Can you have a scanner in your car?

Still, just about every state makes it legal to own a police scanner radio. So you may be allowed to legally listen in on the police. The catch is that it may be illegal when you take the police scanner out of your home, such as when you turn your smartphone into a police radio. read more

I live in Indiana, which borders Illinois and where it is illegal to operate a police frequency scanner in your vehicle without a FCC license to do so. As of 2013, it is not illegal in Illinois to use a scanner in a private vehicle. read more

It is illegal to have a portable scanner in a vehicle. It would give an individual access to info as to whether the crime has been reported and how much time that person may have to escape before police arrived. read more

You cannot use a police scanner while operating a motor vehicle in these states. These laws have been enacted to prevent users from listening to police communication to avoid speed traps. Most of these laws were intended for fuzz busters, but they also apply to scanners. read more