Knowing how to track a car without a tracker could be helpful in various ways. You might want to supervise your teen’s driving for safety reasons or because you don’t want your pricey automobile to be stolen.
You might even wish to sneakily observe someone’s car. No matter why you want to follow a vehicle’s current location, using a GPS tracker is often the first option that comes to mind. How can you track a car without using a GPS tracker? That will be explored in this reading.
Let’s Begin!
How To Track A Car Without A Tracker
The easiest way to track your car without a tracker is through:
Sim-based Tracking
If you want to track your automobile but are unable to buy a GPS gadget, I advise using SIM-based tracking. The best thing you can do is leave your old phone with a SIM inside your car. Keep it hidden so that if your automobile is stolen, no one will notice.
Install a tracking app like Traqo on your phone to track your stolen automobile. As long as your phone has a SIM card installed, you can also use the police to monitor it using its IMEI number.
Related: How Does Auto Insurance Work In A No-Fault State?
Tracking A Car Using Its Plate Number
Tracking down a stolen car is simple if you set a tracker on it before it was stolen. The sole option, though, is to track a car’s whereabouts using its licence plate if you haven’t installed a tracker.
But not everybody is capable of doing it. I have a post on how to track an automobile by its license plate, and I am aware that it’s a fairly difficult task to complete, especially if you are a non-techie guy.
Additionally, locating an automobile only based on its license plate requires many resources, including access to all local CCTV, image recognition software, and other tools. The best course of action is to seek the assistance of the police if your car has been stolen.
Tracking A Car With Spyware:
Without the target person being aware, you can easily follow their current location with the aid of a spy app. All you have to do is covertly install the software on the target device and then remotely access your spy app account to track its real-time location.
If you are willing to monitor your child’s driving to ensure their safety, you should install FamiSafe on their phone.
The reason is that it efficiently keeps track of things like excessive speeding, hard braking, travelled routes, etc. It provides detailed information, making it simpler for you to track a car’s whereabouts without a GPS.
When they are in their car, you can use it to locate them with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, it enables tracking of a car’s position using Google Maps.
Additionally, it enables you to set up a geofence, or virtual limits on the map, so that you are alerted if a vehicle departs the designated boundaries.
Related: List of Best Car GPS Tracker of 2025
Tracking a Car Location using FASTag Or Electronic Toll Collection System
Most people are unaware that you can use FASTag (applicable in India) or any other electronic toll-collecting system anywhere in the world to track a car’s location without a GPS. The location of a vehicle can be tracked using the FASTag or ETC systems at toll booths.
Although you can track a real-time location using spyware or a GPS device, electronic toll passes won’t let you do so. It is still a useful method to get a general idea of a vehicle’s location.
It shows which toll booth the vehicle just passed, so you can estimate its location. You can use these procedures to track a car’s location online using FASTag or other ETC systems.
- Visit the FASTag or ETC system account associated with the vehicle you wish to track. You can do this via a mobile app or a website.
- You can view the card data, including toll charges, location, etc., after logging in.
Related: Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention: Tips For Car Owners
FAQs
How to locate a lost car?
Steps on How to Track and Recover a Stolen Car
- Confirm the Theft.
- Ask Around.
- Report to the Police.
- Leverage VIN Tracking.
- Check Nearby Security Cameras.
- Utilise GPS and Bluetooth tracking.
- Engage the Community.
- Monitor Online Marketplaces.
How to detect if a car is being tracked?
You can use a handheld RF detector or a GPS signal detector to scan your car for any unusual signals that might indicate a tracker. These devices can help pinpoint hidden GPS trackers or other electronic devices that emit signals.
Can GPS be tracked if a a car is off?
However, plugged-in GPS trackers also have some drawbacks. For example, they may be more difficult to install because they require a direct connection to the vehicle’s power supply. Additionally, their reliance on vehicle power prevents them from following the vehicle when it turns off.
Can a car be tracked by a phone?
Active Trackers (Real-Time GPS Trackers) use cellular networks, like mobile phones, to send updates to your smartphone, computer, or tracking app. This feature allows you to see the live location as it happens. Active trackers are useful for tracking delivery vehicles, cars, pets, or even kids.
How can I check the tracker in my car?
Installing a tracker on the interior takes some time. Check the front and rear of the wheels and try to feel them with your hand. If you cannot find any tracking device on the wheels, you should also check underneath your car using a mirror attached to a pole. Another place where you may find a GPS tracker is under its hood.