Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

In what situation is it legal to place a GPS tracker on a vehicle in Alabama?

1. If the device is placed with the permission of a person with an ownership interest in the vehicle

2. If it is on a public road

3. If the tracker is hidden from plain view

4. If the owner has not explicitly prohibited it

The correct answer is: If the device is placed with the permission of a person with an ownership interest in the vehicle

Placing a GPS tracker on a vehicle is legal in Alabama when done with the permission of a person who has an ownership interest in that vehicle. This is because consent from an authorized individual ensures that the installation of the tracking device does not violate privacy rights or property laws. Such consent typically stems from the legal principle that owners have control over their property and can grant others the right to access or monitor it. While aspects such as visibility or placement on public roads may seem relevant, they do not independently authorize such an action without the required permission from the vehicle's owner. The legality of tracking often hinges more on the right to consent than merely the location or visibility of the device.