Boston area car scanner

scan32470 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 04:44 PM

I was going to program the Boston Fire Dept frequencies in my Pro96 and wondered if it's legal in Massachusetts (or the greater Boston area if it's a city thing) to have a scanner in the car with police or fire frequencies in it. Can anyone enlighten me on that?

Thank you,
Mike

kennyblues · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 05:40 PM

It is perfectly legal to have a scanner in your vehicle in MA, unless used in the commission of a crime.

NYRHKY94 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 09:25 PM

Kennyblues is correct. It is legal have a scanner in your car in MA (same goes for NH).

ecps92 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 08:42 AM

All Correct for New England.

NY is a totally different story, for NY keep a copy of your Amateur License with you....

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYRHKY94

Kennyblues is correct. It is legal have a scanner in your car in MA (same goes for NH).

rad1oreference · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009, 10:47 AM

Perfectly legal in Ma,NH and ME. I drive into Boston often with my scanner and I have asked the State Police (some friends of mine) about the use of scanner. They said if there is anything that they didn't want people to hear they would encrypt otherwise it's just another radiowave what can be captured by scanners.

scan32470 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2009, 07:35 AM

Thanks for all the replies. Had a good trip through town last week and lots of Fire Department activity to listen to!

Mike

AmonStone · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2009, 05:49 PM

I've only had one experience with the police as far as having a scanner in my car. I was pulled over for a bad taillight. The cop asked me what I was doing with a scanner in my car, I told him that I listen often in the car. He said that he wasn't too crazy about people driving around with scanners. Said that his problem with them was people showing up at crime scenes or whatever.