The short answer
Most hidden vehicle trackers are magnetic or battery units under the car, in wheel arches or bumpers, or small plug-in devices in the OBD port under the dashboard. Check those places with a torch, look for unexplained wiring, and use your phone to scan for unknown item-finder tags. If you find one on a vehicle you own, you can remove it — but if you think someone is stalking you, contact the police before you do.
Not legal advice. This guide explains UK law in general terms, as at the date shown. The ICO’s guidance on monitoring workers was under review following the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 when this was written — check the ICO for the current position, and take advice for your own circumstances.
How to detect a GPS tracker on your vehicle
Do a slow, systematic check in daylight or with a good torch:
- Underneath: along the sills, behind the bumpers and on the chassis rails — anywhere flat and metal where a magnetic box could stick.
- Wheel arches: feel behind the plastic liners.
- OBD port: usually under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Anything plugged in that you didn’t fit is worth questioning.
- Inside: under seats, in seat pockets, the boot and spare-wheel well, and the glovebox.
- Behind the dashboard or near the battery: hardwired trackers take power from the vehicle; look for wiring that doesn’t match the rest.
- Item-finder tags: both Android and iPhone can alert you to, or scan for, unknown Bluetooth trackers travelling with you. Check your phone’s safety settings for this feature.
If you still suspect a tracker, a garage or a specialist sweep service can check properly.
Is it a legitimate tracker?
Not every tracker is sinister. Finance companies, lease firms, insurers (telematics “black boxes”) and employers may fit trackers legitimately, and should have told you. Check your finance, lease, insurance and employment paperwork before assuming the worst.
How to remove a GPS tracker safely and legally
- Your own vehicle, unexplained tracker: you can remove it. Photograph it where you found it first — it may be evidence.
- If you suspect stalking: speak to the police before removing it. Removal can alert the person watching you, and the device is evidence.
- A company, lease or finance vehicle: removing a tracker you agreed to may breach your agreement — raise it with the company instead.
- Hardwired units: have a professional remove them; cutting wires can damage the vehicle’s electrics.
A note on GPS jammers
Using a GPS or phone jammer to block a tracker is illegal in the UK under section 68 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, with penalties of up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine. Jammers also interfere with other people’s signals. Remove the tracker instead. See what blocks a GPS tracker for more.
Common questions
Where are GPS trackers usually hidden on a car?
Under the car on flat metal surfaces, behind bumpers, inside wheel arches, in the OBD port under the dashboard, or inside under seats and in the boot.
Is it legal to remove a GPS tracker from my car?
From a vehicle you own, yes. From a company, lease or finance vehicle, check your agreement first — and if you suspect stalking, contact the police before removing it.
Can my phone detect a GPS tracker?
Phones can detect many Bluetooth item-finder tags travelling with you. Dedicated GPS trackers with their own SIM don't use Bluetooth, so a physical check is still needed.