Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-110
§3117 Mobile Tracking Devices
Title 18 › PART II — CRIMINAL PROCEDURE › CHAPTER 205 — SEARCHES AND SEIZURES › § 3117
Summary
If a court can issue a warrant or order to put a mobile tracking device on someone or something, that order can let officers use the device inside the area the court controls and also outside that area if the device was put on while inside the court’s area. A tracking device is any electronic or mechanical gadget that lets someone follow the movement of a person or an object.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §3117
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In General.—
If a court is empowered to issue a warrant or other order for the installation of a mobile tracking device, such order may authorize the use of that device within the jurisdiction of the court, and outside that jurisdiction if the device is installed in that jurisdiction.
(b)Definition.—
As used in this section, the term “tracking device” means an electronic or mechanical device which permits the tracking of the movement of a person or object.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification Another section 3117 was renumbered section 3118 of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective 90 days after Oct. 21, 1986, and, in case of conduct pursuant to court order or extension, applicable only with respect to court orders and extensions made after such date, with special rule for State authorizations of interceptions, see section 111 of Pub. L. 99–508, set out as an
Effective Date
of 1986 Amendment note under section 2510 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 3117
Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110