A radar detector is an electronic device used by motorists to detect if their speed is being monitored by police or law enforcement using a radar gun. Most radar detectors are used so the driver can reduce the car's speed before being ticketed for speeding. In general sense, only emitting technologies, like doppler RADAR, or LIDAR can be detected. Visual speed estimating techniques, like ANPR or VASCAR can not be detected in daytime, but technically vulnerable to detection at night, when IR spotlight is used. There are no reports that piezo sensors can be detected. LIDAR devices require an optical-band sensor, although many modern detectors include LIDAR sensors. Most of today's radar detectors detect signals across a variety of wavelength bands: usually X, K, and Ka. In Europe the Ku band is common as well. The past success of radar detectors was based on the fact that radio-wave beams can not be narrow-enough, so the detector usually senses stray and scattered radiation, giving the driver time to slow down. Based on a focused laser-beam, LIDAR technology does not suffer this shortcoming; however it requires precise aiming. Modern police radars incorporate formidable computing power, producing a minimum number of ultra-short pulses, reusing wide beams for multi-target measurement,[1] which renders most detectors useless. But, mobile Internet allows GPS navigation devices to map police radar locations in real-time. These devices are also often called "radar detectors", while not necessary carrying an RF sensor.
One device law enforcement use to measure the expected speed of a moving vehicle is Doppler radar, which uses the Doppler effect to measure the relative speed of a vehicle. Doppler radar works by beaming a radio wave at a vehicle to then measure the expected change in frequency of the reflected wave (that bounces off the vehicle). Law enforcement often employs Doppler radar via hand-held radar guns, from vehicles, or from fixed objects such as traffic signals.
Radar detectors use a superheterodyne receiver to detect these electromagnetic emissions from the gun, and raise an alarm to notify the motorist when a transmission is detected. False alarms can occur however due to the large number of devices, such as automatic door openers (such as the ones at supermarkets and drug stores), speed signs, blind spot monitoring systems, poorly designed radar detectors and adaptive cruise control, that operate in the same part of the electromagnetic spectrum as radar guns.
In recent years, some radar detectors have added GPS technology. This allows users to manually store the locations where police frequently monitor traffic, with the detector sounding an alarm when approaching that location in the future (this is accomplished by pushing a button and does not require coordinates to be entered). These detectors also allow users to manually store the coordinates of sites of frequent false alarms, which the GPS enabled detector will then ignore. The detector can also be programmed to mute alerts when traveling below a preset speed, limiting unnecessary alerts. Some GPS enabled detectors can download the GPS coordinates of speed monitoring cameras and red-light cameras from the Internet, alerting the driver that they are approaching the camera.
Radar guns and detectors have evolved alternately over time to counter each other's technology in a form of civilian electronic "warfare". For example, as new frequencies have been introduced, radar detectors have initially been "blind" to them until their technology, too, has been updated. Similarly, the length of time and strength of the transmissions have been lowered to reduce the chance of detection, which in turn has resulted in more sensitive receivers and more sophisticated software counter technology. Lastly, radar detectors may combine other technologies, such as GPS-based technology with a point of interest database of known speed trapping locations, into a single device to improve their chances of success.[2]
See main article: Radar detector detector.
The superheterodyne receiver in radar detectors has a local oscillator that radiates slightly, so it is possible to build a radar-detector detector, which detects such emissions (usually the frequency of the radar type being detected, plus about 10 MHz). The VG-2 Interceptor was the first device developed for this purpose, but has since been eclipsed by the Spectre III and Spectre Elite.[3] This form of "electronic warfare" cuts both ways - since detector-detectors use a similar superheterodyne receiver, many early "stealth" radar detectors were equipped with a radar-detector-detector-detector circuit, which shuts down the main radar receiver when the detector-detector's signal is sensed, thus preventing detection by such equipment. This technique borrows from ELINT surveillance countermeasures. In the early 1990s, BEL-Tronics, Inc. of Ontario, Canada (where radar detector use is prohibited in most provinces) found that the local oscillator frequency of the detector could be altered to be out of the range of the VG-2 Interceptor (probably by using two local oscillator stages such that neither is near the RF frequency). This resulted in detector manufacturers responding by changing their local oscillator frequency. The VG-2 is no longer in production and radar detectors immune to the Spectre Elite are available.
