Are Radar Detectors Legal in 2022? A State-by-State Guide (2024)

The short answer is yes; radar detectors are mostly legal in the United States, but thereare some exceptions. As for laser jammers, the same is true. Laser jammers are widely considered legal but are subject to a few more restrictions than radar detectors, depending on the state.

This guide will look at the radar detector laws for all 50 U.S. states. We have also included a helpful state-by-state chart for a quick reference. Let’s first start with the basics regarding the legality of radar detectors and laser jammers.

Are Radar Detectors Legal?

Using a radar detector in a privately owned passenger vehicle is legal in every state except Virginia and Washington D.C.

However, there are some gray areas regarding the laws in Virginia and the District of Columbia. According toVirginia law, it’s okay to have a radar detector as long as it’s not accessible to the vehicle’s occupants and there is no power source. If the unit is off and in the trunk, for example, you should be in the clear. According to the Virginian-Pilot, you could face up to a $250 fine for violating the law. Police can also confiscate radar detectors on the spot if they stop you.

Are Radar Detectors Legal In Commercial Vehicles?

Radar detectors are illegal in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds, no matter what state you’re driving in. In commercial vehicles under 10,000 pounds, radar detectors are allowed in all states except for Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

If you are operating an 18-wheeler for the purpose of interstate commerce, radar detectors are absolutely illegal inside the cab, even if the unit is off. The ban on radar detectors, enacted by the Federal Highway Administration in 1994, is meant to discourage such large trucks from speeding.

Are Laser Jammers Legal?

Laser Jammers are illegal to use in California, Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. But since there is no federal law banning them, they can be used in other states.

Laser jammers work by transmitting invisible light sources back to the original police laser gun (or LiDAR gun) to confuse it. These types of laser guns are much more direct and allow officers to pinpoint a single vehicle more effectively. The return signal confuses the laser gun, and as a result, the officer cannot “clock” the driver’s speed.

What About Radar Jammers?

Radar jammers or scramblers are illegal in all 50 states because they interfere with the broad signal law enforcement uses to target speeding vehicles, but they can even cause problems for airplanes. Federal law (Section 333 of the Communication Act of 1934) describes radar jammers as a “malicious interference” and even a first offense can result in heavy fines and jail time.

Are Radar Detectors Legal In My State?

Let’s take a look at radar detection laws by state. Note that federal law prohibits using radar detectors on military bases in all 50 states.

State Private Vehicle Comm. Vehicle
(<10k lbs)
Laser Jammer
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

1. Alabama

Using radar detectors is legal in private vehicles in Alabama. Laser jammers are also legal.

2. Alaska

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Alaska.

3. Arizona

There are no limitations for radar detectors in private vehicles in Arizona. Laser jammers are legal too.

4. Arkansas

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Arkansas.

5. California

In California, radar detectors are legal, but the state does have a say about where they are positioned (Minnesota does too). In California, you cannot mount anything to the windshield as it may obstruct the view. If you have a radar detector in California, you must mount it on the dashboard. If you get caught with it on the windshield, you can be ticketed. Laser jammers are also illegal in the Golden State.

6. Colorado

Radar detectors are legal in Colorado, but laser jammers are illegal under state law.

7. Connecticut

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Connecticut.

8. Delaware

In Delaware, you can legally use a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle. Fun fact: a study in 2018 found that Delaware was the strictest when it came to speeding.

9. Florida

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Florida.

10. Georgia

It is legal to have a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle in Georgia.

11. Hawaii

Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in TheAlohaState.

12. Idaho

You can legally use a radar detector or laser jammer in Idaho.

13. Illinois

Radar detectors are legal in Illinois. Laser jammers, however, are not permitted. Likewise, radar detectors are not allowed in any commercial vehicle, even if it’s under 10,000 lbs.

14. Indiana

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Indiana.

15. Iowa

Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.

16. Kansas

For that long stretch across I-70, you’re in luck. Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal in Kansas.

17. Kentucky

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Kentucky.

18. Louisiana

Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal in the Pelican State.

19. Maine

Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in Maine.

20. Maryland

Unlike in the neighboring state of Virginia, radar detectors are legal in private vehicles in Maryland. Laser jammers are also legal in Maryland.

