In addition, the state may exempt the use of radio equipment to be used for weather radio systems. In addition, paid and volunteer firefighters are permitted to use police scanners both inside and outside of their vehicles, provided that they have been given permission by both the chief of the fire department and of each law enforcement agency whose frequency is to be monitored. Peace officers authorized in writing by the head of their law enforcement agency and.A person holding a valid license issued by the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service (ham radio).Emergency management agency personnel authored in writing by the director of the division of emergency management or chief executive of the city of county.Licensed commercial auto towing trucks.Radio or television stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.Retailers who offer police scanners for sale or resale.Other individuals may own and use police scanners or radios capable of transmitting signals within the wavelength used by police, including for their businesses. If a person uses a scanner to facilitate a crime or to avoid apprehension by law enforcement, then it is a violation of the law, and will result in criminal charges and seizure of the equipment. As long as the scanner can only receive messages - and cannot transmit messages - a person can freely use such a device, with one significant exception. While Kentucky does prohibit the use of police scanners in vehicles, citizens of Kentucky can otherwise use scanners in their homes and other locations. When Can You Use a Police Scanner in Kentucky? Any scanners or other equipment used in violation of the law will be seized and destroyed by the state. This crime is punishable by a fine of between $50 and $500, and/or up to one year in jail. If you violate this law, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. An officer cannot install a scanner in his or her personal car. Under KRS 432.570, police scanners can only be installed in vehicles owned or operated by the state. The law also prohibits interfering with the transmission of radio messages by any police of peace officers. Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 432.570, Restrictions on Possession or Use of Radio Capable of Sending or Receiving Police Messages, provides that it is unlawful for any person to have a police scanner, unless he or she is a member of the police department, authorized by a police department, or is an employee of the Department of Corrections using an authorized, state-issued portable radio in their vehicle. In other words, if you have a police radio or scanner inside of your vehicle - no matter if you are carrying it, holding it, or have it mounted to your dash - you could be charged with a crime. Under Kentucky law, it is illegal to possess a police scanner inside of a vehicle, or to otherwise install it inside of a vehicle. Restrictions on the Use of Police Scanners Otherwise, you risk a Kentucky misdemeanor offense and the confiscation of your equipment. There are a number of exceptions to this law, including for law enforcement officers and firefighters.Īs a skilled Lexington criminal defense attorney can explain, if you are interested in owning and listening to a police scanner, you can still do so - as long as you listen from the comfort of your own home. This law forbids the use of a specific type of radio (more commonly known as police scanners) in the cars of individuals. In Kentucky, the legislature has enacted a law that prohibits the use of radios that are capable or sending or receiving police messages. However, there are a few states where there are limits on the use of scanners - and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is one such state. In the United States, it is generally legal to own a police scanner. It is a way to stay informed about what is going on in their communities. UK Students Guide to Drinking, Drugs and the Policeįor many people, listening in on a police scanner - the radio system used by local police to communicate - isn’t just entertainment.Understanding Kentucky Bond and Pretrial Release.Automated Void & Seal Tool For Kentucky Possession of Marijuana Charges.Fayette County Substance Abuse Resources.
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