\u201cIs tracking someone illegal?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre there even any benefits of GPS tracking?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n But fear not! We\u2019ve got you covered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We bring you all federal GPS tracking laws to help you waive any uncertainty and remain compliant. <\/p>\n\n\n Here\u2019s the breakdown of all GPS tracking laws by state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using GPS tracking to track your employees is allowed in Alabama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the Alabama code 13A-11-32<\/a> states that electronic surveillance is illegal if the person is in private territory. This means that you can track your employees as long as they\u2019re not on private property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Track work hours with Clockify<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you operating a business in Alaska and want to track your employees\u2019 location with a GPS tracking device? You can do so as long as you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Alaska Statute 11.41.270<\/a>, it\u2019s illegal to track the location of a person if that can lead to a person feeling the fear of death or physical injury and if it\u2019s non-consensual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the same statute, using or installing a device for monitoring or recording events occurring in the vehicle or workplace or on a personal phone or computer is considered stalking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Arizona, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, under the Arizona code 13-2923<\/a>, you need to have authorization to use GPS tracking if you monitor a person for longer than 12 hours or on more than 2 occasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitoring, in this case, means using any electronic, digital, or GPS device to monitor either a person or the person\u2019s internet or wireless activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Arkansas has no laws prohibiting GPS tracking of employees via cell phones. In this case, although it\u2019s not illegal, you should get consent from employees to be on the safe side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to tracking vehicles, the Arkansas code 22-8-105<\/a> states that a GPS tracking device can be installed only in state-owned vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In California, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location if you\u2019ve obtained their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Particularly, the Penal Code Section 637.7<\/a> states that tracking a person with an electronic tracking device is considered illegal unless you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, an electronic tracking device means any device that\u2019s attached to a vehicle or any other movable thing that reveals its location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, you must obtain consent even if you\u2019re using company-owned vehicles or mobile phones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s legal to use GPS tracking in Colorado. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, Vonnie\u2019s law<\/a> doesn\u2019t prohibit employers from introducing GPS tracking. Yet, if such an action causes a person to suffer from emotional distress, GPS tracking is considered stalking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To illustrate, emotional distress occurs when a person is in fear of their own safety or the safety of their immediate family (spouse, parents, grandparents, sibling, or child). <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s legal to use GPS tracking for your employees in Connecticut if you notify them and don\u2019t cause emotional stress. In particular, 2 laws address this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Public Act 21-56 defines emotional distress as significant mental or psychological suffering or distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be on the safe side, if you\u2019re a business owner in Connecticut, ask for consent from your employees before GPS tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location in Delaware as long as you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Chapter 5 of the Delaware Criminal Code, Title 11<\/a>, unless you\u2019re with law enforcement or a guardian monitoring a child in Delaware, you need consent before installing a GPS tracking device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Florida, tracking your employees with GPS is legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Florida Title 934.425<\/a> prohibits tracking a person without their consent, there\u2019s an exception for employers acting in good faith on behalf of a business \u2014 for business purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Title 934.425 defines tracking as determining the location or movement of an individual. In your case, this means the employees\u2019 location or movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re planning to start tracking your employees\u2019 location in Hawaii, get their consent to comply with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the Hawaii Revised Statute Section 803-42<\/a> prohibits GPS tracking if you don\u2019t have consent from the person being tracked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Idaho has no specific laws that prohibit GPS tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Idaho Statute 18-6702<\/a>, it\u2019s illegal to track electronic communication, texts, and phone calls unless they\u2019re business-related. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the said statute doesn\u2019t mention GPS tracking in particular. This means that it\u2019s not illegal to use GPS tracking, but it would be wise to get your employees\u2019 consent beforehand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re running a business based in Illinois, know that it\u2019s legal to use GPS tracking if you have business-owned vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Statute 720 ILCS 5\/21-2.5<\/a> allows employers to track employees operating business-owned vehicles. In this case, you don\u2019t need consent from your employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The law doesn\u2019t mention any other GPS tracking methods, such as phone apps. When the law doesn\u2019t mention the specific situation you have, it\u2019s best to have consent from your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, even if you have company-owned cell phones, it\u2019s better to have the employees\u2019 consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n In Indiana, it\u2019s legal use to use GPS tracking if you have consent from the person you track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the Ind. Code 35-46-8.5-1<\/a> prohibits the use of GPS tracking devices without written consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Business owners in Iowa are allowed to use GPS tracking for their employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Iowa Code 708.11A<\/a> states you need to have a legitimate purpose to be able to use GPS tracking on someone, and doing business is considered a legitimate purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kansas employers are allowed to track their employees\u2019 location during business hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Kansas Statute 21-5427<\/a> stresses that using electronic devices to locate someone is viewed as stalking, business owners are allowed to use GPS tracking since it\u2019s considered to have a legitimate purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows you, as a business owner, to use any electronic tracking system to determine your employees\u2019 location and movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Kentucky, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location as long as you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, under Ky Rev Stat 508.152<\/a>, you must inform your employees and get their consent to use GPS tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Kentucky, tracking is defined as using an electronic or mechanical device that allows a person to remotely determine the location of another person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking employees\u2019 location in Louisiana is legal only if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the