It is illegal in many countries to sell or possess any products that actively transmit radar signals intended to jam radar equipment.[4] In the United States, actively transmitting on a frequency licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) without a licence is a violation of FCC regulations, which may be punishable by fines up to $10,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment.[5]
Newer speed detection devices use pulsed laser light, commonly referred to as LIDAR, rather than radio waves. Radar detectors, which detect radio transmissions, are unable to detect the infrared light emitted by LIDAR guns, so a different type of device called a LIDAR detector is required. However, LIDAR detection is not nearly as effective as radar detection because the output beam is very focused. While radar's radio waves can expand to 85feet across at 1000feet from their source, LIDAR's light beam diffuses to only about 6feet. A police officer targeting a car will most likely aim for the center mass or headlight of the vehicle and, because radar detectors are mounted on the windshield away from the beam's aim, they may not alert at all. With such a focused beam, an officer using a LIDAR gun can target a single car in close proximity to others at ranges of up to 3000feet. This has resulted in some manufacturers producing LIDAR jammers. Unlike those of radar, LIDAR's frequencies and use are not controlled by the FCC. These jammers attempt to confuse police LIDAR into showing no speed on the display. They are often successful, and therefore many LIDAR manufacturers produce LIDAR guns that have "jam codes" that show when they are being jammed. They will work against some LIDAR jammers, but not all. In spite of this, police can often tell when they are being jammed when they see no reading on their LIDAR gun. Many jammer-equipped motorists try to counter this by reducing their speed to legal limits before turning off their jammer equipment, a technique known as "kill the equipment", referred to as "JTK" or "Jam to Kill." Officers can often detect this by observing that their LIDAR equipment is unable to lock in a speed properly, along with visual indication of sudden deceleration of the targeted vehicle. They will then pull the offending vehicle over and look for LIDAR jammers on the front of the vehicle, potentially ticketing the motorist with an obstruction of justice charge. Some states also have laws against jamming of police radar or LIDAR: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In these states, the penalties can be severe.
Despite the advent of LIDAR speed detection, radar remains more prevalent because of its lower price and the amount of radar equipment already in service. In addition, proper use of LIDAR equipment requires the officer to remain stationary in order to beam a very precise signal.
Using or possessing a radar detector or jammer is illegal in certain countries, and it may result in fines, seizure of the device, or both. These prohibitions generally are introduced under the premise that a driver who uses a radar detector will pose a greater risk of accident than a driver who does not.The table below provides information about laws regarding radar detectors in particular nations. In 1967 devices to warn drivers of radar speed traps were being manufactured in the United Kingdom; they were deemed illegal under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949.[6]
| Country | Legality | Comment | Radar Bands | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Illegal in all states. | They are illegal to use in a moving vehicle (as stated by the traffic laws in) SA,[7] NSW, ACT, NT, Queensland and Tasmania. In the state of Victoria it is an offence to sell, use or possess a radar detector, and police may confiscate such equipment if found in a vehicle.[8] Heavy fines apply, ranging from AU$200–$1,700, up to nine demerit points, and confiscation of the radar detector. However, importing a unit is permitted under Australian customs regulations. Queensland = up to 40 penalty units (approximately equal to $3,000) for being in or on a vehicle whether or not the device is operating or in working order. Effective October 12, 2020, heavy penalties for drivers with radar detectors apply in WA.[9] | K, Ka, Laser | |
| Belgium | Illegal | In July 2006, a provisional seizure of a vehicle worth over €75,000 and destruction of the radar detector was ordered by the courts. The driver's licence was suspended for three months.[10] | ||
