Many of us spend a lot of time in our vehicles. Whether you’re on the long commute to work, running errands, or going to meet friends, chances are that you’re in your car or truck more than you may realize. If you’re not careful, the more often you’re in your car, the greater the chances of you getting pulled over for speeding or a similar infraction. People who know they have an issue with driving too fast or that they live in an area with a lot of police officers may try to protect themselves by learning the radar detector laws and installing a radar detector in their vehicle.
Good devices will provide you with a way to know when an officer is nearby so you can slow down and avoid a fine. However, you may not realize that radar detectors are not legal in every state. That’s why, to help you avoid speeding tickets, we’ve compiled this list of radar detector laws by state.
We’ll tell you a bit about the different types of radar-detecting and laser-jamming products you can have in your car and inform you of which states will allow you to have them. To find the up-to-date laws, 24/7 Tempo consulted various sources, including state and government websites and sources like World Population Review and Insurance.com. We’re here to give you good advice, but keep in mind that the information in this article is not meant to be legal advice. Our best suggestion is to drive within the posted speed limits at all times and to follow the law so you stay out of legal trouble and avoid hurting yourself or others. Once you know the rules in your state, you can also enjoy the a road trip. (Check out the best road trip in every state.)
Without further ado, here’s more information on the radar detector laws in every state.
Difference Between Radar Detectors and Laser Jammers
While you read through the radar detector laws by state, you’ll see many references to two common devices: radar detectors and laser jammers. In order to stay in compliance with your local laws, you’ll want to know what each device does so you can determine if it’s legal.
A radar detector is how it sounds. You set the device on your dashboard or stick it to your windshield, and if a police officer is using a radar device to determine how fast motorists are driving, you’ll be informed, and your detector will start to make noises and flash lights so you know to slow down.
Your state may also allow the use of laser jammers. Basically, if you drive near a police officer who is using a radar gun to see how fast motorists are going and you have a laser jammer installed in your car, that jammer will give the police officer’s radar gun an error. Essentially, you’re blocking the police officer from being able to see how fast you’re going. One of the reasons laser jammers aren’t totally illegal is because they make it so the officer isn’t sure if you have a jammer device or they simply didn’t aim their radar gun correctly. They are legal in some states but not all, so pay attention.
Radar Detector Laws By State
This list will tell you whether radar detectors or laser jammers are legal in your state. Even if they are, there may be some small print to be aware of, so read carefully.
Alabama
Yes, the use of laser jammers and radar detectors in all standard passenger vehicles is legal in the state of Alabama.
Alaska
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Alaska if they’re in a standard passenger vehicle.
Arizona
According to state law, there are no limitations on laser jammers or radar detectors in Arizona.
Arkansas
Yes, both laser jammers and radar detectors are allowed in passenger vehicles in Arkansas.
California
Radar detector laws are a bit more complicated in California than they are in many other states. Radar detectors are legal but only in passenger vehicles, not in commercial vehicles. However, you cannot hang the radar detector (or anything else for that matter) on the windshield because the authorities don’t want anything to obstruct your view. You can put the detector on the dashboard. However, laser jammers or anything that interferes with speed-measuring devices is illegal.
Colorado
Radar detectors can be used in passenger vehicles in Colorado but not in commercial vehicles. However, laser jammers are illegal, and if caught, the police can confiscate your device.
Connecticut
You can use a radar detector and a laser jammer in the state of Connecticut.
Delaware
You’re allowed to use both laser jammers and radar detectors in Delaware. Use them wisely because police in that state don’t mess around when it comes to giving fines.
Florida
Radar detector laws in the Sunshine State allow you to use a detector or laser jammer in a commercial vehicle but not in a commercial vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds.
Georgia
Drivers in Georgia can use radar detectors, laser jammers, and crowd-surfing traffic information through popular apps like Waze.
Hawaii
You can use both a radar detector and a laser jammer if you’re driving through the amazing landscapes of Hawaii.
Idaho
There are no restrictions to owning and using a radar detector or laser jammer in your passenger vehicle in Idaho.
Illinois
You can put a radar detector in your car in Illinois. However, the use of radar or laser jammers is illegal. If a police officer pulls you over and finds one, they can confiscate it and punish you with a fine.
Indiana
You’re free to use laser jammers and radar detectors in Indiana.
Iowa
You cannot use a laser jammer while driving through Iowa, or it will be confiscated. The state is pretty strict, but you can still use a radar detector as long as it doesn’t have a radar jamming function equipped.
Kansas
You can use radar detectors in Kansas, except in commercial vehicles with a gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. The use of laser jammers in passenger vehicles is also allowed in Kansas.