LA Rev Stat 14:323<\/a> states that you can\u2019t track a person without their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this statute, tracking a person is defined as determining the location or movement of the person that\u2019s tracked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS tracking of employees is legal in Maine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Title 17-A: Maine Criminal Code<\/a> doesn\u2019t prohibit employers from introducing GPS tracking, if this action causes someone to suffer from emotional distress, GPS tracking is considered prohibited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This code defines emotional distress as the mental or emotional suffering of the person being stalked that\u2019s evidenced by fear, anxiety, torment, or apprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Maryland, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location only if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Md Code, Crim. Law 3-802<\/a>, using a tracking device to monitor a person without their consent is illegal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t get consent from your employees, you may face a fine of up to $5,000 or 5 years in prison \u2014 or both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Massachusetts, there\u2019s no law prohibiting GPS tracking of employees during working hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Section 43A<\/a> of Massachusetts General Laws states that it\u2019s illegal to use electronic devices for tracking if that would cause substantial emotional distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the symptoms of emotional distress<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The violation of Section 43A can result in imprisonment in a house of correction for no more than 2,5 years or even up to 10 years of imprisonment in a state prison. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you planning to track your employees\u2019 location in Michigan on company-owned devices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the answer is yes, you should know that this is legal and you don\u2019t need consent from your employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the MCL Statute 750.539l<\/a>, you don\u2019t need consent from your employees to track company-owned vehicles. Still, if the vehicle isn\u2019t company-owned, you need permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, MN Statute 626A.35<\/a> allows GPS tracking if you have that person\u2019s permission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to use a mobile tracking device or place a device in a motor vehicle, you need the consent of the phone\u2019s owner or the driver of that motor vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine running your business the best way you can and then suddenly getting a lawsuit for illegally tracking your employees\u2019 location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a possible scenario in Nevada, where tracking employees’ locations is only legal with their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to AB356, it\u2019s unlawful to place and monitor a GPS tracking device without the person\u2019s consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In New Hampshire, it\u2019s permitted to track your employees\u2019 locations as long as you obtain their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For illustration, the NH Rev Stat 570-A:2-a<\/a> states that it\u2019s illegal to install, place, or track a GPS device without prior consent from the person being tracked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In North Carolina, it\u2019s legal to track your employees with GPS as long as you have their permission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, NC Gen Stat 14-196.3<\/a> states that it\u2019s considered illegal to track someone without their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run a company in New Jersey, you won\u2019t have to fear getting sued for tracking your employees\u2019 location \u2014 as long as you have their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run a company in New Jersey, under NJ Stat 34:6B-22<\/a>, you\u2019re not allowed to track a person\u2019s location unless you\u2019ve obtained their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location in New York as long as you have their permission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, NY Penal L 120.45<\/a> states that it\u2019s prohibited to track someone using GPS tracking device without their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Oklahoma, once the employees sign the consent, it becomes legal for you to track their location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Particularly, OK Stat 21-1173<\/a> states that you can only use a GPS tracking device or other monitoring device if you have consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With your employees\u2019 consent, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location in North Dakota. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, it\u2019s considered stalking under the ND Cent Code 12.1-17-07.1<\/a> if tracking the person\u2019s movements or location through GPS someone causes fear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To illustrate this, It\u2019s considered stalking if you frighten, intimidate, or harass a person on 2 or more occasions \u2014 and in continuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must have a legitimate purpose when tracking someone because unauthorized tracking which causes fear of death or injury indicates the lack of legitimate purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you operate a business firm in Oregon? Before you start tracking your employees, don\u2019t forget to get their consent \u2014 or you may get sued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under ORS 163.715<\/a>, placing a GPS tracker in a motor vehicle without a person\u2019s consent is considered an unlawful use of GPS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvanian employers, you shouldn\u2019t worry about facing charges for illegal use of GPS trackers \u2014 if you have your employees\u2019 consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Particularly, Title 18<\/a> stresses that it\u2019s illegal to place GPS trackers on phones or motor vehicles without consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a business owner In Rhode Island? You should know it\u2019s legal to use GPS tracking for your employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, R. I. Gen. Laws 11-69-1<\/a> prohibits placing GPS trackers without consent but allows for an exception when it comes to business purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking employees\u2019 location here means that an authorized business uses a tracking device to track vehicles that are business-owned or leased and driven by its employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As soon as you obtain their permission, it becomes legal to track your employees with GPS devices in South Carolina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, Bill 3212<\/a> makes it illegal to install or place a GPS tracking device on a motor vehicle without an employee’s consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try GPS tracking in Clockify<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Tennessee, once you\u2019ve obtained consent from your employees, it\u2019s legal to track their location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, according to Tenn. Code Ann. 39-13-606<\/a>, it\u2019s illegal to install a GPS tracking device on a motor vehicle without consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas employers, you don\u2019t have to worry about getting sued for GPS tracking your employees, as it\u2019s legal to track their location \u2014 granted you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, according to the Penal Code Chapter 16<\/a>, it\u2019s illegal to install a GPS tracking device on a motor vehicle without the approval of the person you want to track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Utah employers, if you don\u2019t track your employees outside working hours and you\u2019ve obtained their consent, you are not violating the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Particularly, according to the Utah Code 76-9-408<\/a>, you need consent prior to installing a GPS tracking device on a motor vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Virginia, it\u2019s legal to track your employees\u2019 location if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, the Va. Code 18.2-60.5<\/a> doesn\u2019t allow installing tracking devices without the person\u2019s consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you forget to ask for consent from your employees before you tracked their location? If you tracked their location on company-owned devices in Washington, it\u2019s legal, and you don\u2019t even need consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, House Bill 1696<\/a> dictates that employers can use GPS tracking devices on company-owned phones or motor vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, it\u2019s illegal to install or monitor an electronic tracking device without the person\u2019s consent if you don\u2019t own the vehicle or the cell phone in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Wisconsin, it\u2019s legal to use GPS tracking with your employees if you have their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In line with Wis. Stat. 940.315<\/a>, it\u2019s illegal to place a GPS tracking device on a vehicle owned by another person without their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking your employees\u2019 location with GPS in Wyoming becomes legal the moment you obtain their consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To be more precise, WY Stat 6-2-506<\/a> dictates that any GPS device is illegal without the authorization of the person being tracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a list of states that haven\u2019t yet introduced any laws regarding GPS tracking: <\/p>\n\n\n\n We consulted lawyer Ladislav Beganyi<\/a> to determine what employers should do if they live in one of these states. He typically advises employers to get consent even if there are no laws requiring this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere there are no laws specifically regulating GPS tracking, employers still need to exercise caution. I typically advise clients to get express written consent from employees before implementing any GPS tracking system.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n To wrap up, here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to GPS tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are numerous benefits that come with a GPS tracking system, and we\u2019ll list the most important ones: <\/p>\n\n\n\n When used properly, GPS devices aren\u2019t an invasion of privacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees may experience mixed feelings in the beginning, but following the law and monitoring employees\u2019 locations only during working hours is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, workers are more open to new technology when provided with clear explanations of why and how the changes will be implemented. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CEO of a fuel delivery company, Eliot Vancil<\/a>, explained to us that employees were more open to GPS tracking once they told them it would be used only during working hours to improve service and employees\u2019 safety: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018\u2019When we first started using GPS tracking, workers naturally worried about their privacy. We answered this by saying that the main goal was to make things safer and more efficient. Employees were more open to GPS tracking after it was made clear that it would only be used during work hours and would bring benefits.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In most states, it\u2019s legal to track employees with GPS if you have their consent. You can always consult with a lawyer before placing a GPS tracking device into a vehicle or installing software into your employees’ cell phones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Placing a GPS tracking device on a vehicle is possible. More and more laws are emerging to protect people from unlawful tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most states prohibit installing GPS tracking devices without the person\u2019s consent. If you suspect that you\u2019re being tracked illegally, contact the authorities as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In most states, using GPS for tracking purposes is legal as long as you have consent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you obtain consent from your employees, the next step is finding an easy-to-use, reliable GPS tracking software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our award-winning Clockify<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a> takes the spotlight here, as it\u2019s a powerful software for time and location tracking. Here are some of the advantages of using Clockify GPS tracking feature:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, there\u2019s no reason for you to play a guessing game about whether your on-the-field workers arrived at their location anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"GPS](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/GPS-Tracking-in-the-US-cover.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nGPS tracking laws by state<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alabama <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alaska<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Arkansas <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
California <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Connecticut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Delaware <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hawaii <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Idaho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Illinois<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Free time tracker<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/clockify\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nIndiana <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iowa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kansas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kentucky<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Louisiana <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maine <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maryland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Massachusetts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Michigan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Minnesota <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nevada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Hampshire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
North Carolina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Jersey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Oklahoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
North Dakota<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Oregon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rhode Island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
South Carolina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tennessee <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Texas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Utah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Virginia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Washington <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wisconsin <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wyoming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
States with no GPS tracking laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Ladislav](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Ladislav-Beganyi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n4 Most frequently asked questions about GPS tracking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of GPS tracking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Are GPS devices an invasion of privacy? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Eliot](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Eliot-Vancil-Photo.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIs it legal to track employees with GPS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can someone track your car without you knowing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Simplify the GPS tracking process with powerful software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"GPS](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/GPS-Location-Section.jpg\")