21. Massachusetts

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Massachusetts.

22. Michigan

Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.

23. Minnesota

Minnesota law is similar to California. You can have a radar detector, but it cannot be mounted to the windshield. If you live in Minnesota, secure it to the dashboard instead to avoid getting a ticket. Keep in mind that laser jammers are illegal under state law and radar detectors are not allowed in a commercial vehicle, even if it’s under 10,000 lbs.

24. Mississippi

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Mississippi.

25. Missouri

In Missouri, radar detectors and laser jammers are legal.

26. Montana

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Montana.

27. Nebraska

Radar detectors are legal in Nebraska. Laser jammers are illegal, as are all references to the Colorado Buffaloes (which didn’t change even though the Huskers are in the Ben Ten now).

28. Nevada

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Nevada.

29. New Hampshire

New Hampshire permits radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.

30. New Jersey

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in New Jersey. However, radar detectors are not allowed in commercial vehicles in The Garden State, even if they are under 10,000 lbs.

31. New Mexico

In New Mexico, it is okay to have a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle.

32. New York

Both radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in New York. However, radar detectors are not allowed in commercial vehicles even if they are under 10,000 lbs.

33. North Carolina

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in the Tar Heel State.

34. North Dakota

North Dakota allows the use of radar detectors and laser jammers.

35. Ohio

Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.

36. Oklahoma

Oklahoma permits the use of radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.

37. Oregon

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Oregon.

38. Pennsylvania

In the Keystone State, it’s okay to use either a radar detector or laser jammer.

39. Rhode Island

Radar detectors and laser jammers are allowed in Rhode Island.

40. South Carolina

Radar detectors are legal in South Carolina, but laser jammers are illegal.

41. South Dakota

South Dakota state law permits the use of radar detectors and laser jammers.

42. Tennessee

Radar detectors are legal in Tennessee, but not laser jammers.

43. Texas

Texas allows radar detectors in private vehicles, but laser jammers are not permitted.

44. Utah

Radar detectors are legal in Utah, although laser jammers are not.

45. Vermont

In Vermont, radar detectors and laser jammers are legal.

46. Virginia

Radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal to use in Virginia no matter what you drive.

47. Washington

The State of Washington allows radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.

48. West Virginia

Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.

49. Wisconsin

Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in The Badger State.

50. Wyoming

Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Wyoming.

51. Washington D.C.

Radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal to use in the District of Columbia.

Summary & Recommendations

In most states, it’s legal to have a radar detector or laser jammer in your car, except for Virginia and Washington D.C. Under federal law, radar detectors are illegal in any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds or on any military base.

Radar detectors can help you avoid a speeding ticket, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get a nice, reliable unit. Check out our list of the best radar detectors under $200 and the best radar detectors on the market.

Are Radar Detectors Legal in 2022? A State-by-State Guide (2024)

FAQs

Are Radar Detectors Legal in 2022? A State-by-State Guide? ›

A State-by-State Guide (2022) The short answer is yes; radar detectors are mostly legal in the United States

the United States
In its noun form, the word generally means a resident or citizen of the U.S., but is also used for someone whose ethnic identity is simply "American". The noun is rarely used in English to refer to people not connected to the United States when intending a geographical meaning.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › American_(word)
, but thereare some exceptions. As for laser jammers, the same is true. Laser jammers are widely considered legal but are subject to a few more restrictions than radar detectors, depending on the state.

Where Are radar detectors illegal in the US? ›

Virginia is currently the only U.S. state where radar detectors are illegal to use. The District of Columbia does not allow radar detectors either. Additionally, radar detectors are prohibited in all commercial vehicles and all vehicles 18,000 pounds or heavier.

How do you place a radar detector without getting caught? ›

A radar detector is best mounted as high up in the vehicle as possible so that the detector has a good range of radar detection. The most common and the standard location for mounting the radar detector would be on the front windshield of the vehicle, near or around the center of the rearview mirror.

Are radar detectors illegal in Georgia? ›

Yes, radar detectors are legal in Georgia, as are laser jammers. Both of these devices can help you avoid a speeding ticket, so they're definitely one way to prevent yourself from getting charged with another traffic violation.

