GPS Tracking Laws Maryland -Are GPS Tracking Devices Legal In MD?
Are you involved in a family law dispute? Maybe you are going through adivorce in Maryland? Or maybe you suspect your partner is cheating and want to use a GPS tracker to find out the truth without violating any Maryland criminal laws. Whatever the reason is for your research on GPS tracking devices, this article is designed to provide information regarding GPS laws in Maryland so you can legally use GPS to track any vehicle!
GPS Tracking Laws In Maryland By Application
Law Enforcement: Police officers in Maryland are legally able to put tracking devices on the vehicle of any private citizen as long as the law enforcement agency first obtains a search warrant for the electronic surveillance. Police who do not first acquire a search warrant would be in violation of a person’s fourth amendment rights (illegal search). The data collected by police can be used as evidence in any domestic violence situation, theft, or other Maryland criminal case.
Child Safety: Parents can legally use a GPS tracker to monitor their children in order to enhance a child’s safety. Parents can legally use devices to track their teen drivers to make sure they are not speeding and generally driving safely. In fact, electronic devices are statistically shown to help reduce the potential of a car accident and increase safe driving behaviors among teens.
Employee Monitoring: Businesses cannot legally track an employee’s personal vehicle without consent from the employee. However, if the company owns the automobile, they have every legal right to place a tracker on the vehicle. This is because businesses can use real time GPS trackers for theft prevention, fleet management, employee observation, or to reduce potential car or truck accidents. Businesses can also use GPS tracking software to legally monitor company cell phones.
Cheating Wife or Husband: Is GPS tracking data admissible during a Maryland divorce case? If you own or share ownership of a vehicle that your spouse drives it is 100% legal to equip a live GPS tracker upon that vehicle! Although it is best to consult with an attorney if that GPS data can be used as grounds for divorce.
Cheating Boyfriend or Girlfriend: The Supreme Court has been clear that a private citizen cannot enter a vehicle they do not own and put a GPS tracking system inside it. So it is illegal to enter the vehicle, but there is some gray area about the reasonable expectation of privacy if a GPS tracker is equipped on the outside of a vehicle while that automobile is parked in public. Then again, GPS trackers are nearly impossible to be traced back to the owner so as long as a person is careful they could easily use a vehicle tracker to catch a cheating partner.
Related Content: Best GPS Trackers To Bust Cheating Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Legal To Track A Vehicle Without The Consent Of The Owner Or Lessee In Maryland?
In Maryland, it is illegal to track a vehicle without the consent of the owner, lessor, or lessee, as per the state’s penal code. Unauthorized tracking can lead to legal consequences, including potential charges related to electronic stalking or invasion of privacy. Make sure to obtain proper consent before placing a mobile tracking device on any vehicle.
Can Law Enforcement Officers Use GPS tracking Without Knowledge Or Consent?
Law enforcement officers in Maryland may use GPS tracking devices to monitor a person’s movements or location, but only under specific circumstances. First of all, police must obtain a warrant before placing the device on a vehicle owned by a suspect. However, there may be exceptions in urgent situations or under certain investigative conditions.
What Is The Definition Of “Stalk” In Maryland’s Stalking Laws, And How Does It Relate To GPS Tracking?
In Maryland, stalking is defined as engaging in malicious conduct that causes a person to fear for their safety, including following or monitoring their movements or location without consent. The use of electronic tracking devices, such as GPS, could be considered stalking if done maliciously and without the knowledge or consent of the person being tracked.
Can I Buy A GPS Tracker In Maryland?
So, areGPS tracking devices legal in the state of Maryland? The answer is yes! In fact, you can legally purchase a hidden GPS tracker in Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Frederick, Ellicott City, and any Baltimore counties. In fact, you can legally purchase GPS vehicle trackers in any city in Maryland, but the circumstances of how you use the tracker will determine if the application is legal or illegal. This is why it is critical to speak with an attorney for legal advice on the most recent GPS laws in Maryland if you have concerns about the way you intend to use a GPS car tracker.
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