What are the Radar Jammer Laws in 2020
Are you familiar with your country’s radar jammer laws? It’s important to know the specific laws that apply to them in particular countries and especially your home country. United States Federal Law, for example, prohibits the use of the devices. That’s based on the Communications Act of 1934 as it’s been amended, and FCC Rules. People who are caught using them can risk paying a fine, losing FCC licenses, and even criminal prosecution.
The 1934 law profits interfering with or causing interference by radio communications of a station that’s licensed/authorized by the act or that the US government operates.
It’s also important to note that individual states also have their radar detector/laser jammer laws. So if you’re living in the US it’s critical to learn about the specific laws in your country. This is critical because there are variances in the laws of different countries regarding these devices so it’s important to know exactly what’s legal/illegal in your particular state. Guys Of Lidar have done a great US radar jammer laws research.
What’s important to note that based on the Communications Act of 1934 most radar detectors are mostly legal in private vehicles. Based on the fact it’s illegal for state/federal authorities to destroy the device.
However, the exception even in states where radar detectors are 100% legal is if you enter a military base. In that case, it’s still illegal to enter the facility with the device mounted either on the sun visor or the vehicle’s windshield. In this case, you must remove the device until you exit the base. Once the device is out of sight you can then enter the military base.
In terms of radar jamming, it’s illegal to sell/possess such products in several countries. In the US you’re required to have a license to operate one and if you don’t have a license it violates FCC regulations. You can receive a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail.
How a radar jammer works is by interfering with police forces’ radar and keeping them from picking up your vehicle’s current speed. Many drivers use both radar detectors and radar jammers due to them being more effective when they’re used in tandem.
It’s important to know that radar jammers impact police equipment as well as air traffic control, just like laser jammers. The TMG Alpha 15 is an example of the latter.
As a result, they function differently than radar detectors. Radar jammers are typically installed in hidden locations in a car/truck. This prevents police officers from spotting them.
However, it’s a red flag when police forces cannot detect your vehicle’s current speed. When that happens your vehicle will be searched for radar jammers. It’s important to keep in mind that in most cases it’s illegal to use the devices in your vehicle.
Before you purchase a top laser jammer from our guide or a radar detector it’s critical to check if either or both are illegal in your country. This is important because sometimes radar detectors are legal but laser jammers aren’t. However, it should be noted that in the majority of countries around the world laser jammers are illegal.
It’s likely that laser jammers will become illegal in all countries within time. Not sure how these work? Read our dedicated article on the topic.
You can also dive in with our K40 radar detector review to see how a specific product performs.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.