Scanners and the law

[rfradioconsult]

Many of the states allow you to have a scanner in the car as long as have a Ham License.

The actual wording doesn't address a separate scanner but possession of an amateur radio "capable" of receiving police frequencies.

 

[mikepdx]

Funny how most or all of these mobile anti-scanner laws are in east coast or midwest states.
Around here, LE could give a a rat's a** if you have a mobile scanner.

Do they honestly think the bad guys will follow these laws and the the laws really work?
or have these laws simply become tools to hassle the average Joe and increase revenue from fines?
A convenient PC to search?
Another item to to$$ on the pile at the $tate auction?

 

[rmoc_guy]

I was stopped about 6 months ago by one of our county dep. and when he came up to my window he just said "You have some nice radio equipment, you're not afraid of us are you?" I explained to him that I like knowing what's going on around me. Nothing was said after that but in case he didn't know it is legal for mobile monitoring in WV. I just couldn't help but laugh when I heard all of my info. go across the air.

Chad

Well I know in Canada if you replied yes to that question, you could be charged, as the only real law against it is that it is illegal to have a scanner for the purpose of evading law enforcement. But that is about it up here. You could have a scanner in your car, as I've had no problems so far. But in my area, the cops tend not to pull you over unless you are doing something really illegal mainly because they don't want to have to do the paperwork required after. So you could be driving around with no license plate and they won't pull you over. They will only do anything if they have a speed trap set up, or they had someone call them.

In Canada, scanners laws are solely under federal durisdiction, so each province cannot create their own set of laws. As in Canada, governments are responsible for specific things. But I have read that "The radio-frequency spectrum is a natural resource to which all Canadians are entitled access." and I use that line when ever anyone questions me about legality of a scanner, since I am 'entitled' to access it.

Radar detectors since they were mentioned in here however, are for some reason under provincal durisdiction, however almost every province that I've been to, they're outlawed.

 

[Dorpmuller]

We all hate to admit it but racism still exist today.

Im telling you 95% police officers in NYC think its illegal to monitur police frequencies. Trying to explain to cops that are rude and have no respect for you while they smirk at you while you talk is NOT an easy job for you to do.

Well, I'm as White as you can get and it was no better in the police state of NJ before I moved. I always made damn sure the radio went under the seat.

God, I'm glad I got out of there! I'm in the sticks in Pa. and people say that my Saber is a "really big cellphone!"

Fine with me!

Rich

 

[rckydenver]

One someone posted that the Adam-12 series was available online thru Hulu had to watch it, and there where acouple of episodes where there some people driving around with police radios in there cars. Those episodes are on Season 2 episode 3 and another on season 4 the first one. In the season two one a couple of people to start something with the officers Malloy and Reed, I posted the link below in the season two episode, and where Reed questions him about the radio in his car. That about the 10 minute and 18 sec mark.

Yeah i know this tv and the year is 1969.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/11961/adam-12-log-52-good-cop-handle-with-care

 

[ab8sn]

Mobile Scanners

Well I know in Canada if you replied yes to that question, you could be charged, as the only real law against it is that it is illegal to have a scanner for the purpose of evading law enforcement. But that is about it up here. You could have a scanner in your car, as I've had no problems so far. But in my area, the cops tend not to pull you over unless you are doing something really illegal mainly because they don't want to have to do the paperwork required after. So you could be driving around with no license plate and they won't pull you over. They will only do anything if they have a speed trap set up, or they had someone call them.

In Canada, scanners laws are solely under federal durisdiction, so each province cannot create their own set of laws. As in Canada, governments are responsible for specific things. But I have read that "The radio-frequency spectrum is a natural resource to which all Canadians are entitled access." and I use that line when ever anyone questions me about legality of a scanner, since I am 'entitled' to access it.

Radar detectors since they were mentioned in here however, are for some reason under provincal durisdiction, however almost every province that I've been to, they're outlawed.

