Are Radar Detectors Illegal?

K40 gets this question every day. There is quite a bit of confusion regarding the legality of radar detectors. Our goal is to answer the most common misconceptions and allow you to drive with confidence.

Here are all the facts regarding who can use a radar detector and where:

• Under federal law, the use of radar or laser speed detectors is illegal in all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
• Radar detectors are illegal to use in any vehicle in the District of Columbia.
• Radar detectors are illegal to use in any vehicle in the state of Virginia.
• Radar detectors are illegal to use in any vehicle while on any military installation.

That’s it. In all other states, radar detectors are completely legal to use in a passenger vehicle.

In Puerto Rico, radar detectors are also legal in all passenger vehicles but illegal in commercial vehicles. Although radar detectors are legal in California and Minnesota, those states have laws against devices attached to a windshield that could obstruct the driver’s view. K40 dealers sell plenty of K40’s Platinum100 portable radar and laser detectors in those states. A number of them circumvent this law by using a Blendmount application, which attaches the portable/dash unit to the rearview mirror and not the windshield. For these states, K40 would also recommend considering a custom-installed system like the K40 Platinum200 or the K40 Platinum360.

Now, if you happen to live in America’s top hat, also known as Canada, radar detectors are legal in the western provinces of:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan

More frequently asked questions about police radar detectors and jammers:

Is the K40 a police radar jammer?

The short answer is no. Here’s why: Jamming Prohibition (FCC) – Below is an excerpt from the FCC website.

“The use of “cell jammers” or similar devices designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications (signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers, etc.) is a violation of federal law. Also, it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, or otherwise market these devices to consumers in the United States. These devices pose serious risks to critical public safety communications, and can prevent you and others from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Jammers can also interfere with law enforcement communications.

Operation of a jammer in the United States may subject you to substantial monetary penalties, seizure of the unlawful equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.”

If you still have questions? Give us a call at 800-323-5608 days, evenings, and weekends. We’re here to provide you with all of the information you need about radar detectors and laser jammers so you can drive ticket-free guaranteed.