Mounting a police scanner in a vehicle is not as straightforward as mounting a phone. Handheld scanners are thicker, heavier, and almost always include a long antenna that changes how and where you can mount them.
That’s exactly why a lot of standard phone mounts fail in this use case.
If you’re trying to mount a scanner properly, you need to think beyond “will it fit” and focus on three things: cradle depth, stability, and antenna clearance.
Most modern police scanners are handheld units like the Uniden Bearcat series. These are ideal for mobile use—but they also introduce mounting challenges due to their size and shape.
This guide focuses on the best ways to mount a handheld police scanner securely inside a vehicle without constant adjustments or interference while driving.
What Makes Police Scanner Mounting Different?
Unlike smartphones, scanners are not designed with mounting in mind. That leads to a few key challenges:
- Thicker bodies: Most scanners are deeper than standard phone cradles
- Long antennas: Often extend 4–6 inches beyond the unit
- Weight: Heavier than a phone, especially with batteries
- Button-heavy designs: You still need access to controls
Because of this, the best mounts are not “scanner mounts”—they are adjustable cradles with enough depth and strength to handle the device.
Best Mount Types for Police Scanners
🥇 Best Overall: Vent Mount with Deep Adjustable Cradle
A vent mount with a deep, expandable cradle is one of the simplest and most effective setups—if your vehicle has strong horizontal vent slats.
The key is choosing a cradle that opens wide enough (3.4″+) and has enough depth to grip the thicker body of a scanner.
The mount in the photo uses this Arkon entry. Deep cradle and a mount that grips onto the slat.
Why this works:
- Easy installation
- Keeps scanner within reach
- No permanent modification
Watch out for: Weak vents or vertical slats.
💪 Best Stability: Seat Bolt Mount (Recommended Setup)
If you want a more stable, semi-permanent solution, a seat bolt mount is the best option.
These mounts attach to the bolt securing your passenger seat and use a flexible arm to position the scanner near the center console.
This mount is also from Arkon and utilizes the same cradle as the previous mount. The seat bolt is 18 inches from tip to tip and they also make a 22 inch taller version for larger vehicles. It’s a solid mount that has been made for many years.
Why this works:
- Extremely stable
- Handles heavier devices better
- Adjustable positioning
Pro tip: Always tighten the seat bolt with a wrench—not by hand—or the mount will shift over time.
🚗 Best No-Install Option: Cup Holder Mount
If you don’t want to attach anything permanently, a cup holder mount is a solid alternative.
These expand inside the cup holder and provide a stable base for a cradle-style holder.
This is also fro Arkon but features a bit different of a cradle. Same concept though.
Why this works:
- No installation required
- Good for temporary setups
- Works in most vehicles
Downside: Takes up a cup holder and may sit lower than ideal.
Why Windshield and Dash Mounts Fail
At first glance, a windshield mount seems like a good idea. In practice, it usually fails for one reason: height.
The antenna on most scanners adds significant vertical length, making it difficult to position the device without hitting the windshield or limiting adjustment.
Dash mounts suffer from similar problems, especially on curved dashboards where adhesion and stability are already compromised.
For this reason, windshield and dash mounts are generally not recommended for police scanners.
Sizing Matters (Measure Before You Buy)
Before choosing a mount, measure your scanner:
- Width: Needs to fit within the cradle range
- Depth: Often overlooked but critical
- Total height with antenna: Impacts placement
A good rule of thumb is to look for cradles that open to at least 3.4 inches wide with deep side grips.
Common Mistakes
Using a shallow phone mount: These won’t hold a scanner securely.
Ignoring antenna clearance: Leads to awkward positioning.
Underestimating weight: Heavier devices need stronger mounts.
Loose installation: Especially with seat bolt mounts.
Bottom Line
The best police scanner car mount isn’t a scanner-specific mount—it’s a strong, adjustable cradle paired with the right mounting location.
For most users, a vent mount works well for quick setups, while a seat bolt mount provides the most stable long-term solution. Cup holder mounts offer a good middle ground for flexibility.
Choose based on your vehicle, your scanner size, and how permanent you want the setup to be.
🔥 Explore Our Best Phone Mount Guides
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