Why are radar detectors illegal in Virginia? ›

Legality of Radar Guns in Virginia

It is not illegal to have a radar detector in your vehicle in Virginia as long as the detector is not readily accessible to the driver or any of the passengers in the vehicle. If the radar detector is still accessible, it does not matter whether it works or not.

Can a cop tell if you have a radar detector? ›

Can police find out if you have a radar detector? Yes, they can! Absolutely they can, and it's easy. All they need is a radar detector detector.

Do radar detectors work anymore? ›

If you're curious about whether radar detectors are worth it, in most cases, yes, they are. If your radar detector saves you from getting one of two speeding tickets, it ends up paying for itself.

How do you block a radar gun? ›

How to Use a Laser Jammer to Beat Speed Traps - YouTube

Can I mount my radar detector on my dash? ›

Best Place to Mount Your Radar Detector on Windshield - YouTube

What does v l mean on a radar detector? ›

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts. When a laser signal is detected, the “V/L” will be illuminated. Pulse Protection® Pulse (instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect than conventional radar because it remains off until activated to measure the speed of a targeted vehicle.

Is there a radar jammer that works? ›

While active radar jammers are illegal, they have proven to generally not work, especially against the latest digital police radars.

Is it illegal to have a Radar Detector in Florida? ›

However, radar detectors are perfectly legal in Florida vehicles. They are only prohibited in commercial vehicles that weigh over 10,000 lbs. While police officers and auto insurers have tried to restrict these devices, there has been little success with federal regulators.

How do you beat a laser speeding ticket in Georgia? ›

Your best bet for beating a speeding ticket is to talk to the prosecutor, and ask him to reduce your speed to 14 mph over the posted speed limit i.e. 69 in a 55 mph zone. This keeps the charge from appearing on your driving history and affecting your insurance rates.

Can you get pulled over for radar detector in Virginia? ›

In the State of Virginia, these detectors are illegal. Therefore, if you were pulled over for speeding or reckless driving and the officer sees that you have one of these detectors within reach, you will get an additional confiscated.

Can I drive through Virginia with a radar detector? ›

In Virginia, it is not illegal to have a radar detector in your vehicle as long as it's not accessible to the driver or any of the passengers in the vehicle, and it is removed from any power source.

How much is a radar detector ticket in Virginia? ›

If the individual is found to be operating a radar detector in Virginia, the face a fine of roughly $100. The law is very clear, however, that while an officer can seize a radar detector for use as evidence at trial, the device must nevertheless be returned when the proceedings are concluded.

Why doesn't my radar detector go off when I pass a cop? ›

Why Didn't My Radar Detector Alert When I Passed a Cop? Five Minute ...

How can I make my car invisible to the police? ›

Mods Every Car Owner Needs - How To Make Your Car Invisible To Cops

How far can a radar detector detect a cop? ›

Police Laser or LIDAR – (Light Detection And Ranging)

Police officers are trained to target vehicles from a stationary position at a distance of 800 to 1,200 feet.

Is Waze better than radar detector? ›

Radar Detectors vs Waze: Best Speeding Ticket Countermeasure?

Is it worth buying a radar detector? ›

For enhanced safety, consider getting one of those radar detectors that give an alert when you go over a certain speed limit. Additionally, a radar detector can help you avoid an accident by preparing you for police presence. Many drivers have caused accidents by braking suddenly when they see a cop car.

What is the number one rated radar detector? ›

Comparison of the best radar detectors for 2022
Product namePrice
Best radar detector overallValentine One Gen2$499
Best radar detector overall runner-upUniden R7$480
Best radar detector if money is no objectEscort Redline 360c$750
Best midrange radar detectorUniden R3$300
4 more rows
Jun 15, 2022

Will a stud finder jam a radar gun? ›

Can you JAM or BLOCK Police RADAR with a STUD FINDER

What radar detectors are undetectable? ›

Undetectable Radar Detectors
  • Sale. Uniden R1 Radar Detector. $299.99. ...
  • Radenso XP Radar Detector. 2Review(s)
  • Sale. Uniden R3 Radar Detector. 1Review(s) ...
  • Radenso Pro M Radar Detector. 1Review(s) $449.99.
  • Sale. Uniden R7 Radar Detector. $599.99. ...
  • Escort Redline EX Radar Detector. $599.95.
  • Escort Redline 360c Radar Detector. $749.95.

