Are you allowed to drive with a scanner on?

[pasadenamd]

Are you allowed to drive in Maryland with a scanner on?

 

[ka3jjz]

Been doing so for almost 20 years, not an issue. Even have a ham radio or two on at times...73 Mike

 

[James04TJ]

No scanner laws in Maryland. If you travel here is a little overview: An Overview of State Scanner Laws

 

[wyesguy]

I was pulled over a few years back by an AA County police officer. He started to say that he thought cruising around with a scanner was illegal, but backed off saying that maybe I could "help him out" someday. I think that's the way he should be thinking. I sometimes see what's happening before dispatched personnel arrive. I heard a call go out in my neighborhood for a heat sensor alarm. I was there in 90 seconds and called 911 to let them know it was because a raging fire was roaring some 20 feet out of the first floors windows. I heard them immediately dispatch a ton of additional equipment, which helped save time, as I live about 15 minutes from the nearest fire dept.

 

[mike_s104]

I was pulled over a few years back by an AA County police officer. He started to say that he thought cruising around with a scanner was illegal, but backed off saying that maybe I could "help him out" someday. I think that's the way he should be thinking. I sometimes see what's happening before dispatched personnel arrive. I heard a call go out in my neighborhood for a heat sensor alarm. I was there in 90 seconds and called 911 to let them know it was because a raging fire was roaring some 20 feet out of the first floors windows. I heard them immediately dispatch a ton of additional equipment, which helped save time, as I live about 15 minutes from the nearest fire dept.

There's a line I think you maybe shouldn't cross between watching from a safe distance and getting in the way. If I go towards something I heard on the scanner, I make sure to not get in the way. If I am at home and know an address, I might look on Google maps to make sure it's on a dead end road; if it is I just stay home.

But back to the topic, I have been driving in a car with a scanner evern since I was able to drive. Never once had an issue with it.

 

[Kumba]

I drive around with mine all the time, especially to/from work, where I cycle between Charles and PG, depending on where I'm at. I hear PG more, since I have to go not just through them, but into VA and Alexandria as well (Alexandria is really quiet it seems...have to check my programming), but several times, I've heard of lookouts posted for vehicles. I figure, if I happen to see that vehicle and no patrols following after it, I could always call in and let them know where it's at.

Now if I ever get pulled over for something, I'm not sure what the cop is going to think when he sees it and knows I can hear him, especially MSP...