Radar detectors, also known as laser jammers, help drivers detect police radars. In the U.S., the use of radar detectors is illegal in Virginia and the District of Columbia. Radar detectors are also illegal if you’re driving a commercial vehicle or a vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds.

The use of a radar detector is illegal in any state if you’re driving on a military base, too. What’s more, many states prohibit items that obstruct a motor vehicle’s windshield (like a radar detector suctioned to the glass), so don’t be surprised if police officers have a problem with your radar detector for that reason.

You probably don't need a radar detector if you habitually drive the speed limit, but we here at

Jerry

—the

car insurance

expert and

trusted comparison tool

—understand the desire to take precautions. Whether you want to know which states radar detectors are illegal in or just need a little help finding affordable

car insurance

, we’ve got your back.

Where are radar detectors illegal?

There are no federal laws banning

radar detectors

, so whether you’re driving in California or Connecticut, each state has its own laws regarding radar and laser detectors (also sometimes referred to as lidar detectors) in civilian passenger vehicles.

Across the U.S., you’ll find that most state laws don't prohibit the use of radar signal detectors—with the exception of Virginia and Washington, D.C. In Canada, however, they’re mostly illegal. The only places in Canada where they are legal are British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

What are the penalties if you’re caught with a radar detector?

You could be pulled over for speeding if law enforcement’s laser speed gun clocks how fast you’re traveling quicker than your radar detector can warn you to slow down. Plus, if the officer spots your radar detector, its legality may be called into question.

In Virginia and D.C., where the use of laser detection in private vehicles is blatantly against radar detector laws, you could face a fine of around $100.

MORE: How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

How do radar detectors work?

In simple terms, radar detectors work by picking up a police radar gun signal and alerting you that it’s nearby. That way, you have time to slow down before the cop’s Ka-bandlaser gun detects your vehicle’s speed. By using these radar jammers, many people believe they can avoid speeding tickets.

Are radar detectors legal to use?

Yes—as long as you’re not in Virginia or Washington, D.C. However, many states have laws that ban or limit the mounting of objects on your car’s windshield—and that includes radar detectors.

States like Vermont, New York, Alaska, and North Carolina don’t place restrictions on what can be placed on the windshield, while others have specific restrictions.

States that have prohibitive laws include:

Alabama

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Georgia

Indiana

Maryland

Minnesota

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Texas

You should always try to get a general idea of traffic laws in the states where you drive to avoid violating them unknowingly.

MORE:

The traffic tickets that have the greatest effect on your car insurance rate

How to save money on your car insurance

Knowing and following traffic laws is one way to avoid getting an expensive ticket. Another great way to save on vehicle-related expenses is to find a great price on

car insurance

. Getting access to the best deals in record time is super easy when you shop for coverage with

Jerry

From start to finish, Jerry assists you with the entire insurance shopping process. In just 45 seconds, Jerry scoops up the most affordable policies from a pool of more than 55 top-rated insurers and delivers them directly to your smartphone. In mere minutes, you could save over $800 a year on car insurance!

“I’m not one to go for online services, but
Jerry
did a better job than any agent I’ve worked with. I can’t believe they got Plymouth Rock to insure me for half my previous premium!” —June O.