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Scanner help

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CBT
  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 191 posts
Posted by CBT on Thursday, March 24, 2016 6:27 AM

RudyRockvilleMD

My advise is to take down your antenna before crossing into Kentucky, and hide your scanner in the trunk or a cargo compartment of the vehicle before reaching Kentucky.

 

Well, I guess that is what I will have to do, use it in Ohio, and hide it in kentuckey.

           Thanks,

                Chris

  • Member since
    September 2001
  • From: US
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Posted by RudyRockvilleMD on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 9:10 PM

As far as I know Kentucky still bans the mobile use of scanners, that is the use of a scanner while driving in your motor vehicle. .My advise is to take down your antenna before crossing into Kentucky, and hide your scanner in the trunk or a cargo compartment of the vehicle before reaching Kentucky.

CBT
  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 191 posts
Posted by CBT on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 7:03 PM

Thank you all for such quick responses!

Have a happy Easter,

                       Chris

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 6:48 PM

http://www.fireline.org/scanlaws/scanner5.html

You're clear in Ohio.  Kentucky bans mobile scanners.  I'm sure you know that Michigan used to ban mobile scanners without a permit (I got one when I visited a few years ago), but now only makes their use in the commission of a crime illegal.

I was hassled in KY back in the 1980's for a scanner hanging on my belt while I was walking - at least I didn't have any police channels and the officer let me go.

I would opine that if you don't use the scanner while mobile, you may be OK.  Keep it out of sight, and out of reach, while mobile.

Behave yourself, stay out of the sights of the police, and you'll probably be OK.

Virtually all states that ban mobile scanners allow them for amateur radio operators (hams).  The technician class is not difficult to achieve - Morse code is no longer required.  Not only will that help get you off the hook, but there are ham frequencies used by railfans in some areas.  I know there are several such frequencies in Michigan.

And you'll find the ham radio community fun in and of itself.  Local clubs often run classes, and there are plenty of study resources available.  

Have a safe trip!

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by K4sPRR on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 6:37 PM

I live in Ohio, scanners are no problem.  Have a nice and safe trip.

 

CBT
  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 191 posts
Scanner help
Posted by CBT on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 6:31 PM

Im leaving for a trip to Tennessee (leaving from michigan, going through Ohio and Kentuckey, Arriving) very soon and i need some scanner law help. I will be stopping in Ohio and Kentuckey to railfann with a scanner. Do any of you know if scanners are illegal in those 2 states. 

Thanks for any help,

                         Chris

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