You walk out of your regular grocery store and spot the same car parked a few rows over. It was there yesterday, and you remember seeing it earlier this week, too. At first, it felt like a coincidence, but now it feels planned.
If you’re worried you’re being tracked, it might not be in your head. According to national domestic violence data, about 15 percent of victims stalked with technology have been tracked using a GPS or similar device. It happens more often than most people think.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to check your car for GPS trackers, what types of devices to look for, and what to do if you find one.
Signs Someone Might Be Tracking Your Car
If something feels off, it usually is. These signs can help you figure out if someone’s using a GPS tracker without your knowledge.
Sudden Changes in Behavior From Others
People start showing up where you are without any clear reason. It might be a partner, a coworker, or someone you barely know, but they always seem to be nearby. Friends or family may also mention things about your routine that you haven’t shared.
Technical Red Flags
Your phone or car system may start acting up. Some people notice Bluetooth or radio interference, or unusual battery drain on connected vehicles. If your tech feels glitchy for no clear reason, it could be reacting to a device that’s transmitting location data.
You Noticed an Unfamiliar Device on a Previous Inspection
Anything new under the car, behind a panel, or near the dashboard that you didn’t install yourself should raise suspicion. GPS trackers are often small and designed to blend in, but they can leave signs like Velcro, adhesive, or fresh wiring.
Common Places GPS Trackers Are Hidden
Most GPS trackers are placed where they’re hard to notice during everyday use. This table outlines the most common spots and what to look for during an inspection. Here’s how to check your car for GPS tracker:
|
Location Type |
Area of Vehicle |
What to Look For |
|
Exterior |
Under the car (frame or undercarriage) |
Magnet-mounted boxes, Velcro pads, non-factory shapes |
|
Exterior |
Inside wheel wells |
Devices behind liners, signs of tampering or fresh dirt |
|
Exterior |
Inside bumper cavities |
Devices tucked into openings or gaps |
|
Exterior |
Near exhaust or rear axle |
Heat-resistant enclosures or mounted casings |
|
Interior |
Under seats or beneath floor mats |
Taped devices, loose panels, non-standard hardware |
|
Interior |
Glove box or center console |
Small electronic boxes, blinking lights, unfamiliar plugs |
|
Interior |
Behind trunk panels or carpet lining |
Loose paneling, hidden compartments, wires or boxes |
|
Interior |
Under dashboard near OBD port |
Devices plugged into ports or wires not originally installed |
How to Check Your Car for a GPS Tracker (Step-by-Step)
You don’t need special tools to start checking for a GPS tracker on your car, but knowing where to look and how to inspect it properly can make the process faster and more effective.
Step 1 – Do a Visual Inspection
Start with the basics. Use a flashlight and a small mirror to check under the car, inside wheel wells, and around the bumpers. Look for anything that doesn’t belong, such as magnetic boxes, Velcro pads, or devices taped or zip-tied in place.
Step 2 – Scan with a Bug Detector
Bug detectors can pick up the radio frequency signals that active GPS trackers send out. Slowly move the device around the cabin, dashboard, trunk area, and undercarriage. If the detector lights up or beeps in one spot, inspect it more closely.
Step 3 – Check the OBD-II Port
Many plug-and-play trackers are installed in the OBD-II port beneath the dashboard. If you see a device there and you didn’t install it, unplug it carefully. Be sure to take note of any labels or brand markings for further research.
Step 4 – Use GPS Detection Apps
Some smartphone apps can detect trackers if they’re actively pinging nearby devices. These won’t catch everything, but they may help if you’re dealing with a low-end tracker using basic signals.
Step 5 – Call a Professional for a Deep Sweep
If you still suspect something and haven’t found a tracker on your car, a professional can do a more advanced scan. Some security services and auto shops offer GPS tracker detection and removal services using commercial-grade tools.
What to Do If You Find a GPS Tracker
Finding a GPS tracker on your car can be unsettling. What you do next depends on the type of tracker, who might have placed it there, and whether the situation involves any legal risks.
Identify the Type of Device
Look closely at the tracker to figure out what kind it is. Most fall into two categories: passive and active. A passive device stores data and needs to be retrieved to access it. On the other hand, actively transmits your location in real time. You can usually find the brand or model printed on the case, which can help you learn more about how it works.
When to Remove It
Removing a tracker isn’t always the first step. If you’re in a situation involving harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, contact law enforcement or an advocacy group before touching the device. Taking it off without documentation could interfere with any investigation or put you at greater risk. Depending on the device, your stalker could be notified when it's removed, potentially putting you in more danger.
