Are Police Scanners Legal? State-by-State Guide (2025 Update)
Are Police Scanners Legal in 2025?
Short answer: Yes—police scanners are legal to own and listen to under U.S. federal law. However, five states restrict mobile use while driving and ten more add penalties if a scanner is used while committing a crime. Check the state-by-state charts below so you stay ticket-free.
Last updated July 8 2025 • Written by Luke H., Owner of Zip Scanners
Federal Law Overview
The Communications Act of 1934 makes broadcast spectrum a public resource, allowing anyone to monitor unencrypted transmissions.
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act 1986 forbids decoding scrambled or cellular calls, but leaves normal police, fire, EMS, aviation, and rail traffic legal to hear.
Pro Tip ▸ Carry a copy of your amateur-radio license—many states waive mobile bans for licensed HAMs.
States That Restrict Police Scanners While Driving
| State | Statute | Penalty | Common Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | § 843.16 | Misdemeanor; vehicle impound | HAM, press, crime-watch |
| Indiana | IC 35-44.1-2-7 | Class B misdemeanor | HAM, police permit, press |
| Kentucky | KRS 432.570 | Up to $500 fine | Law-enforcement only |
| Minnesota | § 299C.37 | Misdemeanor + seizure | HAM, DPS permit |
| New York | VTL § 397 | Up to $1,000 / 6 mo | Local permit |
States That Add Penalties If a Scanner Aids a Crime
| State | Statute | Added Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| California | Pen. Code § 636 | Up to 1 yr jail |
| Michigan | MCL 750.508 | Misd. (felons only) |
| Nebraska | § 28-515 | Class I misdemeanor |
| New Jersey | § 2C:33-21 | Up to 18 mo jail |
| Oklahoma | 21 O.S. § 1214 | Felony bump |
| Rhode Island | § 11-35-21 | Up to 5 yrs jail |
| South Dakota | SDCL § 23-4-16 | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Vermont | 13 V.S.A. § 4017 | Up to 30 days jail |
| Virginia | § 18.2-462.1 | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| West Virginia | § 61-3-59 | Felony bump |
Bottom line: Use a scanner to commit a crime and most states will stack an extra charge.
2025 Trend: Encryption & Digital Obsolescence
Major metro PDs—from Las Vegas to Minneapolis (April 15 2025)—now encrypt routine dispatch. You’ll still catch fire, EMS, aviation and rail, but not all police chatter.
- Uniden SDS100 & SDS200 — best at decoding simulcast P25 Phase II.
- Whistler TRX-2 — SDR-based desktop/mobile.
- Budget: RTL-SDR + SDR-Trunk software.
Watch: Are Police Scanners Legal?
Related Guides From Zip Scanners
- Police Codes & Signals Explained
- Which Scanner Do I Need? 2025 Buyer’s Guide
- How to Program Your Scanner
- Simulcast Distortion & Fixes
- Best Antennas for Handheld Scanners
Frequently Asked Questions
Are police scanners legal in California?
Yes—California imposes no mobile ban. But Pen. Code § 636 criminalizes using a scanner to further wiretapping or crime.
Is it illegal to listen to encrypted channels?
Decoding encryption without authorization violates federal wiretap law. Stick to unencrypted talkgroups.
Do I need a license to own a scanner?
No license for listening. A HAM license helps when mobile bans include exemptions.
Will police scanners become obsolete?
Unlikely nationwide. Plenty of non-police services remain clear; rural PDs still use analog and even with encryption you can still hear plenty of police.
Does Canada allow police scanners?
Yes, but rebroadcasting is restricted. Check Industry Canada RSS-215.
Are SDR dongles legal?
Yes—as long as you don’t decode protected signals.
Which frequencies are always legal to monitor?
NOAA weather (162 MHz), airband (118–137 MHz), marine (156 MHz) and rail (160 MHz).
Can I stream what I hear online?
Yes, but streaming police traffic may violate local law; ask the agency first.
Why is my city suddenly silent?
Likely moved to encrypted or trunked system—check RadioReference database.
Can I travel with a scanner on a plane?
TSA allows; airlines ask you to keep it off during take-off/landing.
Are smartphone scanner apps legal?
Yes—apps only relay public audio streams.
Is it okay to use a scanner during severe weather?
Absolutely—monitor Skywarn nets and local EMAs for real-time alerts.
How do I program my scanner for travel?
Load the county database to a spare favorites list, then enable GPS or service types as you drive - or we can program your police scanner for you.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission, “Public Safety Radio Services,” 47 CFR Part 90.
- Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510–2523.
- Indiana Code 35-44.1-2-7 (2024).
- Kentucky Revised Statutes 432.570 (2023).
- Florida Statutes 843.16 (2025).
- New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 397 (2025).
- Minnesota Statutes 299C.37 (2025).
- FCC Report & Order 22-34 (Cellular block).
- MPR News, “Minneapolis Police Radio Encryption Goes Live,” April 15 2025.
- RadioReference Wiki, “Scanner Laws by State” (2025 revision).
- Michigan Compiled Laws 750.508 (2024).
- Nebraska Revised Statutes 28-515 (2024).
- New Jersey Statutes 2C:33-21 (2024).
- Oklahoma Statutes 21-1214 (2023).
- Rhode Island General Laws 11-35-21 (2024).
- Virginia Code 18.2-462.1 (2024).
- West Virginia Code 61-3-59 (2024).
- ARRL, “Getting Your HAM License” (2025).
- DSheirer, “SDR-Trunk GitHub” (2025).
- PolicePathfinder, “2025 State Scanner Law Updates.”
About the Author ▸ Luke H. has programmed 10,000+ scanners & founded Zip Scanners to make the hobby easier for everyone.
