Where are GPS Trackers Typically Installed?

7 Oct 2024

GPS trackers are used to track vehicles, monitor driver behavior, increase vehicle recovery, deter theft, and a whole lot of other reasons. They’re used for commercial applications and personal use. The use cases and the benefits of GPS trackers are practically infinite. Because of this, there are many different kinds of GPS trackers, along with many different places to install them.

Where a GPS tracker is installed can say a lot about what type of tracker it is and what it’s used for. So let’s dive into the main places where GPS trackers are installed.

Inside the Vehicle

The most common place GPS trackers are installed is inside the vehicle. Some common places GPS trackers are installed inside the vehicle include:

  • OBD interface: OBD ports are located beneath the steering wheel on the left or right side, by the ignition, or in the central armrest box. GPS trackers that plug into OBD ports are known as “plug-and-play”.

OBD ports are a great example of how the location of GPS trackers can tell you how they’re used. Because OBD ports allow you to wire your GPS tracker to your car, they can record data about the vehicle including mileage, speed, and acceleration, along with car fault diagnosis and other valuable data.

OBD ports are great if you want to get a lot of data from your GPS tracker.

  • Cigarette lighter: While cigarette lighter receptacles are starting to disappear, many vehicles still have them. These receptacles allow you to light a cigarette or connect an electronic device like a charge or GPS tracker. This location is convenient as the GPS tracker can be in sight and easily moved.
  • Trunk: GPS trackers can also be placed in the trunk to keep them out of sight. Here, they can be wired or wireless and stowed away in a corner of the trunk or underneath the spare tire to keep it hidden from view.
  • Dashboard: Another great incognito location for GPS trackers is inside the dashboard or door panel. Here, it will be hidden in case your vehicle is stolen, ensuring they can’t plainly see there is a GPS tracker in the vehicle for vehicle recovery.

Outside the Vehicle

Placing a GPS tracker outside the vehicle is best if you want your GPS tracker not to be found. In some of these places (like the fuse box and lights) the tracker can also be wired. Some typical places to install a GPS tracker on the outside of the vehicle include:

  • Headlights
  • A, B, & C pillars
  • Fuse box (or elsewhere under the hood)
  • Under the front decorative panel
  • In the front panel
  • Under the wiper board

Magnetic GPS trackers can be used to place them in the undercarriage of a vehicle or wheel well.

LiveView GPS tracking can help you affordably protect business and personal property, monitor/locate/recover your assets, track employees, and even keep a eye on a newly-minted teen driver.


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We specialize in real time GPS tracking systems. GPS tracking, GPS monitoring and management for vehicles, assets, equipment, property and persons. Whether your needs are consumer or commercial based, personal or business related we have a cost effective GPS tracking solution for you. Locate in real-time and on demand vehicles, people and property from any web based computer. View these locations on our systems integrated maps. Our GPS devices are the real deal, they are tested and proven, they work.