States Where Radar Detectors are Illegal

Introduction

Owning a radar detector is generally considered legal in all states across the United States, with the exception of Mississippi and Virginia.

Radar detectors are used to detect police radar and laser guns, helping drivers know when they are being monitored for speed. While their use is legal in most states, it’s important to note that using a radar detector for commercial motor vehicles is prohibited by federal law. In addition, many states have laws prohibiting the use of detectors when traveling through school zones or construction zones.

Mississippi and Virginia are the only two states where owning or operating a radar detector is illegal regardless of vehicle type or location. In these two states, offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor offense and face fines up to $200 if caught using one.

Radar Detector Legality by State

Radar Detector Illegal States

Radar detectors are illegal in the two states – Mississippi and Virginia – as well as in the District of Columbia. The rationale behind these prohibitions is to discourage motorists from engaging in speeding and to ensure stricter adherence to traffic laws. The aim is to promote road safety by preventing drivers from relying on radar detectors to avoid detection by law enforcement officers.

The two states where radar detectors are illegal are :

1. Mississippi
2. Virginia

Radar Detector Legal States

Radar detectors are legal in a majority of states across the United States, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The legality of radar detectors in these states is primarily based on the absence of specific legislation that prohibits their use. Consequently, drivers in these states are allowed to use radar detectors as long as they comply with other traffic laws and regulations. The reasoning behind the legality of radar detectors in these states varies, but one common perspective is that drivers have the right to protect themselves against speed traps and potential speeding tickets, enhancing overall awareness and safety on the road.

The states where radar detectors are legal are :

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California
6. Colorado
7. Connecticut
8. Delaware
9. Florida
10. Georgia
11. Hawaii
12. Idaho
13. Illinois
14. Indiana
15. Iowa
16. Kansas
17. Kentucky
18. Louisiana
19. Maine
20. Maryland
21. Massachusetts
22. Michigan
23. Minnesota
24. Missouri
25. Montana
26. Nebraska
27. Nevada
28. New Hampshire
29. New Jersey
30. New Mexico
31. New York
32. North Carolina
33. North Dakota
34. Ohio
35. Oklahoma
36. Oregon
37. Pennsylvania
38. Rhode Island
39. South Carolina
40. South Dakota
41. Tennessee
42. Texas
43. Utah
44. Vermont
45. Washington
46. West Virginia
47. Wisconsin
48. Wyoming