MassachusettsALM GL. 265-43AIllegal to use GPS trackers to stalk or cause distress without a warrant for law enforcement use.
ColoradoVonnie’s Law, C.R.S. 18-3-602Prevents tracking someone via GPS in a way that causes emotional distress, named after a stalking victim.

But there are certain scenarios in which vehicle tracking is legal, such as,

  • Companies that operate large fleets of vehicles, such as delivery services or trucking businesses, often use tracking systems to monitor routes, optimize efficiency, and ensure safety.
  • Parents sometimes use vehicle tracking to keep tabs on their teen drivers for safety reasons, ensuring they aren’t speeding or visiting restricted areas.
  • Installing a tracking device in your car can help law enforcement recover it faster if it gets stolen.

In 2023, over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States, marking a 25% rise in vehicle theft compared to recent years. For peace of mind, you might want to track your own car’s whereabouts if you live in a high-theft area or if you’ve lent it to someone.

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Legal Ways to Monitor Car Movements:

In today’s digital age, keeping tabs on car movements has never been easier or more legal. With a variety of tracking methods at your fingertips, you can choose the one that suits you best, all without a second thought about getting dragged into a courtroom drama. From GPS trackers to mobile apps, you’ve got plenty of options to monitor your ride (or someone else’s) without worrying about a legal plot twist. 

1. GPS (Global Positioning System) Tracking


GPS tracking is one of the most widely used and reliable vehicle tracking methods. It relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. A GPS device installed in the vehicle communicates with these satellites, using trilateration to determine the car’s precise location, typically with an accuracy of a few meters.

Pros:

  • Provides live updates on a vehicle’s exact location.
  • Allows users to access past routes, stops, and driving patterns.
  • Sends alerts when a vehicle leaves a designated area.
  • Works well in both urban and remote environments.

Cons:

  • GPS signals may be disrupted in tunnels or dense urban areas.
  • Purchasing and installing GPS systems can be expensive.
  • GPS devices may drain the vehicle’s battery if not installed correctly.
  • Continuous tracking may raise privacy issues for users.

How to Install GPS Tracking:

  1. Select a GPS tracker that fits your needs (portable, hardwired, or OBD-II plug-in).
  2. Position the tracker in the car, usually under the dashboard, inside the glove compartment, or plugged into the OBD-II port.
  3. Connect the GPS to the car’s power source or use its internal battery.
  4.  Use the associated app or web platform to activate the GPS and begin monitoring.
  5. Verify the accuracy and functionality by tracking the vehicle in real-time.
Vehicle Tracking Methods

2. Radio Frequency (RF) Identification:

RF tracking involves using radio frequency tags that emit signals detectable by nearby RF readers. It’s highly effective for short-range tracking, often used in places where pinpoint accuracy is needed, such as enclosed areas like parking lots.

Pros:

  • Operates independently of internet connectivity.
  • Highly accurate in confined spaces like parking lots or warehouses.
  • Cheaper than GPS for localized tracking needs.

Cons:

  • Only effective for short distances; not suitable for wide-area tracking.
  • Needs RF readers installed in the vicinity to detect signals.
  • Signals can be affected by physical barriers or electronic interference.

How to Install RF Tracking:

  1. Attach RF tags to the vehicles or assets you wish to track.
  2.  Position RF readers strategically around the area (e.g., parking lot, warehouse) to cover all critical zones.
  3. Ensure readers are connected to a local database or software for monitoring and data collection.
  4. Run tests to verify signal reception and accuracy within the desired range.

 3. Cellular Network-Based Tracking

This tracking method uses existing cellular networks to locate vehicles. The vehicle’s location is determined by measuring the distance from the nearest cell towers. It’s a cost-effective alternative to GPS, especially in areas with strong cell signal coverage.

Pros:

  • Effective in both urban and rural areas due to extensive cellular network coverage.
  • Provides live updates on vehicle location.
  • Utilizes existing cellular infrastructure, lowering costs compared to GPS systems.

Cons:

  • Effectiveness is dependent on the strength and availability of cellular signals, which can be inconsistent in remote areas.
  • May offer less precise location data compared to GPS, especially in areas with few cell towers.