That night I was in the right place at the wrong time. That particular officer was just looking for someone to stop and I happened to be it. Considering that we were the only two vehicles on that road for several miles. I've not had any trouble since and I've been followed and passed by many. Not only am I a ham operator, but a county pub. safey dispatcher as well so I get to talk to them on a daily basis.

Chad

 

[andyishere]

I had it at the park one day and one of the city units pulled up to me. He proceeded to ask if I was a Firefighter or an off duty officers, I said no to both. He then gets on the radio and says that he needs a supervisor and a County unit to come, both city cops were baffled as to what the scanner was and why I had it. They thought I stole a county radio or purchased one and was illegally monitoring it. When the Deputy got there he said that the County is not "encrypted" like the city so EVERYONE can monitor it... The city cops apologized to me and let me go on with my day.

 

[iMONITOR]

Federal trumps State.

Not always.

 

[KX4KDH]

I promise if an issue came up, and you hauled their a$$ to court, they would find out otherwise.

 

[JoeyC]

Laws are not written to allow you to do anything. There is no such federal law. There also is no specific right that allows you to listen to radios.

 

[rmoc_guy]

That night I was in the right place at the wrong time. That particular officer was just looking for someone to stop and I happened to be it. Considering that we were the only two vehicles on that road for several miles. I've not had any trouble since and I've been followed and passed by many. Not only am I a ham operator, but a county pub. safey dispatcher as well so I get to talk to them on a daily basis.

Chad

Ah, one of those cops. I've been stopped by one in Gatineau (across the river from where I live, in Quebec) because I was driving around at 1 AM. But that time I didn't have my scanner because I was out with some friends, so that story is not really important. I think it had more to do with the fact I had an Ontario plate. (As Quebec cops love to pull over Ontario cars)

 

[DozerD1]

Respect.....What it is all about, young man. I too, have LEO's in the family, as well as some hoodlums. I don't think they even know how to use a scanner, never addressed the subject, but for me, I wouldn't be without me ear to the ground. (off the record, dozer, ever do any writing?)

No I haven'tand I do alot less typing,,,,

 

[cpsTN]

Have you ever been questioned about a scanner by a cop.

this could be in your car, or anywhere else.

I was stopped by the local PD (Smyrna, TN) not long ago for not having brake lights. He saw my scanner and asked "You just riding around listening to what's goin' on?" I responded "Yes, Sir" and that was it. He DID use a cell phone to call in my tag though. I have since repaired the light problem!

 

[BoxAlarm187]

This is an interesting topic. I do believe there is a federal law in place somewhere that guarantees the right to receive any radio transmission. I have to dig to find it, but it is there... Federal trumps State.

There's absolutely no law like that.

 

[poltergeisty]

Truck drivers! What about those guys? Even your retiree with an RV! I took mine on trips across this country without even thinking about state laws! :lol: Oops..

 

[iMONITOR]

I'm glad they made it that way. It's only been that way for a few years.

Before the law changed, you could obtain a signed permission card from the Michigan State Police, just for the asking, no charge, no special requirements, other then you being a law abiding citizen without a serious criminal record.

 

[Cbear429]

Using a scanner, monitoring, in your vehicle is not illegal. However using in a commission of a crime is another story. I think it will add charges to your perdicument. From what I've read, many states or local jurisdictions seem to inact "local attitudes" of having a scanner. I had one while living in NY and working in NYC for many years, even on Long Island with no problems. Of course my work hx proved an OK "carry" permit, for the radio..LOL. I've had people come up to me and after hearing the transmission ask if it was legal? I say yes as long as you don't transmit. Even illegal activities I hear on the radio, ie: drag racers, use them to avoid the police. Because when they arrive on scene they (racers) are gone.

But for now, at least Maryland PG Co., frequencies and radios are changing so being able to monitor them is getting difficult.

 

[mciupa]

Have you ever been questioned about a scanner by a cop.

this could be in your car, or anywhere else.

No, have you?

 

[LeeRain]

I know LA City has an old law on the books making any radio capable of picking up police frequencies illegal, but it's never enforced, and probably wouldn't stand up in court if it was

 

[poltergeisty]

Scanner (radio) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia