Running a business is already a daunting task in this challenging market. Worrying about company vehicles' betterment all the time is like salt on a wound. Moreover, in today's time, keeping your vehicle safe and knowing its location at all times has become more important than ever. For instance, vehicle theft, a major concern, constantly occupies the vehicle owner's mind. And to mitigate this tension, a tracking device for vehicles is a reliable, smart, and affordable solution. Must-have option.
What Is a Tracking Device for Vehicle Use?
- Definition: A tracking device for vehicle is a small electronic unit that uses GPS and cellular networks to transmit the real-time location of a car, truck, or fleet vehicle.
As technology advances, real-time GPS tracking devices for vehicles are now more affordable, ubiquitous and user-friendly. Whether you're a parent who wants to track your teen's driving, a business owner who is tracking a fleet of vehicles, or someone who wants to protect their car from theft, a tracking device for vehicle can give you peace of mind and control.
But then again, what is the protection of the device itself? Thus, choose hidden tracking devices for vehicles, especially for discreet company vehicle monitoring. Wondering if this tracking device is legal, and if so, what is the best way to use it? We are here to break down its laws, applications, advantages and many other essential aspects. Let's look into it-
How Do GPS Trackers Work?
A tracking device for vehicles uses advanced technology to pinpoint your car's location anywhere in the world. But how does this technology work? Let's break it down in simple terms.
- GPS Module: This is the central component of all car tracking devices. It uses satellites in orbit around the planet to pinpoint your car's precise location.
- Data Transmitter: The transmitter conveys location information to a secure server or straight to your smartphone app after the GPS module receives it. This is how real-time GPS tracking devices for vehicles provide instant updates for cars.
- Power Source: Energy is required for the device to function. While some trackers have been plugged into the car's electrical system, others run on rechargeable batteries. Battery life is an important consideration, particularly for covert car monitoring devices that stay hidden from notice.
Real-time GPS tracking devices for vehicles uses all three of the above components to send live location updates that are often sent every five seconds. This means you can know where your vehicles are at all times, whether parked or on the go.
In simple terms, it has to go through three simple steps-
- The tracking device for vehicle calculates its position using GPS satellites.
- It transmits this data to a secure server.
- Users access the information via a mobile app or web dashboard.
Key Applications of Hidden Tracking Devices for Vehicles
A tracking device for vehicle isn't only used to locate misplaced automobiles. Some of the more popular and useful applications include:
Theft Prevention
Car theft is a genuine risk, but a hidden tracking devices for your vehicle can enable you to retrieve your car promptly in case of theft. Since the devices are secreted, the thieves can't easily locate and destroy them. Police can track your car through real-time information and recover it in time.
Fleet and Company Vehicle Monitoring
Utilising a GPS tracking device on company vehicles assists owners and managers with monitoring routes, decreasing unauthorised use, and enhancing driver accountability. This results in cost savings and enhanced customer service.
Insurance Benefits
Certain insurers offer discounts for vehicles equipped with a tracking device.
Teen Driver & Family Safety
If you're a parent, a tracking device for vehicle provides peace of mind. You can ensure your teen is driving safely, following approved routes, and arriving on time. GPS vehicle tracking devices in real time enable you to set a speeding alert or an after-hours driving alert.
Asset Protection
Expensive cars, bulldozers, or delivery trucks are significant investments. Stealthy vehicle tracking devices prevent such assets from being lost or stolen by continuously updating their location and sending out notifications if anything untoward occurs.
Are Hidden Tracking Devices for Vehicles Legal?
The question we hear the most before installing a tracking device for vehicle is whether it's legal. So, whether or not it is legal to use hidden tracking devices for vehicles depends on the ownership of the vehicle and whether or not you have consent.
Federal Law
In the United States, you can buy a tracking device for vehicle and own it for personal use, as long as you are not using it in any type of harassment. The Fourth Amendment protects from unreasonable searches. Law enforcement must get a warrant to use a GPS tracker on a suspect's car.
However, the Supreme Court says that law enforcement agencies must get a warrant before placing a GPS tracker on someone else's vehicle, which protects privacy rights.
State Laws
Each state has their laws regarding hidden tracking devices for vehicles. In many cases, it is illegal to install a tracker on a car you do not own or lease, or to track someone without their knowledge and consent.
But exceptions are always there:
- Tracking your vehicles or company-owned vehicles
- Parental tracking for minor children.
- Tracking business-owned vehicles for fleet management
Important: Make sure you check your local laws and that you obtain consent before installing tracking devices for vehicles.
Consequences of Illegal Use
Without the right consent, using a tracking device on a vehicle can have major repercussions, such as fines, legal action, criminal accusations, and even jail time. Before placing a tracker on a vehicle, be sure you are aware of the rules in your state. But if it is yours, then the law can be by your side when you need it.
Key GPS Tracking Device Selection Criteria
With so many products available, how do you select the appropriate tracking device for vehicle? The following are the most critical considerations:
Accuracy & Real-Time Updates
Opt for real-time GPS tracking devices for vehicles, which provide updates at short intervals; some give location information every five seconds. This is important both for theft recovery and fleet management.
Battery Life & Power Options
For covert tracking gadgets for cars, battery life is a priority. Some devices have a battery life of up to 20 days on one charge, and others can be permanently hardwired for constant power.
Alerts & Notifications
Select a vehicle tracking gadget that provides immediate alerts for speeding, entering or leaving places (geofencing), tampering, or low battery. These alert features enable you to address issues immediately.
Data Security
Your data should be protected. Look for encrypted data transmission and secure user logins, especially if you're using a GPS tracking device for company vehicles.
Ease of Use
A good tracking device for a vehicle should be easy to install and manage. User-friendly apps, simple setup, and the ability to track multiple vehicles from one dashboard are key.
Best Places to Put a Hidden Tracking Device on a Car
The location of a hidden tracking device for vehicle determines how successful it is. Here are a few of the best places:
- Below the Dashboard: Here, hardwired trackers that are undetectable to thieves can be fitted.
- The glove compartment's interior: Devices that run on batteries can easily access it.
- Beneath a Seat: Out of sight and hidden.
- In the spare tire or trunk compartment: Protected from the elements and prying eyes.
- Attached Magnetically Under the Car: For this reason, many car monitoring gadgets come with waterproof magnetic enclosures.
Make sure the gadget doesn't affect driving safety or car electronics at all times.
What Small Fleet Operators Need to Know
If you own a small business with multiple vehicles, a tracking device for vehicles can revolutionise your operations. Here's what you need to remember:
Cost Savings
A tracking device for vehicle prevents unauthorised usage, decreases fuel expenditure, and minimises routes. Cumulatively, over time, these expenses can be significant.
Compliance
You must inform your drivers if you use a GPS tracking device for company vehicles. Open policies assist you in complying with privacy legislation and gaining employee trust.
Driver Performance
Track speeding, aggressive braking, and idle time to improve safety and fuel efficiency. Real-time GPS tracking devices for vehicles enable you to take action as it occurs.
Multi-Vehicle Support
The best GPS tracker for commercial vehicles lets you track all your vehicles from a single dashboard, making fleet management simple and effective.
Key Features to Look for in the Best GPS Tracker for Commercial Vehicles
As you select a tracking device for vehicle, particularly for business purposes, consider these features (which all are available in ShadowGPS's ShadowTrack solution):
Real-Time GPS Tracking
Receive updates as frequently as every five seconds. This is crucial for both theft recovery and effective fleet management.
Trip History & Animated Replay
View up to one year of trip history, including address-level tracking and breadcrumb display of routes. This enables you to analyse routes and driver behaviour.
Alerts & Notifications
Get real-time alerts for speeding, curfew, geofence, aggressive driving, motion, and low battery. These alerts keep you aware and in charge.
Battery & Power
Seek extended battery life and easy recharging. Optional magnetic waterproof enclosures allow flexible mount locations for concealed tracking devices on vehicles.
Account & App Features
Add more users and trackers, customise notification settings, and control all of it from iOS or Android applications. This is particularly vital for companies that utilise a GPS tracking device for business-owned vehicles.
Security & Infrastructure
Select a tracking device for vehicle with encrypted data, secure login, U.S.-based data hosting, and session management to safeguard your data.
Hardware & Form Factor
A good tracking device for vehicle should be light enough to fit in the pocket, portable, and not need any wiring, while also being strong enough for indoor and outdoor use.
Subscription & Support
Each plan should include all features, along with free trials and customer support, to ensure customers feel comfortable presenting their queries to you. The best commercial vehicle GPS tracker should provide flexible billing as well as cancellation.
Real World Scenarios: When Should You Use a Hidden Tracking Devices for Vehicle?
Let's consider practical scenarios in which the use of a hidden tracking devices for vehicle makes a huge impact.
Recovering Stolen Vehicles
Stumbling upon a missing car in the morning. With a hidden tracking devices for vehicle, you can provide the police with the current location in real time, and thus the vehicle can be recovered sooner. Most stolen vehicles are recovered within hours due to these devices.
Monitoring Company Vehicles Discreetly
If you have reason to believe a company vehicle is being used improperly, a GPS tracking system for company cars can track routes and stops without notification to the driver. This curbs abuse and assures that vehicles are used for business purposes only.
Securing High-Value Assets
Construction companies, delivery services, and rental agencies rely on hidden tracking devices for vehicles to protect expensive equipment and vehicles. If something goes missing, you'll know exactly where to find it.
Teen or Elderly Driver Safety
Families utilise a tracking device for vehicle to protect young or senior drivers. Install speed alerts, prohibited locations, or nocturnal driving warnings. In case of an emergency, you can readily find your loved one.
Legal Best Practices: Proper Use of Hidden Tracking Devices for Vehicle
To remain on the correct side of the law, implement these best practices if using a tracking device for vehicle:
Always Get Consent
If the vehicle is not yours, obtain written permission before installing a tracker. For companies, ensure employees are aware of the GPS tracking device usage for company cars.
Disclose Tracking to Employees
Ensure that there are clear, written policies for fleet tracking. Being honest creates trust and keeps you in compliance with privacy regulations.
Stay Updated on State Laws
Legislation can shift. Check your state regularly to determine any new requirements for using concealed tracking devices on cars.
Use for Legitimate Purposes Only
Use a vehicle tracking device for security, safety, and asset management alone. Don't engage in anything that may be interpreted as harassment or invasion of privacy.
Secure, Smart, and Legal Use of Tracking Device for Vehicles
Employing a hidden tracking devices for vehicle can increase productivity, safeguard your assets, and give you peace of mind. However, you should constantly be aware of the law, respect privacy, and select a device with a lot of functions and support. Purchasing the appropriate GPS tracking device for vehicles be it personal or commercial, can have a significant impact on both personal and professional use. ShadowGPS proudly provides safe, dependable, and lawful tracking solutions for every requirement. Browse our offerings now to start down the path to smarter vehicle security.
FAQs
1. What's the best tracking device for a vehicle?
ShodowTrack from ShadowGPS, can be considered among the best tracking device for vehicle. It provides real-time tracking, timely alerts and notifications, and efficient service.
2. Which device is used to track the location of a vehicle?
Tracking device for vehicles are used to track the vehicle location. There are two type of trackers- Overt (Open) and Covert (hidden), for customers' preference.
3. Are tracking devices on cars illegal?
Although it is illegal to put a tracking device on someone else’s car without consent, taking all the legalities into account, you can be on the safe side.
4. What is a tracking device in my car?
It is an electronic device that is installed in your vehicle and is used for fleet management or security purposes to track its movement, speed, and position.
