However, there are a few exceptions carved out in the law. Unless there is a domestic violence protective order or other restraining order in place, hiding an AirTag in your car may be legal, so long as the car is titled or leased in your name or jointly with your spouse.

In 2026, secretly placing an AirTag in anyone's car—including a spouse's—without their knowledge or consent is highly risky and often illegal. Many jurisdictions, including states like Florida and North Carolina, have passed strict laws classifying the use of a GPS tracking device on another person's property without consent as a third-degree felony or stalking. Even if the car is "jointly owned," using a tracker to monitor a person's movements without permission can lead to criminal charges or be used against you in divorce or custody proceedings. Furthermore, Apple has updated AirTag privacy features so that a person's iPhone will automatically notify them if an "unknown AirTag" is traveling with them. Ethically and legally, you should never use these devices for surveillance; if you are concerned about safety, it is always better to have an open conversation or consult a legal professional rather than risking a felony conviction.