Mobile Scanner law
- Thread starter KyleK911
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DJ88
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You can have a scanner in your car in New Jersey as long as you don't use it to intercept communications to help you commit a crime or to interfere with public safety officials while they're performing their duties.
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elk2370bruce
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Cliffnotes for the above: Research, Research, and Search this Site for Prior (in this case multiple) discussions.
Once again, the state statute isn't a problem, it's the county and city ordinances you have to watch out for. In some you need a permit which may limit you to a specific agency or agencies. Likely the cops don't even know such things, I've never had one raise an eyebrow but still it's best not to advertise "in your face" I suppose. Funny thing, that's how it is all over the UK, they have to get a permit from Ofcom even to listen to a pirate broadcaster. No kidding, I've read the rules! (;->)
NJ has a really quirky one now intended to expand the scope of the anti-cell phone statute. Now it's a primary offense to use a cell phone or text messaging device (the intended scope) while a vehicle is in motion. The unintended scope includes "all electronic communications devices" later to which was added an exemption for Amateur Radio but guess what. That's the ONLY exemption so technically the cops can cite taxi drivers, firemen and even other cops for using the radio. (;->)
The law's a funny thing, often literally.
NJ has a really quirky one now intended to expand the scope of the anti-cell phone statute. Now it's a primary offense to use a cell phone or text messaging device (the intended scope) while a vehicle is in motion. The unintended scope includes "all electronic communications devices" later to which was added an exemption for Amateur Radio but guess what. That's the ONLY exemption so technically the cops can cite taxi drivers, firemen and even other cops for using the radio. (;->)
The law's a funny thing, often literally.
Technically by definition a scanner isn't a communications device. You can't communicate with it as it only receives (same as a car radio or Satellite Radio) so therefore should not be included - no? You can argue this until the cows come home I'm sure but unless you're hold a hand held scanner up to your ear while driving, there shouldn't be any concerns.
Yeah it's getting ridiculous but isn't there a valid need for such a ban. How many times have you passed an erratic driver only to see that their on the cell phone??!! NJ is banning total use of cellphone for all persons under the age of 21 which I have to say I agree with.
BTW the ban in NJ is on the use of a cell phone without a hands free device. You can't hold it up to you ear and drive. Text-messaging ban goes into effect on 3/1/08 which will cover texting and using a Blackberry/Smartphone as well.
Yeah it's getting ridiculous but isn't there a valid need for such a ban. How many times have you passed an erratic driver only to see that their on the cell phone??!! NJ is banning total use of cellphone for all persons under the age of 21 which I have to say I agree with.
BTW the ban in NJ is on the use of a cell phone without a hands free device. You can't hold it up to you ear and drive. Text-messaging ban goes into effect on 3/1/08 which will cover texting and using a Blackberry/Smartphone as well.
The actual statute is:
2C:33-20 (Paging Device)
2C:33-21 Interception of Emergency Communications for Unlawful Purpose.
2C:33-22 Possession of Radio to Intercept Emergency Communications while Committing or Attempting to Commit a Crime.
2C:33-23 (Radar Devices Not Included)
This is directly taken from the 2007 NJ Police Manual. You can read the whole statute at www.njleg.state.nj.us
RD
P.S. I knew this book would come in handy some day!
2C:33-20 (Paging Device)
2C:33-21 Interception of Emergency Communications for Unlawful Purpose.
2C:33-22 Possession of Radio to Intercept Emergency Communications while Committing or Attempting to Commit a Crime.
2C:33-23 (Radar Devices Not Included)
This is directly taken from the 2007 NJ Police Manual. You can read the whole statute at www.njleg.state.nj.us
RD
P.S. I knew this book would come in handy some day!
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