Are Radar Detectors Legal?

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Caught up in deciding whether to purchase a radar detector because you keep wondering if it’s legal or not? Well, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide on where radar detectors are legal and under what circumstances.

Generally, yes, radar detectors are legal in the United States with some exceptions. Currently, Virginia is the only state where radar detectors are illegal, as well as the District of Columbia. Under Virginia law, a radar detector is permitted as long as it’s not accessible to the vehicle’s driver and passenger and it’s turned off. So, it is completely legal to own one as long as it’s powered off. Violating this can result in a $250 fine as well as confiscation but there won’t be any demerit points applied to your license.

Can Commercial Vehicles Use Radar Detectors?

While private (non-commercial) vehicles can generally use radar detectors, the case is different from commercial vehicles. Only commercial vehicles weighing below 10,000 pounds are allowed to use radar detectors except in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

18-wheelers traveling for interstate commerce are absolutely prohibited from using radar detectors no matter if they’re turned on or off. This is to discourage such large trucks from speeding and prevent accidents.

Can I Use Suction Cup Mounts?

In the following states, mounted radar detectors on windshields are banned;

  • California
  • Florida
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania

Because they can distract a driver’s view of the road and distract them with false alerts. It’s not often enforced, but it’s always a good idea to abide by the law and prevent any mishap with the police. Instead, you can opt for a visor-mounted radar detector that can hang from your car’s sun visor.

How About Radar Jammers?

Radar jammers are not allowed anywhere at all in the United States federal law. Laser jammers, on the other hand, are permitted except in these states:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington D.C.

Can Police Tell If I Have a Radar Detector?

Not all police have them but some do have “radar detector detectors”. Yes, you read that right. Typically, officers from Washington D.C. and Virginia have them. These detectors sense small amounts of radar that come from a nearby radar detector and they give alerts as well.

More advanced or premium radar detectors offering stealth features are usually less detectable to these police devices.