How to Install Cellular Network-Based Tracking

  1. Select a device that is compatible with your vehicle and supports cellular network tracking.
  2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the device in your vehicle. This usually involves connecting it to the vehicle’s power supply and positioning it for optimal signal reception.
  3. Register and activate the device using a cellular network provider. This may involve setting up a subscription or data plan.
  4. Set up the tracking software or app on your computer or smartphone. Configure it to receive real-time location updates.
  5. Ensure the tracking system is working correctly by checking the live location data and making any necessary adjustments.

4. Bluetooth-Based Tracking

Bluetooth tracking uses low-energy Bluetooth beacons that communicate with receivers within close range. It’s an effective solution for indoor or localized vehicle tracking, such as within parking lots or event venues.

Pros:

  • Low power consumption ensures long-term use.
  • Relatively inexpensive and easy to implement.
  • Effective in confined spaces for close-range tracking.

Cons:

  • Effective only within a short range, not suitable for long-distance tracking.
  • Performance can be affected by physical obstructions and other electronic devices.
  • May need direct line of sight between beacons and receivers for optimal performance.

How to Install Bluetooth-Based Tracking

  1. Identify the locations where you need to place Bluetooth beacons and receivers.
  2. Place Bluetooth beacons in the desired locations. Ensure they are within the effective range of receivers.
  3. Install receivers at key points where tracking information will be collected.
  4. Use software to set up the communication between beacons and receivers, and calibrate for accurate tracking.
  5. Verify that the beacons and receivers are communicating correctly and adjust settings as needed.
  6. Begin using the system to track vehicles or other assets as planned.
Vehicle tracking methods

5. OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) Tracking

Many vehicles manufactured after 1996 are equipped with OBD-II ports. OBD-II trackers are devices that plug directly into these ports, providing data on vehicle health, location, and driving behavior.

Pros:

  • Low power consumption ensures long-term use.
  • Relatively inexpensive and easy to implement.
  • Effective in confined spaces for close-range tracking.

Cons:

  • Effective only within a short range, not suitable for long-distance tracking.
  • Performance can be affected by physical obstructions and other electronic devices.
  • May need direct line of sight between beacons and receivers for optimal performance.

How to Install Bluetooth-Based Tracking

  1. Identify the locations where you need to place Bluetooth beacons and receivers.
  2. Place Bluetooth beacons in the desired locations. Ensure they are within the effective range of receivers.
  3. Install receivers at key points where tracking information will be collected.
  4. Use software to set up the communication between beacons and receivers and calibrate for accurate tracking.
  5. Verify that the beacons and receivers are communicating correctly and adjust settings as needed.
  6. Begin using the system for tracking vehicles or other assets as planned.

6. IoT (Internet of Things) Integration:

IoT technology connects various devices and sensors through the internet to create an interconnected system. In vehicle tracking, IoT allows for enhanced data collection and monitoring, often beyond simple location tracking.

Pros:

  • Forecasts maintenance needs to optimize fleet operations.
  • Tracks location, engine health, driving behavior, fuel consumption, etc.
  • Easily expands with business growth and additional tracking needs.

Cons:

  • Initial setup and integration can be expensive.
  • Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks due to interconnected systems.
  • Managing large volumes of data can be overwhelming for smaller businesses.

How to Install IoT Tracking for Vehicle Management:

  1. Select a suitable IoT provider that offers vehicle tracking solutions.
  2. Place IoT sensors on vehicles for data collection (engine health, fuel consumption, location, etc.).
  3. Ensure devices are linked to the cloud for real-time data monitoring and analysis.
  4. Set up a dashboard for accessing and analyzing fleet data.
  5. Secure the system with encryption and authentication measures to protect data.
  6. Regularly review data for operational improvements and system updates.

Final Words:

Vehicle tracking methods range from traditional GPS and cellular-based options to more advanced technologies like IoT and satellite tracking. Each solution has its own unique benefits, and the right method depends on your specific needs, whether you’re a business looking to improve fleet management, a parent concerned about teen drivers, or an individual safeguarding a personal vehicle. Legal and ethical use of vehicle tracking is essential, so always ensure you own the vehicle or have permission to monitor it.

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