Green light/red light scenarios here.

GPS tracking technology is more accessible than ever. Hop into Amazon or other large retailers and there’s a whole catalog of options for private use, including Apple’s user-friendly AirTag. But just because you can follow a vehicle’s movements doesn’t mean it’s legal. Laws vary by state. Some areas strictly prohibit placing these devices on someone else’s car, while others allow monitoring with consent. If you’re considering using a GPS tracker, here’s what you need to know.

You can legally track a vehicle if:

You own the vehicle.

You have the owner’s consent.

The tracking is for business purposes on a company-owned vehicle.

You’re a law enforcement agent and have a warrant to track.

Even in these cases, transparency is key. Employers tracking company vehicles should notify employees. Parents should also understand local laws. For example, if you don’t own the car a child is driving, it might not be legal to place a tracking device.

Some states have clear laws on GPS tracking. Here are a few examples:

California: It’s illegal to use an electronic tracking device to monitor someone without their consent (Cal. Penal Code §637.7).

Texas: You cannot place a GPS tracker on a vehicle you don’t own without permission (Tex. Penal Code §16.06).