Kentucky
You are allowed to equip your car with both a radar detector and a laser jammer in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Radar detectors and laser jammers are allowed in New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana.
Maine
In Maine, you can use radar detectors and laser jammers in passenger and commercial vehicles. However, they’re not allowed to be used on military bases.
Maryland
Radar detector laws in Maryland are fairly lax, and both laser jammers and radar detectors are allowed.
Massachusetts Laser jammers are legal, and so are radar detectors in The Codfish State.
Michigan
You can use radar detectors and laser jammers in passenger vehicles but not commercial vehicles.
Minnesota
There are several things to consider when it comes to radar detector laws in Minnesota. You can have a radar detector. However, it cannot be mounted to your windshield because it can block your view, and you’ll get pulled over. You can place it on your dashboard. Laser jammers are strictly prohibited in Minnesota. In fact, you can’t possess, sell, or offer to sell a laser jammer in the state.
Mississippi
You can legally use a radar detector and a laser jammer in Mississippi.
Missouri
You can use both radar detectors and laser jammers in passenger vehicles in Missouri.
Montana
There are no restrictions on either laser jammers or radar detectors in the state of Montana.
Nebraska
Be careful in Nebraska. You can use your radar detector in passenger vehicles and even keep it on the windshield. However, the use of laser jammers is prohibited, and you could get in big trouble for having one.
Nevada
As with most other things, the use of laser jammers and radar detectors is legal in Nevada.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you are not allowed to place your radar detector or any other object on your windshield. However, you can use radar detectors and laser jammers elsewhere in your passenger vehicle and commercial vehicles that are under 10,000 pounds.
New Jersey
The use of radar detectors and laser jammers is legal in passenger vehicles. However, unlike many other states, they are not allowed in any commercial vehicles, regardless of their weight.
New Mexico
You can own and operate both a laser jammer and radar detector in New Mexico.
New York
The use of radar detectors and laser jammers is allowed in the state of New York. However, like in New Jersey, they are not allowed in any commercial vehicle.
North Carolina
You are allowed to use radar detectors in North Carolina as long as you’re not driving through a military base. However, laser jammers are a little more on the fence. A police officer may fine you for having one.
North Dakota
Cars can have radar detectors and laser jammers in North Dakota.
Ohio
Radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in Ohio if you’re driving a passenger vehicle.
Oklahoma
Radar detector laws allow the use of basic detectors, but laser jammers are illegal in the state.
Oregon
Radar detectors, laser jammers, and laser detectors are all legal in the state of Oregon.
Pennsylvania
You’re okay using both radar detectors and laser jammers in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Both radar detectors and laser jammers are allowed in cars in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
You can use your radar detector in South Carolina, however, only in passenger cars. On the other hand, laser jammers are illegal, as is any device used to scramble, neutralize, disable, or interfere with police radar.
South Dakota
Cars can be equipped with radar detectors and laser jammers in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Drivers can use radar detectors in passenger vehicles in Tennessee. However, it’s illegal for any person to knowingly possess or sell a laser or radar jamming device.
Texas
Texas is a big state, so keep in mind that while radar detectors are legal in the state, certain areas may have restrictions on the types of vehicles that can have them. The use of laser or radar jammers is completely illegal
Utah
You can lawfully use a radar detector in Utah. However, when it comes to laser jammers, the law states that you cannot knowingly use a laser or radar jamming device to interfere with law enforcement.
Vermont
Laser jammers and radar detectors are legal in Vermont.
Virginia
Virginia is one of the strictest states when it comes to these devices. Currently, it’s illegal to use a speed detection device, including laser or radar jammers. Don’t even try using them here. If you’re driving through the state, keep the devices packed away until you pass the state lines.
Washington
Alaskan Way Viaduct Traffic, Seattle, Washington Photo credit: Tony Webster via Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/17903326752/in/album-72157...
You can use laser detectors and laser jammers in Washington, but only in private passenger vehicles.
West Virginia
Radar detector laws in West Virginia allow the use of detectors and laser jammers.
Wisconsin
You can use both radar detectors and laser jammers in Wisconsin. However, neither can obstruct your view of the road. You can use laser jammers, but switch it to “detect only” if going through military bases and other restricted areas.
Wyoming
Laser jammers and radar detectors are legal to use in Wyoming.
Washington D.C.
The land of laws has another one to pay attention to; radar detectors and laser jammers are not allowed in D.C.
While these radar detector laws are current as of the time of this writing, keep in mind that laws change every year, and these can change as well. Do your best to follow posted speed limits and obey the law, and you’ll be fine. If you know you have a lead foot, then you may want to fly instead of drive, but if you do, avoid the U.S. airports with the most flight delays.