Here we showcase the latest makes and models, often before they hit the market. We also report on other significant announcements in the automotive industry.
This is us talking shop and talking cars. Sometimes we go in-depth and analyze something, or we talk about car history or motorsports, or maybe we’re just giving our thoughts on something in the automotive industry.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases. Some of the radar detectors mentioned here were supplied by Cedar Electronics, an affiliate partner. Commissions from Amazon and other affiliate partners come to us at no cost to you when making a purchase via this page. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.
Radar detectors are legal in a majority of U.S. states. We frequently drive with the units listed below.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Two-in-one unit features a high-end radar detector and a dash camera with app integration.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchases.
Perfect “grab and go” unit with long-range Ka band detection.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Affordable radar detector with a straightforward, no-frills design.
Using a radar detector in a privately owned passenger vehicle is legal in the U.S., with the exception of Virginia and Washington D.C. However, there are some gray areas regarding the laws in Virginia.
According to Virginia law, having a radar detector is okay if it’s not accessible to the vehicle’s occupants and there is no power source. For example, if the unit is off and in the trunk, 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.
Radar detectors are illegal in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 lbs., no matter what state you’re driving in. In commercial vehicles under 10,000 lbs., radar detectors are allowed in all states except for Illinois, Iowa, 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.
Laser Jammers are illegal in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington D.C. However, 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.
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.” Even a first offense can result in heavy fines and jail time.
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.
Using radar detectors is legal in private vehicles in Alabama. Laser jammers are also legal.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Alaska.
There are no limitations for radar detectors in private vehicles in Arizona. Laser jammers are legal too.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Arkansas.
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.
Radar detectors are legal in Colorado, but laser jammers are illegal under state law.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Connecticut.
In Delaware, you can legally use a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle. Note that independent studies in recent years have shown Delaware is among the strictest states when it comes to speeding.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Florida.
It is legal to have a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle in Georgia.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in the Aloha State.
You can legally use a radar detector or laser jammer in Idaho.
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.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Indiana.
The verbiage of Chapter 321 of Iowa’s motor vehicles and law of the road (more specifically, this section here) indicates that laser jammers are illegal in the Hawkeye State. Standard radar detectors, absent a laser jammer upgrade, appear to be okay for personal use in a passenger vehicle based on the language used.
For that long stretch across I-70, you’re in luck. Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal in Kansas.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Kentucky.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal in the Pelican State.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in Maine.
Unlike in the neighboring state of Virginia, radar detectors are legal in private vehicles in Maryland. Laser jammers are also legal in Maryland.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Massachusetts.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal. However, be aware if you are crossing over to Windsor from Detroit. Radar detectors are not legal in Ontario, and local law enforcement has been known to confiscate them.
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. Radar detectors are not allowed in a commercial vehicle, even if it’s under 10,000 lbs.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Mississippi.
In Missouri, radar detectors and laser jammers are legal.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Montana.
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).
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Nevada.
New Hampshire permits radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.
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.
In New Mexico, it is okay to have a radar detector or laser jammer in a private vehicle.
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.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in the Tar Heel State.
North Dakota allows the use of radar detectors and laser jammers.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.
Oklahoma permits the use of radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Oregon.
In the Keystone State, it’s okay to use either a radar detector or laser jammer.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are allowed in Rhode Island.
Radar detectors are legal in South Carolina, but laser jammers are illegal.
South Dakota state law permits the use of radar detectors and laser jammers.
Radar detectors are legal in Tennessee, but not laser jammers.
Texas allows radar detectors in private vehicles, but laser jammers are not permitted.
Radar detectors are legal in Utah, although laser jammers are not.
In Vermont, radar detectors and laser jammers are legal.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal in Virginia.
The State of Washington allows radar detectors and laser jammers in private vehicles.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are both legal.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are permitted in The Badger State.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Wyoming.
Radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal to use in the District of Columbia.
Radar detectors are legal in a majority of U.S. states. We frequently drive with the units listed below.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Two-in-one unit features a high-end radar detector and a dash camera with app integration.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchases.
Perfect “grab and go” unit with long-range Ka band detection.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Affordable radar detector with a straightforward, no-frills design.
If you are looking for the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles, the Escort MAXcam 360c, a two-in-one combo unit, is an excellent choice. The MAXcam combines an upgraded version of Escort’s MAX 360c radar detector with a 1440p dash camera. Here are some additional resources on the MAXcam:
If you need something less expensive but still reliable in terms of long-range detection and false alert filtering, take a look at either the Uniden R3 or R4. Here are some additional resources:
Among the most affordable radar detectors is the Cobra RAD 700i, despite occupying the top spot in Cobra’s RAD family. Although it’s a more basic radar detector, we were pleasantly surprised by its false alert filtering capabilities during our review.
As one of Cobra’s newer radar detectors, the RAD 700i benefits from the latest applications of digital signal processing, which is evident in the fewer number of false alerts relative to other Cobra units we have tested and reviewed, like the 480i.
Using a radar detector in a privately owned passenger vehicle is legal in the U.S., with the exception of Virginia and Washington D.C. By contrast, radar detectors are illegal in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 lbs., no matter what state you’re driving in.
If you have additional questions or just want to chat about radar detectors, join us on the Radar Detector and Countermeasures Forum.
Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision News Radio and AutoSens Insights. He is a Midwest Automotive Media Association member and on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation. Like many Detroiters, Carl is holding out for a Lions Super Bowl win.
While proprietary technology can differ between each radar detector manufacturer, think of a standard radar detector in terms of receiving and deciphering.
Every radar detector has a “horn” or antenna (sometimes more than one) and an internal microprocessor. The antenna picks up or receives the police radar gun, and the microprocessor deciphers it, ultimately showing on the display screen important info like signal strength and band type.
Radar detector manufacturers build on that basic principle with their own hardware and software to achieve increased detection range with fewer false alerts.
Yes, all radar detectors will alert to police laser guns, meaning your radar detector is also a laser detector by default.
Some radar detectors are compatible with an accessory called laser shifters, but those are different from laser jammers, which are illegal in some states. Police laser guns use a technology called lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging.
The best radar detector for you will depend on where and how you drive and how much you want to spend.
If you love having the latest and greatest gadgets, you might enjoy the features a high-end unit will provide. By contrast, if you only need a gentle reminder of police radar in the area, you can find something more basic but still of good quality.
Sometimes, a patrol car will have its radar gun off, meaning there is nothing for the radar detector to alert to. Traffic officers also use an enforcement strategy called “Instant-On” radar, where they only use their radar gun at certain times (think like the storied image of the officer on the motorcycle hiding behind the billboard).
If this happens, traffic officers will only target one vehicle at a time. Most high-quality radar detectors will alert to Instant-On radar with plenty of advanced notice, although it’s still possible to get a ticket via Instant-On if you are not careful.
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area:
On Our Partner’s Website
Leave a Reply
Useful Links
Categories
Top Model Escorts. All rights reserved.