18 USC § 3117 - Mobile tracking devices

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t18/s3117"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "18 USC § 3117 - Mobile tracking devices"
title_number: 18
title_name: "CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE"
section_number: "3117"
section_name: "Mobile tracking devices"
chapter_number: 205
chapter_name: "SEARCHES AND SEIZURES"
part_number: "II"
part_name: "CRIMINAL PROCEDURE"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-21"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 99–508, title I, § 108(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1858.)"
---


# § 3117. Mobile tracking devices

**(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.

---

**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 99–508, title I, § 108(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1858.)

## Editorial Notes

### Codification

Another section 3117 was renumbered .

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective 90 days after , 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 , set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under .