What Vehicles Can You Not Use a Vehicle Tracker On?
When it comes to monitoring fleets, improving security and offering peace of mind to a vehicle tracker has become an essential tool. They are compact, increasingly accessible and versatile. One question which often arises is whether there are vehicles that simply can’t or indeed shouldn’t be fitted with a tracker? The truth is that this list is surprisingly short. Most vehicles out there can support some form of tracking, however there are some practical, legal and environmental reasons why they are not ideal in some circumstances.
Ownership and consent
The biggest limitation in fact has nothing to do with the vehicle itself but with the ownership of the vehicle and consent. You are not legally allowed to install a tracker on a vehicle you do not own or which you do not have explicit permission to monitor. Even though the technology might work perfectly, tracking someone’s personal car, your partner’s vehicle without their knowledge or a company car without approval from your employer is an absolutely no go. In these cases, the barrier is one that is both legal and ethical rather than technical.
Reliable power source
Another challenge arises with vehicles that do not have a reliable power source. Many trackers for example rely on an OBD port, a direct battery connection or at the very least a stable electrical system. Nonmotorised vehicles, for example bicycles or unpowered trailers, and of course vintage cars which have delicate wiring, may not be able to support standard trackers. Battery-powered or magnetic trackers could still be used, but not every device is suitable for these setups, and there are some which might struggle with longevity or consistency of signal.
Environmental conditions
Something that can also limit the effectiveness of some forms of trackers is the environmental conditions. Any vehicle that operates in extreme or harsh conditions can result in the device being exposed to conditions that push it beyond its design limits. The continuous vibration experienced by agricultural machinery, deep water and mud encountered by off-road vehicles and the sub-zero temperatures that snowmobiles operate in can be a challenge for consumer-grade trackers. Basic models will either offer unreliable data or may fail. These are, however, industrial-grade devices for these scenarios.
Out at sea
Marine vessels present another complication. Boats, jet skis, and other watercraft can be tracked, but they need mariner-rated devices. Standard vehicle trackers are not designed to withstand saltwater, humidity or even the constant motion of a marine environment. With no proper waterproofing or corrosion resistance, trackers will not last in this environment.
One final thought
Finally, some vehicles do not have a practical or discreet mounting location. Ultracompact scooters, open-frame ATVs and many electric bikes don’t offer a secure place to hide or protect a tracker. Because these devices need shielding from weather, theft and impact, this lack of a suitable mounting point makes installation impractical.
Almost all vehicles can be tracked with the right device type. The limitations exist because of legal restrictions, environmental challenges, power supply issues and physical mounting constraints.
With the right type of technology, it is perhaps better to consider which type of tracker is suited to which type of vehicle.
For more insights into the world of tracking and vehicle safety, visit FitMyTracker today.