Tracking a car: here’s how to do it

Tracking a vehicle is quick and easy. Whether you want to protect a car against theft, manage a fleet that you want to keep a closer eye on, or optimise the scheduling of field staff: GPS tracking offers the control and insight you need for all these situations. With a TrackJack GPS tracker, you can track any car 24/7 throughout Europe, via a secure online account and the TrackJack app.

How to track a car

A GPS tracker is professionally installed in the car, behind the dashboard or in another fixed location. Our technicians carry out the installation at your premises, throughout the Netherlands. Once the tracker is installed, you can track the car anytime, anywhere across Europe.

The tracker is connected to the vehicle’s power supply and is always active. Location data is transmitted in real time via the mobile network to your online account. Read more about how this works technically in our article on how GPS works.

Tracking your car online

You have access to a secure online account and the TrackJack app, which you can use to track the car. Log in with your username and password to see the current location on the map straight away. Multiple people can log in at the same time, which is handy for fleet managers or team leaders. The app is available for Android and iOS.

From your account, you can see not only the current location but also the full journey history, notifications and, if desired, comprehensive journey logging. Read more about TrackJack’s automatic journey logging.

Which tracker suits your situation?

TrackJack offers two types of trackers for tracking a vehicle:

• The built-in black box: professionally installed by our technicians, always active and completely concealed. Ideal for journey logging, theft protection and fleet management. Read more about the TrackJack black box.
• The GO! OBD tracker: plug-and-play installation in the car’s OBD port, no technician required. Compact, fast and instantly viewable online. Read more about the TrackJack GO!.

Not sure which tracker suits your situation? View the full range of GPS trackers for cars or request a quote.

Is it legal to track a car?

Tracking a car is legally permitted in the following situations:

• It is your own vehicle: you are always allowed to track your own car, even if you lend it to someone else.
• It is a company vehicle: tracking is permitted if employees are aware that the car is fitted with a GPS tracker. This also applies to a company car with a journey log, where private journeys are separated.

Installing a GPS tracker on any car without permission is not legally permitted, unless a detective agency is tracking a car as part of an ongoing investigation.

Would you like to know how to inform employees about GPS tracking and how to comply with the GDPR? Read more about journey logging and privacy.

Frequently asked questions about tracking a car

Can I track a car if I am the owner?

Yes. As the owner, you are always allowed to track your own car, even if someone else is driving it, such as an employee or a family member.

Does the tracker work even when the car is stationary?

Yes. The built-in black box is connected to the power supply and remains active even when the car is parked. You will receive a notification if the car moves outside a set zone or time period.

Can I track a car without the driver knowing?

No, not for company vehicles. The GDPR requires employers to inform employees about GPS tracking. Different rules apply to your own private car or a loaned vehicle.

Does the tracker also work abroad?

Yes. TrackJack works throughout Europe via the international mobile network. Read more about how GPS tracking works.

How much does it cost to track a car?

The costs consist of a one-off hardware fee and an annual service subscription. The price depends on the system chosen and the desired service level. Request a quote for a bespoke price.

Related knowledge base articles

• All about GPS tracking
• How does GPS work?
• Car GPS tracker: costs and benefits
• Prevent theft with a GPS tracker
• GPS tracker: locating company vehicles after theft
• Journey logging and privacy
• Journey logging and HM Revenue & Customs: the requirements