For most drivers, radar detectors are legal in California for private vehicles. There are currently no laws that prohibit your ownership of a radar detector or that would prevent you from keeping one in your vehicle. However, there are a few restrictions you need to be aware of.
Radar detectors are illegal in commercial vehicles and must be mounted safely. In addition, some devices commonly associated with radar detectors, such as radar jammers, are not legal in California.
If you’ve been injured in an accident by someone you believe was using a radar detector illegally, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights under the law. Reach out to our team for a free consultation.
What Is a Radar Detector?
A radar detector is a device that detects the presence of radar-based speed monitoring systems used by law enforcement. Police equipment uses radar waves to scan the speeds of passing vehicles. A radar detector alerts the driver when it registers these waves, giving them a chance to slow down.
Radar detectors can register different types of radar signals, including:
- X-band
- K-band
- Ka-band
LiDar is a similar system that law enforcement may use based on light from a laser. Because it uses a narrow, focused beam, LiDar is much harder to detect. The typical radar detector is not effective against LiDar.
Can You Get a Ticket for a Radar Detector in California?
You should not receive a traffic citation simply for owning or using a radar detector. However, you may receive a ticket for your radar detector if it is mounted on your windshield or in some way that obstructs your vision.
Radar detectors must be mounted on the dash or in another location that does not interfere with your view of the road. Center consoles are acceptable. Depending on your vehicle, you may be able to mount your radar detector under your rear-view mirror.
In most cases, radar detectors are legal in California; however, there are specific circumstances where their use may be illegal.
When Is a Radar Detector Illegal in California?
In California, it is illegal for any vehicle over 10,000 pounds to use a radar detector. Many of these large vehicles are commercial trucks and buses, and the law is in place to prevent their speeding and reckless driving on our roadways.
Other commercial drivers who are not allowed to use radar detectors in California include taxi drivers and ride-share operators such as Uber and Lyft. These drivers have a responsibility to maintain safe operation on the road to protect other motorists and their customers.
Still, some commercial operators on a tight schedule may not obey the law. If you or a loved one has been injured by a speeding commercial vehicle, contact our lawyers to find out how we can help.
Can a Radar Detector Be Evidence in a Car Accident Case?
Radar detectors are not typically considered evidence in car accident cases. However, they could be useful in very specific situations.
For example, a radar detector may help show one party’s intention to speed illegally, drive carelessly, and evade the police. If the accident happened due to the speeding party’s recklessness, the radar detector could be one piece of the puzzle that shows their fault.
In most cases, better evidence is available. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer will know which pieces of the puzzle are relevant to your specific case.
Can Cops Detect a Radar Detector?
Yes, law enforcement can detect radar detectors with a device called a radar detector detector (RDD). When in operation, radar detectors emit faint signals, which are detectable by RDDs. There are several types of RDDs used by police, the most advanced and effective being the Spectre RDD.
Since radar detectors are legal in California, this isn’t much of a concern for the otherwise safe driver. However, RDDs can give police an advantage when tracking down commercial drivers who are using radar detectors illegally.
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Are Radar Jammers Legal in California?
Radar detectors are sometimes confused with another device called the radar jammer. As mentioned above, radar detectors simply warn the driver of radar that is in use by law enforcement.
A radar jammer is intended to interfere with or block police radar. It actively transmits a signal that disrupts police radar, making it difficult or impossible to get an accurate reading. In other words, it obstructs law enforcement from doing its job.
Radar jammers are illegal in California and under federal law. Using a radar jammer is a federal offense. The Federal Communications Commission is in charge of jammer enforcement and can issue monetary fines and criminal charges for offenders.
Where Can I Put My Radar Detector in California?
In California, you may mount your radar detector on the dashboard of your car, on the center console, or anywhere that is convenient for you. The key is that it doesn’t obstruct your vision while driving. That means it is illegal to mount your radar detector on your windshield, and doing so may earn you a ticket.
Learn More About the Legal Use of Radar Detectors in California
While radar detectors are legal in California, they may not be harmless. Most people use them to drive fast and avoid a speeding ticket. They contribute to unsafe roadways and potential accidents.
Crashes caused by speeding and reckless drivers can injure people and change their lives forever. In some cases, commercial vehicles use radar detectors illegally. When accidents occur, large trucks and buses can cause a lot of damage to innocent lives.
If you have been the victim of a speeding driver or a reckless commercial vehicle, contact us today to find out how we can help. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our firm puts our clients first. Always.
