Newbie questions about Massachusetts Scanning laws

[lzeroual]

What is the position of the state Massachusetts as far as Radio scanning ???
I will assume it's legal since it's sold all over the place (radio shack etc...)
does anyone knows the rule of laws that govern the scanners in MA ???

my understanding that : police, fire ,emt , ambulance etc... or public frequencies and therefore the public is allowed to monitor them according to FCC regulations
am I right or wrong ????

If you get pulled by a cop and he/she sees you mobile scanner in your car or if you walk in town with your scanner can you get in trouble ???

some feedback will be really appreciated

 

[garys]

There are no laws regarding scanning specifically in Mass.

I've been stopped a couple of times and the officers made no mention of the scanner or the Ham radio in my car.

The only law which might apply, and it would depend on the conditions is Chapter 90, Section 13, which starts as follows,

"Section 13. No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operated or controlled, except that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a citizens band radio or mobile telephone as long as one hand remains on the steering wheel at all times."

It's very broad and vague. About once a year there's an item in the news where a police officer stopped someone for using a cell phone, eating, or some other "distraction". That's about it. I've never heard of anyone being cited under this section for having a scanner in their car.

Of course I'm not a lawyer so this is nothing more than my opinion.

Gary

 

[crayon]

http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/