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Illegal | Even G.P.S. based radar detectors are illegal. Fine between 100 & 300 BAM. | ||
| Brazil | Illegal in all states. | |||
| Bulgaria | Detectors legal, jammers illegal. | Radar jammers are illegal. | X, K (fixed camera+radar) | |
| Canada |
| Regardless of whether they are used or not, police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not, and impose substantial fines in provinces where radar detectors are illegal.[11] Quebec penalizes $500 CAD for use of a radar detector, along with confiscation of the device.[12] | K, Ka, Laser | |
| China | Detectors legal, jammers illegal | All radar locations in China are reported and published. Map apps on a phone will report the locations. But all speeding and traffic violation radar or camera are electronic police with a police number as well as a human being police. Using a jammer will be considered as obstructing a police and subject to 15 days imprisonment. Radar jammers are also illegal in Hong Kong and Macau. | ||
| Croatia | Detectors and jammers are illegal to use or to have in a motor vehicle.[13] | HRK 2000 (€270) fine if using a jammer. Only confiscation for a detector. | ||
| Cuba | Illegal | |||
| Czech Republic | Detectors legal (for example products of leading Czech company Genevo), jammers illegal. | Fine up to CZK 10,000 (€388) | Ka | |
| Egypt | Detectors and jammers are illegal. | |||
| Estonia | Illegal to use or have in a motor vehicle. | Fine up to €1150 as well as confiscation of the device. | ||
| Finland | Illegal to use or have in a motor vehicle on a public road. | The fine depends on income. The detector will be confiscated. For average net income of €2200 /month, the fine would be around €640 plus possible speeding ticket.[14] | Ka | |
| France | Detectors and jammers are illegal to own, use or sell. | Regardless of whether they are used or not, police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not, and impose substantial fines. Since 2012, there are also very strict regulations regarding G.P.S. devices which locate speed cameras. Speed cameras must be signaled as "Danger zones" which are precisely 300 meters long in towns, 2 km out of towns and 4 km on highways.Use of illegal radar detector is prosecuted €1500 fine & 6 points on driver's license. | K 24.125 GHz, Laser | |
| Germany | Legal to own, illegal to use in a moving vehicle | €75 fine, 4 Points, destruction of the radar detector. | €75 fine, 4 Points, destruction of the radar detector.[15] | |
| Greece | Illegal | €2000 fine, 30 day driver's license suspension, 60 days car registration license suspension and 5 SESO penalty points[16] | ||
| Honduras | Illegal [17] | According to art. 98, clause 20, it is illegal and a major offence "To use vehicles with unauthorized devices or forbidden by Law, capable of letting users skip random checkpoints or disable police surveillance devices". | Laser [18] | |
| Hungary | Detectors: legal. Jammers: legal to own, illegal to use. | |||
| India | Illegal | |||
| Iceland | Legal | Radar jammers are illegal. | ||
| Ireland | Illegal | Law Refers to 'Speed Meter Detectors', Introduced 1991. No fixed penalty for possession, expect confiscation and hefty fine.[19] | ||
| Israel | Detectors legal as of 2000. Jammers still illegal. | Some cellular providers such as Pelephone actually provide radar detecting as a service powered by GPS[20] | Ka, Laser | |
| Italy | Illegal | Fine up to €3312 as well as confiscation of the device.[21] | ||
| Japan | Legal | |||
| Jordan | Illegal | Regardless of whether they are used or not, police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not. | Laser (possibly others) | |
| Kazakhstan | Legal | X, K, Ka, X POP, Ka POP, Laser | ||
| Latvia | Legal to own, illegal to use in a vehicle | 57 EUR fine and the detector will be confiscated. | K, POP Ka, Laser | |
| Lithuania | Detectors: legal. Jammers: legal to own, illegal to use. | X, POP K, Laser | ||
| Malaysia | Illegal to possess, purchase, sell or use. Heavy fines apply. | Radar detectors are also prohibited items under customs laws. | ||
| Mexico | Legal in most states | Forbidden in Mexico City (Distrito Federal), US$200 fine and impoundment of the vehicle. | ||
| Netherlands | Illegal | €420 fine and seizure of the device (since 2004)[22] | ||
| New Zealand | Legal | Ka and Laser used also fixed speed camera and speed camera vans (Low Powered K Band) | ||
| North Korea | Illegal | Confiscated in border controls along South Korea and China borders, and in airports. | ||
