Are Police Radar Detectors Legal?
The use of radar detectors by drivers has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people argue that they are illegal, while others claim they are a necessary tool to avoid getting speeding tickets. In this article, we will explore the legality of police radar detectors and provide a comprehensive overview of the laws surrounding their use.
Direct Answer: Are Police Radar Detectors Legal?
The short answer is: it depends. Radar detectors are legal in most states, but there are some exceptions and limitations. In this article, we will delve into the details of the laws surrounding radar detectors and provide guidance on how to use them legally.
Federal Law
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) does not have a specific law that prohibits the use of radar detectors. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of radar detectors under the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC prohibits the marketing and sale of radar detectors that can detect police radar guns that operate on specific frequencies. This means that radar detectors that can detect police radar guns that operate on frequencies between 29.2 GHz and 30.5 GHz are illegal.
State Laws
While federal law does not prohibit the use of radar detectors, some states have their own laws regarding their use. Here is a breakdown of the laws in each state:
| State | Legal/Illegal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal | |
| Alaska | Legal | |
| Arizona | Legal | |
| Arkansas | Legal | |
| California | Illegal | Only certain types of radar detectors are allowed, and they must be certified by the California Highway Patrol. |
| Colorado | Legal | |
| Connecticut | Legal | |
| Delaware | Legal | |
| Florida | Legal | |
| Georgia | Legal | |
| Hawaii | Illegal | Radar detectors are illegal in Hawaii, but there are no laws prohibiting their use in vehicles. |
| Idaho | Legal | |
| Illinois | Legal | |
| Indiana | Legal | |
| Iowa | Legal | |
| Kansas | Legal | |
| Kentucky | Legal | |
| Louisiana | Legal | |
| Maine | Legal | |
| Maryland | Legal | |
| Massachusetts | Illegal | Radar detectors are illegal in Massachusetts, but there are no laws prohibiting their use in vehicles. |
| Michigan | Legal | |
| Minnesota | Legal | |
| Mississippi | Legal | |
| Missouri | Legal | |
| Montana | Legal | |
| Nebraska | Legal | |
| Nevada | Legal | |
| New Hampshire | Legal | |
| New Jersey | Illegal | Radar detectors are illegal in New Jersey, but there are no laws prohibiting their use in vehicles. |
| New Mexico | Legal | |
| New York | Illegal | Radar detectors are illegal in New York, but there are no laws prohibiting their use in vehicles. |
| North Carolina | Legal | |
| North Dakota | Legal | |
| Ohio | Legal | |
| Oklahoma | Legal | |
| Oregon | Legal | |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | |
| Rhode Island | Illegal | Radar detectors are illegal in Rhode Island, but there are no laws prohibiting their use in vehicles. |
| South Carolina | Legal | |
| South Dakota | Legal | |
| Tennessee | Legal | |
| Texas | Legal | |
| Utah | Legal | |
| Vermont | Legal | |
| Virginia | Legal | |
| Washington | Legal | |
| West Virginia | Legal | |
| Wisconsin | Legal | |
| Wyoming | Legal |
Using Radar Detectors Legally
Even if radar detectors are legal in your state, there are still some rules you should follow to avoid getting into trouble:
- Don’t use radar detectors in areas where they are prohibited: Some areas, such as school zones or construction zones, may prohibit the use of radar detectors.
- Don’t use radar detectors to avoid paying tolls: Using radar detectors to avoid paying tolls is illegal in many states.
- Don’t use radar detectors to detect speed cameras: Some radar detectors can detect speed cameras, but it is illegal to use them for this purpose.
- Don’t use radar detectors to detect laser speed guns: Laser speed guns are illegal in many states, but it is illegal to use radar detectors to detect them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, radar detectors are legal in most states, but there are some exceptions and limitations. It is important to check the laws in your state before using a radar detector, and to follow the rules to avoid getting into trouble. Remember, even if radar detectors are legal, they are not a guarantee against getting a speeding ticket. Always follow the speed limit and drive safely.
