Are Radar Detectors
Legal in Your State?
Complete state-by-page guide for all 50 U.S. states — know your rights before you drive.
All private passenger vehicles — no restrictions
Illegal for all drivers, all vehicles
Illegal on military bases & federal property nationwide
Trucks, taxis, rideshare & any commercial operator
All 50 States — Radar Detector Laws
Last updated May 2026. Laws may change — always verify with local authorities.
Drive with Complete Road Awareness
RadarShield delivers real-time radar and laser signal alerts — helping you stay informed and confident on every road. Backed by our Ticket Rebate Program
* Ticket Rebate Program valid for one year from purchase. Some restrictions apply. Not available in California, Virginia, or Washington D.C. We promote safe and responsible driving. Always obey local traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, radar detectors are legal in 48 out of 50 states for personal passenger vehicles. The only two exceptions are Virginia and Washington D.C., where they are prohibited for all drivers. Additionally, radar detectors are illegal for commercial vehicle operators (trucks, taxis, rideshare drivers) in all 50 states under federal law.
In Virginia, possession of a radar detector in a vehicle is a traffic infraction with fines up to $250. Officers can confiscate the device. In Washington D.C., similar penalties apply. Even if the device is turned off or hidden in the glove box, you can still be cited in Virginia — the law prohibits possession, not just use.
No. Radar detectors are prohibited on all U.S. military installations and federal property, regardless of the state. This rule applies nationwide. If you drive onto a military base, ensure your detector is powered off and stored out of sight.
Yes — these are completely different devices with very different legal status. A radar detector (like RadarShield) only receives radar signals and alerts you — it is passive and legal in 48 states. A radar jammer actively transmits signals to block police radar — this is a federal crime under 47 U.S.C. § 333 and illegal in all 50 states. RadarShield products are detectors only.
Radar detectors are illegal in most Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon. They are legal in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. If you're driving across the U.S.-Canada border, research the specific provincial law before bringing your detector.
Yes. In California, radar detectors are legal to use, but California Vehicle Code §26708 prohibits attaching anything to the windshield that obstructs the driver's view. Always mount your RadarShield on the dashboard, never on the windshield, when driving in California. Note that the RadarShield Ticket Rebate Program does not apply in California.