Can I Immobilise My Car or Van Using a GPS Tracker?
A GPS tracker is normally thought of as a way to see where a vehicle is.
But with the right tracker and installation, GPS tracking can also form part of a vehicle immobilisation setup.
Global Trackers' GT1 and GT3 support immobilisation when correctly wired and configured, giving customers an additional security option beyond simply monitoring a vehicle's location.
It isn't suitable for every installation, and it isn't a feature that should ever be used to suddenly stop a moving vehicle.
Here's what you need to know.
What is GPS tracker immobilisation?
Vehicle immobilisation uses a compatible tracking device together with an appropriately installed electrical connection to prevent the vehicle from being started or operated under defined circumstances.
The tracker is therefore doing more than reporting location.
When correctly installed and configured, the system can control the relevant immobilisation circuit as part of the vehicle's security setup.
Exactly how this should be installed depends on the vehicle and intended use.
Which Global Trackers devices support immobilisation?
The GT1 and GT3 can support immobilisation when appropriately wired and configured.
It isn't simply a setting that automatically appears because you've purchased a tracker.
The installation has to be designed for the function.
If immobilisation is something you want, tell us before installation so we can make sure you're choosing the right device and setup.
➡️ READ NEXT — Which GPS Tracking Setup Is Right for My Business?
Is immobilisation the same as GPS tracking?
No.
GPS tracking and immobilisation are separate functions.
GPS tracking allows the device to determine and report location and other available tracking information.
Immobilisation involves an additional wired control function within the vehicle.
You can therefore use a GT1 or GT3 for tracking without using immobilisation.
Likewise, buying an immobilisation-capable tracker doesn't mean the vehicle is automatically immobilised.
The additional functionality has to be installed and configured correctly.
Can I immobilise a stolen vehicle?
This needs an important distinction.
If you believe your vehicle has been stolen, contact the police and follow their instructions.
Tracking information may help establish the vehicle's location and movement, but you shouldn't attempt to recover a stolen vehicle yourself.
And immobilisation should never be treated as a way of remotely stopping a vehicle while it is moving.
Vehicle safety comes first.
An immobilisation setup should be designed and operated so that the function is used only in appropriate circumstances.
➡️ READ NEXT — How Can I Track My Car If It Gets Stolen?
Can a GPS tracker remotely stop a moving car?
That is not how we recommend using immobilisation.
Suddenly disabling a moving vehicle could create an obvious safety risk to the driver, passengers and other road users.
Global Trackers does not promote immobilisation as a method of remotely stopping a moving vehicle.
The purpose is to provide an additional vehicle-security capability when installed and used appropriately.
If you're considering immobilisation specifically for theft protection, talk to us about what you're trying to achieve before installation.
Why combine tracking and immobilisation?
Tracking provides information.
Immobilisation adds another potential layer of vehicle security.
A suitable setup can therefore combine capabilities such as:
- Vehicle location
- Journey information
- Movement alerts
- Geofences
- Tracking history
- Immobilisation capability
For some customers, knowing where a vehicle is provides all the reassurance they need.
Others may want an additional security measure that can help prevent the vehicle from being driven again once it is safely stationary.
The right approach depends on the vehicle and the reason you're installing tracking in the first place.
Is immobilisation useful for business vehicles?
It can be.
Businesses may have vehicles:
- Parked overnight
- Stored at depots
- Left on customer sites
- Operated across several locations
- Carrying valuable tools or equipment
Tracking can provide visibility over those vehicles, while an appropriately installed immobilisation setup can provide an additional security option where required.
Businesses can also combine this with movement alerts and geofences so that unexpected activity can be brought to their attention.
➡️ READ NEXT — How GPS Tracking Can Help Protect Business Assets from Theft
What about vans carrying expensive tools?
For trades and service businesses, sometimes the value inside a van is as important as the vehicle itself.
Tracking a van can help you monitor its location and movement.
And where immobilisation is appropriate, a compatible installation can add another layer to the vehicle's security arrangements.
GPS tracking doesn't replace locks, alarms or sensible physical security.
It's another tool available as part of a wider security approach.
➡️ READ NEXT — Can I Track My Tools and Equipment If They're Stolen?
Can I install GPS immobilisation myself?
A normal GPS tracker installation and an immobilisation installation aren't necessarily the same job.
Immobilisation involves wiring into the vehicle appropriately, and getting that wrong can create reliability or safety problems.
For that reason, if you want to use the immobilisation capability of a GT1 or GT3, we recommend discussing the intended installation with us first.
We can help establish what device and installation approach is appropriate.
Do OBD trackers support immobilisation?
A plug-in OBD tracker is designed around the convenience of connecting through a compatible vehicle's OBD port.
Immobilisation requires additional wired functionality.
So if immobilisation is one of your priorities, a suitable hardwired tracker and installation is the more appropriate route within the Global Trackers range.
➡️ COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS — Hardwired vs OBD GPS Trackers: Which Is Right for You?
Does immobilisation replace an insurance-approved tracker?
No.
If your insurer requires a particular approved tracking or security system, you need to satisfy the specific requirements of your policy.
A Global Trackers device having immobilisation capability does not automatically make it a substitute for a tracker or immobiliser specified by an insurer.
Always ask your insurer exactly what they require before purchasing a product specifically to meet an insurance condition.
➡️ READ NEXT — Do I Need an Insurance-Approved Car Tracker?
What other security features can GPS tracking provide?
Immobilisation is only one part of the picture.
Depending on your tracking setup, you can also use information and features such as:
Live location — see where the vehicle is.
Movement alerts — receive information when a vehicle moves unexpectedly.
Geofences — monitor when vehicles enter or leave defined areas.
Journey history — review previous vehicle movements.
Multi-vehicle tracking — see several business vehicles together.
For many customers, these capabilities provide useful security information without immobilisation being necessary.
Is GPS immobilisation right for my vehicle?
It may be worth considering if you want more than location tracking and would value an additional wired security capability.
The important thing is to decide that before choosing and installing the tracker.
Tell us:
What vehicle you have
Why you want tracking
Whether immobilisation is important to you
and we'll help you establish whether a GT1 or GT3 setup is appropriate.
Tracking and security should work together
GPS tracking gives you visibility.
Alerts can tell you when something unexpected happens.
Geofences can help monitor important locations.
And with a correctly installed and configured GT1 or GT3, immobilisation can provide an additional security capability.
The aim isn't to make vehicle security complicated.
It's to choose the functions that actually make sense for your vehicle and use them properly.
Tracking made easy. Support that makes the difference.