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Legality of Scanning by State.......(size: 1 printed pages)
If scanners are known to be either illegal or restricted in any states they will be listed below.
  • California - (from the 1999-2000 Supplement) - Use illegal in furtherance of a crime.
  • Florida - (1998 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - Illegal mounted in vehicles unless you are either a licensed alarm system contractor, member of Press ON ASSIGNMENT (*note* that), licensed amateur radio operator, or citizen with written permission from Chief of Police of Sheriff of your community.
  • Indiana - (1999 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - [mirrors Florida law]
  • Kentucky - (Jan. 2000 law) - Illegal while mobile unless licensed by the FCC. Seizure by officers authorized for infraction, and may be destroyed. Exempted: retailers/wholesalers selling capable radios; commercial, educational, or TV stations used at place of business; individual at his place of residence; commercial towing trucks; newspaper reporters/photographers on duty; disaster & emergency services personnel with written permission by state director of emergency services; person holding valid amateur radio license issued by FCC; peace officers authorized in writing by their agency head; Commonwealth and county attorneys and their assistants. Shall not be used to facilitate crime, or to avoid apprehension.
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  • Michigan - (1999 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - Police receiver radios in vehicles illegal unless an amateur radio operator with Technician-class license or above and with written permission.
  • Minnesota - (1994 law with 1995 revision; still effective in 1996) - Mobile scanners illegal except for police and FCC-licensed amateur radio operators and with permission from Superintendent of Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Use in furtherance of felony illegal.
  • New Jersey - (1995 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - Use in furtherance of crime illegal.
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  • New York - (1996 law; with Notes of Decisions from 1999-2000 Supplement added) - Possession illegal for anyone without permit.
  • Oklahoma - (1983 law; w/changes added from 1999-2000 Supplement) - Illegal to use in furtherance of crime.
  • South Dakota - (1998 law; no changes in 1999-2000 Supplement): Literally interpreted as written, possession/use by anyone who has in the last 10 years been convicted of a felony, in SD or other states, is illegal. Use by anyone else seems implied to be okay. However, licensed ham radio operators exempted.
  • Vermont - (1998 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - Illegal used in furtherance of a crime.
  • Virginia - (1995 law; no changes noted in 1999-2000 Supplement) - Illegal used in furtherance of a felony.

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