Report It to Authorities
In some states, placing a tracker on someone’s car without permission is illegal. If you didn’t authorize the device and you have reason to believe it was placed with harmful intent, your local police department can help document it and guide you on the next steps.
Talk to a Lawyer (If Needed)
Some situations may call for legal guidance, especially if the tracker was placed by an employer, landlord, or someone with shared access to the vehicle. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you respond appropriately.
How GPS Trackers Work
Most GPS trackers rely on satellite signals to pinpoint a vehicle’s location, then use cellular networks, Bluetooth, or onboard storage to send or save that data. Some trackers pull power from the car itself, while others run on internal batteries.
Understanding how each type works can help you spot suspicious devices and know what you’re dealing with if you find one.
Types of GPS Trackers
Here are the common types of GPS trackers:
● OBD plug-in: These devices plug into your car’s OBD-II port, usually located under the dashboard. An OBD GPS tracker draws power directly from the vehicle, which means it doesn’t need charging. Many trackers come with real-time updates, engine diagnostics, and trip history. Because they’re easy to install and remove, they’re common in both consumer and fleet use.
● Battery-powered wireless: These are portable, self-contained units that can be hidden almost anywhere in or on a car. Most battery-powered wireless trackers have a strong magnet and a rechargeable battery. Some models can last weeks or even months on a single charge, depending on how often they transmit data. Their flexibility makes them popular for covert tracking.
● Wired-in trackers: These are hardwired into the vehicle’s electrical system and usually hidden behind panels or under the dash. Wired-in GPS trackers are harder to install and remove. By being wired-in, they get uninterrupted power and are difficult to detect without a full inspection.
How They Transmit Data
Most GPS trackers use a built-in SIM card to send location data through cellular networks. These active devices can provide live updates and alerts through a connected app or web dashboard. Some models use Bluetooth instead, usually to connect with a nearby smartphone. These tend to have a limited range and are less common in vehicle tracking.
Passive trackers don’t transmit any data at all. Instead, they store location history internally, which means someone has to physically access the device to retrieve that information later.
How to Prevent Someone From Tracking You Again
Removing a GPS tracker is only part of the solution. Taking a few extra steps can help reduce the chance of it happening again and make it easier to catch next time if it does.
Invest in GPS Detection Tools
Bug detectors and car diagnostic scanners can help you catch suspicious signals early. While consumer-grade tools won’t catch every device, they’re a good starting point for routine checks. Some also alert you to unexpected RF signals or devices drawing power from your car.
Do Regular Vehicle Inspections
Make it a habit to inspect common hiding spots during car washes, oil changes, or other routine maintenance. Here’s how to find a tracker on your car: Look under the car, behind interior panels, and around the OBD-II port. Regular checks increase the chance of spotting a tracker before it causes more damage or risk.
Secure Access to Your Vehicle
Limiting who has access to your car is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized tracking. Keep your vehicle locked, even when parked inside a garage. If you lend it out or use valet services, do a quick check afterward for any signs of tampering.
When It’s Legal and Illegal to Track a Car
Laws around GPS tracking vary depending on the state, the situation, and who owns the vehicle. Knowing what’s allowed and what crosses a legal line can help you respond appropriately if you find out that you have a tracker on your car.
Legal Uses
You can legally track a vehicle if you own it or have clear permission to install a device. That includes monitoring your personal car, tracking a vehicle registered to your name, or managing a fleet as part of a business. Your employees are entitled to find out if you have a tracker on your car, even if it’s a work car.
Before adding trackers to your fleet vehicles, it's important to inform your workers, as outlined by the American Bar Association. Law enforcement may also use GPS trackers if they have a warrant.
Illegal or Questionable Uses
Tracking someone else’s vehicle without their knowledge is illegal in many states. This includes secretly placing a tracker on a partner’s, friend’s, or stranger’s car. However, these laws vary widely, as there is no national standard. So, be sure to check your local laws.
In some states, stalking laws define GPS tracking as part of broader monitoring behavior. For example, Alaska’s law includes any form of tracking, while Arizona requires multiple incidents or 12 consecutive hours of surveillance to qualify as stalking.
Take Back Control of Your Privacy
Hidden GPS trackers are more common than people think. They’re often placed under the car, inside panels, or plugged into diagnostic ports. Recognizing behavioral red flags, checking common hiding spots, and understanding the legal context are the most important steps to staying in control.
ShadowGPS builds tracking tools for people who need to know where their vehicles are, not for watching someone without their knowledge. Our devices are easy to install, simple to manage, and designed to put you in control, not take it away.
Start feeling safer today with GPS tracking that’s built for transparency. Find the right GPS tracking device.