| Norway | Illegal to use. (Legal to own, sell, and buy) | 8000-10000 krone fine and seizure of the device.[23] | ||
| Pakistan | Legal | |||
| Philippines | Legal | |||
| Poland | Legal to own, illegal to use in a moving vehicle | Jammers illegal | X, K, Pulse K, Ka Narrow, Laser | |
| Portugal | Illegal to own and/or use in a vehicle | Law enforcement authorities can confiscate radar detectors and apply a fine.The Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority can seize any imported radar detectors. Radar jammers are also illegal. | ||
| Romania | Legal since 2006 | Radar jammers still illegal.[24] | Instant-On K, Laser | |
| Russia | Detectors legal, jammers illegal. | The national system for measuring the speed of vehicles and cars. National ranges work radars in X and Ku. | Instant-On (Pulse) X(10,2-10,65 GHz), Ku(13,56-13,62 GHz) POP K, Laser (0,8-1,1 mkm) | |
| Saudi Arabia | Illegal | |||
| Serbia | Illegal to purchase, use, possess, sell or advertise | Illegal to use or have in possession in a vehicle in traffic, to sell or advertise: an apparatus or any other means of detecting or interfering with operation of vehicle speed measuring devices, or any other apparatus used for discovering and reporting traffic violations[25] | ||
| Singapore | Illegal to possess, purchase, sell or use. Heavy fines apply. | Radar detectors are also prohibited items under customs laws. | ||
| Slovakia | Legal to own, illegal to use in a vehicle | In case of proven use, there is a fine of €150. | Ka, K, Laser | |
| Slovenia | Legal | Laser jammers illegal (fine up to €500 and confiscation of the device). | ||
| South Africa | Illegal to use in a moving vehicle | Importing a unit is permitted under South African customs regulations. | ||
| South Korea | Legal | Speed camera guidance, such as by GPS, is legal and very common. Jamming speed cameras is not common in South Korea and it is difficult to find cases of punishment. However, interfering with enforcement wireless devices is punishable under the Radio Act and can be prosecuted as a serious crime. | ||
| Spain | Radar Detectors illegal, jammers illegal. | Radar and Laser jammers fine up to €6000.Radar detectors fine up to 3 points from the driving license and €200.[26] | Ka narrow, laser, Autovelox | |
| Switzerland | Detectors and jammers are illegal to own, use or sell. | 660SFr fine. Radar detectors will be confiscated and destroyed. The use of any GPS-based device to locate speed cameras is also illegal. | K-Band 24.125 GHz, Ka-Band 34.36 GHz, Laser | |
| Taiwan | Legal | Effective 1 July 1987, radar detectors used in motor vehicles risked being administratively fined 1200 to 2400 new Taiwan dollars and confiscated. Effective 1 July 2006, radar detectors would no longer be banned in motor vehicles. | X, K, Ku, Laser (Possibly others) | |
| Turkey | Illegal | Radar jammers are illegal | ||
| UAE | Illegal | |||
| United Kingdom | Legal, although prior to 1998 the Police would attempt prosecutions under the Wireless and Telegraphy act 1949, laser jammers are still a grey area in the use of them. | [27] | ||
| United States | Law varies from state to state,[28] but detectors are generally legal in private vehicles under the Communications Act of 1934[29] and illegal in commercial vehicles by DOT regulation (49 CFR 392.71). Exceptions:
| Confiscation and/or destruction of the detector was once a common practice but lawsuits raised by drivers arguing violation of property rights have resulted in temporary removal while a citation is written, then return of the device after its description (make, model and serial number) has been entered on the ticket - usually for speeding and possession/operation of a detector. Use of a radar/lidar detector on a military installation is prohibited. Persons entering a military installation with one visibly mounted to the sun visor or windshield will be asked to remove it and put it away. Those who refuse will be denied entry onto the installation at that time. Military law enforcement may not stop a vehicle solely for a detector being in use, but along with being stopped for another moving violation, active duty personnel using a detector may be ordered to report the violation to his/her unit commanding officer.Radar jammers are banned under federal rule, but laser jammers are not specifically banned. Eleven states specifically ban laser jammers: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Radar detectors are not banned in the aforementioned states (Excluding Virginia).[33] [34] | X, K, Ka, Laser | |
| Vietnam | Illegal |