All of the states that are listed here you can read the SCANNER LAWS posted on each state website.
Is it legal to have a portable scanner while driving
- Thread starter tatman35753
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I know in Florida there have been times when people got in trouble for having Five-O radio and some more apps on their phones.
Its been my experience its best to ere on the side of caution.
Be Safe
Its been my experience its best to ere on the side of caution.
Be Safe
How in the hell did the Florida police search someone's phone without a search warrant? In most states and under most circumstances, a warrant is needed, even for a search incident to arrest. There's too much information in there (personal contacts, medical, financial and maybe even the number of steps you walked today) and the expectation of privacy (a favorite Supreme Court phrase) is too great to make it readily available, even to the police.
Here us what a (Michigan) law looks like. No 5 year felons or use during a crime. The older I get the less I care about what these pencil pushing cubicle dwellers write and I do what I want.
www.legislature.mi.gov
MCL - Section 750.508 - Michigan Legislature
www.legislature.mi.gov
A lot of agencies are using zello as a method of communication now! Remember, a law that only technically covers an area but not in spirit will only lie dormant until it's convenient for those in power to use it.
I had an NYPD "Radio Permit" during the "War Years" in NYC during the1970s. I got it, frankly, because of a political hook. I didn't need it primarily because it was a lawless time in NYC (coming again, soon, to the Big Apple...if not already). I had three radios mounted permanently in my car, including a trunk-mounted Motorola.
The permit itself was very nicely designed! So much so that, if I had kept it, It would probably be framed today just because of the design of the piece of paper.
What was interesting however, was what happened when it expired. The renewal was denied and, since the radio permits were handled by the Pistol License Section, they handled the expiration of the radio permit the same way as they did/do handle pistol licenses, by sending dunning and threatening letters demanding me to turn in my radios to the Pistol License Section on or before a certain date.
They sent me three of those letters, and they're still waiting for my radios to show up.
But let's be frank about all this: what should be said about a police department and, more specifically, a police officer individually, who has time to break the chops of some guy who has a scanner in his possession, who is not committing an "underlying felony" while doing so? It boggles the mind that such insignificant issues takes up the mental capacity of police officers while there are people looking to take away their livelihoods and destroy their families because some clown complains the handcuffs were too tight....during a real arrest.
Be discrete and, if you show up at something, park your car away from the incident and don't be a pest.
The permit itself was very nicely designed! So much so that, if I had kept it, It would probably be framed today just because of the design of the piece of paper.
What was interesting however, was what happened when it expired. The renewal was denied and, since the radio permits were handled by the Pistol License Section, they handled the expiration of the radio permit the same way as they did/do handle pistol licenses, by sending dunning and threatening letters demanding me to turn in my radios to the Pistol License Section on or before a certain date.
They sent me three of those letters, and they're still waiting for my radios to show up.
But let's be frank about all this: what should be said about a police department and, more specifically, a police officer individually, who has time to break the chops of some guy who has a scanner in his possession, who is not committing an "underlying felony" while doing so? It boggles the mind that such insignificant issues takes up the mental capacity of police officers while there are people looking to take away their livelihoods and destroy their families because some clown complains the handcuffs were too tight....during a real arrest.
Be discrete and, if you show up at something, park your car away from the incident and don't be a pest.
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Very Sage advice. It's not just legally or not legally having a scanner in your car, it's what you do with it that counts.
Grew up in the Philly area and graduated high school 1971 and moved to New York to attend undergraduate and graduate school, stayed about 15 years and returned to Philly. Also started my lifelong career as a journalist that I am now retired from.
You're right about the lawlessness and out of control society in New York then. Of course it's the same way now but the body count is much higher.
It wasn't legal but when I worked in NYC, Nassau and Suffolk County as a Stringer for Newsday I had three radios in my Pinto permanently mounted. I learned very early never to park near a scene, didn't want to get embedded with a lot of emergency equipment, blocked roads, especially with charged fire hoses.
When I showed up at a scene, I would stay in the shadows, press ID in my pocket. I would place myself with crowds of spectators, I would get all the shots I needed with a long lens for the front page and the inside, then... I would show up at the scene with my credentials around my neck.
It's the nitwit wannabes that storm into a scene feeling all entitled by the First Amendment while they're stepping all over evidence and impeding police that gives scanners in cars a bad name among police.
Agree with trentbob, sage advice from ten13:
When I lived in New York State, 1981-2005, was a volunteer firefighter, many of us had scanners in the car and no one I knew was ever challenged, likely because when buffing a call they followed ten13's advice. From 2000-2005 prior to moving to PA from NYS I was a P/T Code Enforcement Officer. Asked for and received a permit from the Village Police Chief. When I resigned in preparation for moving, he asked me to turn it in. After moving to PA became a licensed Amateur, Technician.
When I lived in New York State, 1981-2005, was a volunteer firefighter, many of us had scanners in the car and no one I knew was ever challenged, likely because when buffing a call they followed ten13's advice. From 2000-2005 prior to moving to PA from NYS I was a P/T Code Enforcement Officer. Asked for and received a permit from the Village Police Chief. When I resigned in preparation for moving, he asked me to turn it in. After moving to PA became a licensed Amateur, Technician.
Good question! Or if you go and buy a scanner at a dealer, how do you drive home with it in the car?
Just like guns in some cases in some states. I have a concealed carry permit in Michigan which is good in most states, but there are still a few that make it illegal to do so.
Bob1955
Member
I have NEVER heard of anyone being told that they cannot monitor 5-0 on a application. Ridiculous.
That's the site I use and is accurate as well
That good stuff but it looks like the latest update is 6 years old. Having said that, I doubt that the legislatures pay much attention to those particular laws.
That's the site I use and is accurate as well
Was updated awhile ago but those laws are still correct and accurate that's why they have not been updated. And law enforcement will honor it run into it all the time. I have had several talks with law enforcement about my scanner in my semi truck at several weigh stations and inspection bays
The Indiana law on that site is correct as-of a 2019 revision.
Law enforcement will honor a third-party website rather than their own state's presentation of law?
Maybe I misunderstood what you said.
ecps92
Member
So IF I am not a resident, the laws of your City, County, Parrish, State do not apply to me ? Wooo Hooo
Time to put this thread out to pasture
It might be but it happened to me, all you need to do is read the law..I knew if but did it anyway. The trooper asked me to cut it off
In the DC, Maryland and Virginia area, no problems to have a scanner unless you are committing a crime. Being a commercial truck driving ham, going all over the area including bases, even the guard post personal listen to it with me until I am cleared from the check points.
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