Removing a car GPS tracker involves locating the device and carefully disconnecting it, but the legality of doing so is the most critical factor. This action is generally illegal if you do not own the vehicle outright or if the tracker is court-ordered. Assuming you have legal authority, the process starts with a thorough visual inspection of common hiding spots.
The most common locations for a GPS tracker are areas that provide power and concealment. Start by checking the OBD-II port, typically under the dashboard near the driver's knees, as many plug-and-play trackers draw power from here. Next, inspect the underside of the vehicle, especially within the wheel wells and along the frame rails, looking for small, magnetic boxes. Inside the car, check under the seats, within the glove compartment, and in the trunk, including under the spare tire. Some trackers are hardwired, meaning they are spliced into the vehicle's electrical system, often under the dashboard or near the fuse box.
Once you locate a device, removal depends on its type. An OBD-II tracker simply unplugs. A magnetic device can be pulled off. For a hardwired tracker, it's safest to have a professional mechanic or car audio technician remove it to avoid damaging your car's wiring. Simply cutting the wires can cause electrical shorts.
Important Considerations:
- Legality: Removing a tracker from a leased vehicle, a car owned by a spouse (in some states), or one mandated by a court order can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines or violation of probation.
- Ownership: If you suspect unauthorized tracking, contacting law enforcement is the recommended course of action instead of handling it yourself.
