2006-10-06 06:37:59 · 11 answers · asked by sandy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
In some countries and areas, such as those listed below, using or possessing a radar detector is declared illegal and may result in fines, seizure of the device, or both. Generally these prohibitions are introduced under the premise that a radar detector driver will pose a greater risk of accident than a driver who does not. Not all research agrees with that premise, such as the 2001 Mori report which suggested that radar detector users on average posed a 28% less risk of accident and also traveled far more miles.
Australia: All states besides Western Australia. They are illegal to sell, purchase or possess in SA, NSW, ACT & Vic. Radar Detectors are illegal to use in NT, Queensland & Tas. There are no laws against the sale or use in Western Australia.
Belgium: In July 2006 a provisional seisure of a vehicle worth over 75.000 EUR itself was ordered by the courts, destruction of the radar detector itself and the driver's license was suspended for 3 months.
Canada (Illegal:Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island,New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories Legal: Alberta & Saskatchewan): Regardless of whether they are used or not, police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not, and impose substantial fines.
Finland
France
Germany 75€ fine , 4 Points, destruction of the radar detector
Greece
Ireland (Republic of)
Netherlands 250€ fine and in possession name (since 2004)
Portugal
Spain
Taiwan
Turkey
United States law varies from state to state, but detectors are generally legal in private vehicles under the Communications Act of 1934 and illegal in commercial vehicles by DOT regulation
2006-10-06 06:44:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Radar detector laws by state
The use of a radar detector in a passenger vehicle is legal in all states with the exception of Virginia, Washington DC. and while on military bases.
In Canada, the only three provinces that allow their use are Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Many overseas countries also ban their use, such as Portugal, Finland and Spain.
In areas that radar detectors are illegal, law enforcement use a device called the Spectre that is able to detect the use of radar detector in your car or truck.
Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers are illegal in the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC.
Check out everything you could ever want to know about radar detectors.
Have fun and drive safe.
2006-10-06 06:48:53 · answer #2 · answered by Redeft 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state. I know that they are ILLEGAL in Virginia.
Even if a radar detector is legal in the state you are in, it's best to not have it showing so a cop can see it if you get pulled. I've gotten pulled over with mine so I just grabbed it and threw it in the backseat. BE CAREFUL if you do this because it could possibly look like you are concealing a weapon if the cops see you do it.
Radar detectors are never going to be as sophisticated as the technology that the police have. Additionally, the manufacturers that produce radar detectors typically produce the radar guns sold to law enforcement (under a different company name, of course).
Who do you think they are giving preferential treatment to? The one-time customer that pays $300 for a radar detector or the fat government contracts they obtain by supplying radar and laser detection devices to law enforcement? Hmmm...
Just be careful. They aren't totally useless but they are never going to be 100% (or anywhere near that) effective either.
2006-10-06 06:49:15 · answer #3 · answered by Hunter J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i know for a fact that using a radar detector IS legal. it is best to check with your local law enforcement agencies to find out if it is legally permitted in your home state. i live in california and they are legal in my state. but be careful which one you purchase. some dont cover all the necessary bandwidths or infrared signals. with most things, the more you spend, the more you get, so if youre serious enough to go and buy one, spend a little extra and get a good one. also, if you use it properly, it shouldnt matter if its legal or not because the cops wont ever see you, unless you buy a cheap one, it doesnt work, and they pull you over. =)
2006-10-06 09:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by man_hands542 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states. I live in Georgia, and I know that they are legal. Call the local DMV(Department of motor vehicle safety)
2006-10-06 06:47:42 · answer #5 · answered by Casey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's legal in every state except Virginia.
Wanna guess which state I'm in?!?
2006-10-06 06:45:03 · answer #6 · answered by boo's mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think most states allow it. I know Tennessee does, at least. But I know for a fact that Virginia doesn't.
2006-10-06 06:45:23 · answer #7 · answered by Souris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Detection is legal, blocking or scrambling isn't.
Don't waste your money though, the police have a new technology "Lidar" that is undetectable by these devices.
2006-10-06 06:45:06 · answer #8 · answered by Shockey Monkey 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I know it's illegal in Virginia ..I live in this Hel/ Hold !!
2006-10-06 06:46:24 · answer #9 · answered by lilredhead 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know it's illegal in Virginia.
2006-10-06 06:45:04 · answer #10 · answered by Dubs82 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