What is the difference between a radar detector and a radar jammer? ›

While detecting laser beams from a distance with radar detectors isn't very effective, it is possible to “shift” or “jam” laser guns so that they cannot obtain a reading on your vehicle. Laser jammers, or “shifters,” are usually comprised of several small sensors that are installed on the front of your vehicle.

Can a radar detector drain your battery? ›

What can cause this? Besides the instances where we simply leave the lights on, here are a few examples: First, air fresheners, radar detectors, phone chargers, dash cams and other accessories that plug into the cigarette lighter socket can drain the battery.

Do radar detectors need line of sight? ›

Detectors operate by line of sight, meaning that the detector needs to be able to "see" the signal in order to detect it. Any obstruction can potentially diminish, deflect or block the incoming radar signal or laser beam entirely from the detector's view.

Why would you want a radar detector? ›

The purpose of a radar detector is to save you from speeding tickets by detecting police radar waves that police use with radar guns to measure the speed of travel for your vehicle.

What does Pog mean on a radar? ›

POP Mode, when turned on, enables the detection of a special band of radar known as “POP.” This is a very short transmission signal that allows the user of a radar gun to capture a quick read of a vehicle's speed prior to setting the gun to another band.

What does K mean on a police radar? ›

K band radar are radar waves that fall between 18 GHz and 27 GHz, with most of the law enforcement radar guns operating at 24.125 GHz and 24.15 GHz. Police radar began detecting with K band a few decades after X band was introduced.

What does the C mean on a radar detector? ›

C/O – Constant On. There is where a police officer leaves their radar gun on the whole time while they are parked or driving around. This is easy to detect from a distance.

What can block radar? ›

Radar-absorbing material (RAM) is a specialist class of polymer-based material applied to the surface of stealth military aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, to reduce the radar cross-section and thereby make them harder to detect by radar.

What happens if you get caught with a laser jammer? ›

Using a radar jammer is a federal offense that can result in a $50,000 fine and/or five years in prison. Radar jammers are also illegal in some states meaning you could be subject to punishment even if you aren't using it on a federal road.

What can set off a radar detector? ›

Sometimes your radar detector gets set off by things that aren't radar or laser enforcement devices. These “false alerts” are usually caused by automatic door openers, roadside traffic monitors and electronic warning signs, emergency vehicles, and in-vehicle technologies (IVT).

Are speed camera detectors legal? ›

Yes, GPS speed camera detectors are completely legal to use in the UK. The police view these detectors as a speeding deterrent because they do not inform the driver if the camera has film (when using radar technologies); the detector only informs about the presence of an approaching camera.

Do Florida cops use radar or laser? ›

Florida Radar Detector and Laser Jammer Laws

Both radar detectors and laser jammers are legal to in all passenger vehicles in Florida.

What states use laser speed guns? ›

Are Radar Detectors Legal In My State?
StatePrivate VehicleLaser Jammer
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
47 more rows
Mar 31, 2022

Is it worth fighting a speeding ticket in Georgia? ›

The courts in Georgia will accept their word as truth, so fighting your case in a courtroom could be nearly impossible to win on those grounds alone. If you simply pay a speeding ticket, it still goes on your driving record. If you contest the ticket, you could reduce the number of points applied to your license.

Is pacing legal in Georgia? ›

Pacing is admissible evidence in court for a case involving speeding detection in Atlanta. Radar, laser, pacing, and visual estimation are the main tactics a police officer uses to determine if someone is speeding.

How much is a Super Speeder ticket in Georgia? ›

The Fee for a Super Speeder Violation in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Driver Services assesses the $200 Super Speeder fee. Essentially, you are punished twice, once, by the Court and once by DDS.

How do I hide my radar detector in Virginia? ›

Top 4 Ways To NEVER Get Caught With Radar Detector in Virginia

Are radar detectors legal in all 50 states? ›

Virginia is currently the only U.S. state where radar detectors are illegal to use. The District of Columbia does not allow radar detectors either. Additionally, radar detectors are prohibited in all commercial vehicles and all vehicles 18,000 pounds or heavier.

Are radar jammers legal in Virginia? ›

It is illegal in Virginia to use a speed detection device, otherwise known as a radar detector. This includes laser detectors, radar jammers, and other devices that are commonly sold online, through infomercials, or in certain law enforcement stores in other states.

Why is it illegal to use a radar detector in Virginia? ›

Legality of Radar Guns in Virginia

It is not illegal to have a radar detector in your vehicle in Virginia as long as the detector is not readily accessible to the driver or any of the passengers in the vehicle. If the radar detector is still accessible, it does not matter whether it works or not.

Are radar detectors illegal in North Carolina? ›

North Carolina does not have a law against simple radar detectors. Drivers may have a radar detector in their vehicle and use it without any legal consequences, so long as you are not using one while on or driving through a military base.

Are radar detectors illegal in South Carolina? ›

"Section 56-5-3870. (A) It is unlawful to use a radar detector in a motor vehicle on the highways and roads of this State.

Can a cop tell if you have a radar detector? ›

Can police find out if you have a radar detector? Yes, they can! Absolutely they can, and it's easy. All they need is a radar detector detector.

What is a laser radar detector? ›

A laser alert is simply a feature in radar detectors that alerts a driver when it detects LIDAR. Once a LIDAR gun has been aimed at you, that's the only time your radar detector can give you a laser alert, which may already be too late for you to take action as your speed has already been measured.

How do you find lidar? ›

To jam LIDAR, laser jammers first must detect the emitted light, normally infrared light on the 904 nm wavelength. After detecting the lidar gun's light, the jammer will send out light on the same wavelength at a higher intensity, effectively confusing the gun into returning no speed reading.

Is it illegal to have a Radar Detector in New York? ›

New York

Both radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in New York. However, radar detectors are not allowed in commercial vehicles even if they are under 10,000 lbs.

Are radar detectors illegal in Texas? ›

Although radar detectors are legal in Texas, a person may still be ticketed if they have mounted their radar detector on their windshield, side, or rear window, and that placement obstructs or reduces the operator's clear view. Whether or not the placement obstructs an operator's view is up to the officer's discretion.

Is it illegal to have a Radar Detector in California? ›

You'll be pleased to hear that radar detectors are legal in California, although some restrictions apply. California radar detector restrictions include the following: Radar detectors may not be fixed to your windshield or anywhere else that may impede your view of the road. This includes side and back mirrors.

Are radar detectors legal in Florida? ›

However, radar detectors are perfectly legal in Florida vehicles. They are only prohibited in commercial vehicles that weigh over 10,000 lbs. While police officers and auto insurers have tried to restrict these devices, there has been little success with federal regulators.

Is there a radar jammer that works? ›

While active radar jammers are illegal, they have proven to generally not work, especially against the latest digital police radars.

What does a laser jammer do? ›

A laser jammer is a device that returns a “no response” or a cosine error when a police LIDAR gun is used to target a vehicle. When the LIDAR gun shows this error, an officer won't know whether a vehicle is equipped with a laser jammer, or whether they simply didn't aim correctly at the vehicle.

What is the best radar detector on the market? ›

Comparison of the best radar detectors for 2022
Product namePrice
Best radar detector overallValentine One Gen2$499
Best radar detector overall runner-upUniden R7$480
Best radar detector if money is no objectEscort Redline 360c$750
Best midrange radar detectorUniden R3$300
4 more rows
Jun 15, 2022

Can cops detect laser jammers? ›

Unlike police radar, early detection and warning are not possible from a police laser gun. The only defense from a laser speeding ticket is to have laser jammers professionally installed on your vehicle. Laser Defusers can buy you precious time to reduce your speed and avoid that ticket.

Do police in Texas use K band? ›

Houston PD is mostly 35.5 and LIDAR but I saw a task force unit running an old K band Kustom just last year. K band is still in use by smaller towns in the Greater Houston area.

Are speed camera detectors legal? ›

Yes, GPS speed camera detectors are completely legal to use in the UK. The police view these detectors as a speeding deterrent because they do not inform the driver if the camera has film (when using radar technologies); the detector only informs about the presence of an approaching camera.

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