GPS Tracker Detection in California: What’s Legal and How GRI Investigative Group Can Help

GPS trackers have become smaller, cheaper, and easier to buy than ever before. A quick online search reveals dozens of hidden trackers marketed to consumers, some no larger than a matchbox. While these devices can serve legitimate purposes—like tracking your own vehicle—they are often misused to secretly monitor others. In California, where privacy laws are strict, it’s important to understand both what’s legal and how to protect yourself. If you suspect your car may be carrying an unwanted device, a private investigator in California can help detect and remove it.

Are GPS Trackers Legal in California?

California Penal Code § 637.7 makes it illegal to install a GPS tracker on a vehicle you do not own or to track someone without their consent. If a spouse, neighbor, or stranger places a device on your car, they may face criminal penalties and lawsuits for violating your privacy.

There are exceptions. Registered vehicle owners can legally place trackers on their own cars. Employers may track company-owned vehicles if they notify employees. Law enforcement may use trackers only with a valid court order. Any other use is unlawful.

Types of GPS Trackers Sold Online

Today’s trackers are easy to purchase from online retailers, which makes them more common than many people realize. The most frequently used types include:

• Magnetic GPS trackers: Small devices with strong magnets that easily attach to a vehicle’s undercarriage, bumper, or wheel well. These are the most common type used in unauthorized tracking.

• Plug-in trackers (OBD-II port): Devices that connect directly to a car’s onboard diagnostic port, drawing power from the vehicle. They are easy to install and harder to notice without inspection.

• Hardwired trackers: Installed directly into a vehicle’s wiring, often behind panels or in the dashboard. These are difficult to detect without a professional sweep.

• Battery-powered “slimline” trackers: Compact devices with rechargeable batteries that can be hidden inside compartments, bags, or even within vehicle interiors.

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While these devices are marketed for parents monitoring teen drivers or businesses tracking fleet vehicles, they are often misused in personal disputes, custody battles, or by individuals acting outside the law.

How GRI Investigative Group Detects Hidden GPS Devices

Because trackers are designed to stay hidden, finding them without training is difficult. At GRI Investigative Group, we specialize in Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) sweeps across California. Using advanced RF detectors, spectrum analyzers, and physical inspection techniques, we locate both active trackers that transmit data and passive trackers that store location logs.

Our team of retired law enforcement investigators knows the common—and not-so-common—hiding places for GPS trackers, from undercarriages and bumpers to inside fuse panels and behind dashboard components.

Why Hire a California Private Investigator for GPS Tracker Detection?

Searching for a tracker on your own is frustrating and often ineffective. A licensed private investigator in California not only has the tools to detect and remove hidden GPS devices, but can also provide documentation if legal action is necessary. At GRI Investigative Group, we’ve helped clients confirm suspicions, uncover unauthorized surveillance, and restore peace of mind.

Protect Your Privacy with GRI Investigative Group

If you suspect that someone may be tracking your car, don’t wait. A hidden device could be logging your every move. GRI Investigative Group provides GPS tracker detection and TSCM sweeps throughout California. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let our team of experienced investigators secure your privacy.