Are Radar And Laser Jammers Legal?
February 10, 2022
Although police can use either radar or laser guns to determine your speed, there are distinct differences in how they are used and the laws regarding how drivers may protect themselves from a speeding ticket.
The FCC governs police radar guns (Federal Communications Commission). They use radio frequencies that can travel great distances, making it easy for radar detectors to pick up their signal and slow down in plenty of time to avoid a speeding ticket. The FCC strictly prohibits radar jamming. It is a federal offense with a fine of up to $10,000 for each conviction.
Laser jammers fall under the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) jurisdiction, and there are NO federal laws prohibiting the use of laser jammers. However, some states have laws on the books that ban laser jammers.
Where Are Laser Jammers Illegal?
The following states have laws against using laser jammers. It is K40’s experience that these laws are rarely enforced.
California – Vehicle Code Section 28150
This law states that any person purchasing or using FOUR OR MORE devices to jam police laser is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine. K40 recommends using three Laser Defuser Optix transponders on a vehicle in California.
Colorado – Vehicle Code Section 42-4-1415
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, punishable with a fine.
Illinois – Vehicle Code Section 5-12-613
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Petty Offense, punishable with a $50 fine.
Minnesota – Vehicle Code Section 169.14 Sub 12 (Page 6)
All radar/laser jamming is illegal.
Oklahoma – Vehicle Code Section 47-11-808
All radar/laser jamming is illegal.
South Carolina – Vehicle Code Section 56-5-3870
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1000.
Tennessee – Vehicle Code Section 39-16-610
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class B or C Misdemeanor.
Texas – Vehicle Code Section 547.616
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class C Misdemeanor.
Utah – Vehicle Code Section 41-6a-609
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class C Misdemeanor.
Virginia – Vehicle Code 46.2-1079
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. No demerit points will be issued for violating this law.
Iowa – Vehicle Code 321.232
All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices.
What Are My Options If I Live In A State Where Laser Jammers Are Illegal?
K40 has retail partners actively selling Laser Defusers in all of the above states.
Because of the compact design of K40’s Laser Defuser Optix, they are installed discreetly in your vehicle’s front grill area, making them difficult to detect by law enforcement.
A K40 Retailer can deliver the vehicle to the customer in the Receive Only mode, which will only alert the driver when a police laser gun targets the vehicle, but will not jam.
The customer may choose to leave it in Receive Only or switch it to Pulse Transmit mode, which will cause the officer’s gun to receive an error message for approximately five seconds and then turn itself off, allowing the officer to obtain a speed reading.
This setting is a good choice for the above states as it lessens the officer’s suspicions of a jammer being present.
Connect With Us To Explore All Your Options
K40 Electronics invented laser jamming in 1994 and has been on the leading edge of technology to continually improve the laser countermeasure category. K40’s radar and laser experts are available 24/7 to answer your questions at 800-323-5608.
