California’s Radar Detector Regulations
In California, it is important to be aware of the specific laws and regulations concerning the use of radar detectors and laser jammers. Notably, California law prohibits the use of radar jammers in moving vehicles, which serve to obstruct the normal operation of police speed detection equipment. This law is stipulated in the California Vehicle Code Section 28150 and was enacted in 1967. Under this law, drivers operating a vehicle fitted with a radar jammer while on a California highway or property that is open to the public are guilty of a misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $250 for a first offense. In addition, further violations that occur within three years of the current offense could result in fines of up to $500 for a second offense or $750 for a third or subsequent offense . A private enforcement action can also be brought to impose a $500 civil fine for violations of California Vehicle Code Section 28150. However, for the plaintiff in a civil action to be successful, he or she must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant knowingly violated the law and that the violation proximately caused damages to the plaintiff. Furthermore, in order to ensure that all radar speed detectors are manufactured according to quality standards, California adopted the California Vehicle Code Section 14500 in 1990. Pursuant to this law, all motor vehicle radar speed detection devices that are manufactured and sold in California must be certified to meet the requirements for accuracy. Such certification must be issued by an independent laboratory that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.
Radar Detectors vs. Laser Jammers: The Difference
With new and ever-evolving technology, there are quite a few differences between radar detectors and laser jammers.
Radar Detectors
You may be familiar with radar detectors that are equipped in the dashboard of most cars today. These are devices that alert drivers when police speed or radar guns are in the vicinity so that they can slow down and avoid receiving a speeding ticket. Many of these radar detectors have three parts: a receiver, an audio alert, and a visual alert. Most of the radar detectors come with an arrow that illuminates to let the driver know which way the radar signal is coming from and audio that warns you if your vehicle’s speed is more than the speed limit. In California, it is legal to use radar detectors in private vehicles as long as they are used in a legal and safe manner. California law prohibits the use of radar detectors on vehicles operating under a commercial carrier license. Commercial drivers may not use them in their personal or commercial vehicles. The radar detectors may only be used by drivers on the roadways in California.
Laser Jammers
Laser jammers are also devices that are mounted into the dashboard of most cars. These devices, however, are not as widespread and not advocates to be used around all consumers. Laser jammers basically disable the ability of police officers to catch speedsters. They work by blocking the radar gun with strong light that resembles laser beams. When the police officer aims the speed radar at the rear of the car, the radar signals will reflect off the front of the car, alerting the driver so that he or she can brake. Because they actually jam and disrupt police speed traps, laser jammers are illegal in California.
Penalties for Radar Detector Use in California
If you are caught using a radar detector where prohibited by law, you may face a fine, penalties, or both. In some cases you could even have the device confiscated. It is important to note that while radar detectors may not be legal in certain states, federal law does stipulate that you can have one in your commercial vehicle as long as you keep it switched off at all times. Should you decide to ignore this and keep it on, a number of consequences could await. If you are using a radar detector or speed trap locator in an area where it is not permitted, then this means that you are essentially trying to get away with speeding. Should a police officer pull you over for speeding and discover that you are giving unfair advantage over others, then you could be penalized for speeding as well as for having a radar detector. If the radar detector is deemed to present a safety hazard or otherwise endanger public safety, such as in a school zone, construction zone, or other restricted areas, then charges could be placed against you for that as well. This could lead to points added to your drivers license, hefty fines, and possible delays in your driving privileges as well.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
There are a few delineations and special circumstances that we need to consider as we look at the topic of radar detectors in California.
Commercial Vehicles
When it comes to commercial vehicles, the law is strict about the restrictions even on motor carriers. The California Department of Transportation has "plugged in" the law in an electronic enforcement system in the Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks (CVISN). So, if you own or drive a commercial vehicle, make sure you know what County you are in and when highway, road or street. On the map below, radar detectors are prohibited in the areas shaded in grey or black. Areas highlighted in yellow are radar detector use allowed but may be restricted for vehicles over a certain height , weight and capacity. This map is for the most current "special areas" in California and the rest of the State is fair game, but would be subject to restrictions in local jurisdictions and cities.
Radar Detectors on Private Property
It is illegal to operate a radar detector in any motor vehicle on public property, but not private. At the same time, there are a few things to be aware of. For example, a private lot with public access could still be public property in the eyes of the law, so as usual you should understand and abide by local, county or city laws. In addition, the California state law does not prevent an employer from restricting its employees from using a device if it interferes with normal operations.
Safe and Legal Driving without Radar Detectors
Tips for Driving Safely and Legally Without Radar Detectors
The best approach to keeping yourself and those around you safe on the roads is to always drive at or below the posted speed limits. To do this, you must be aware of the speed limits while you are in traffic, which can be tricky if you are distracted by handheld devices or other objects in your vehicle.
Consider taking a moment before you start driving to locate the steering column controls for your windshield wipers, CD player, GPS or anything else that might distract you so that you become familiar with the controls without looking down at your device. Instead, look at your dashboard to find the controls so you stay focused on driving, and you will reduce the likelihood of becoming a distracted driver. That means you’ll be paying attention to signs that will advise you of the speed limits as they change as you travel through the state.
In keeping with the theme of being aware of your surroundings, use your eyes to pick up on the presence of others on the roadway. This may seem like an obvious tip, but many people simply do not pay enough attention to their surroundings. As a result, they fail to notice the vehicles around them and the speed at which they are traveling. Simply by regularly glancing in your side and rear-view mirrors, and being aware of your surroundings, you should be able to judge the speed of traffic and adjust your speed as needed.
In addition to being aware of the posted speed limits at all times, it is a good idea to leave yourself plenty of room to stop within the posted limits. It is common sense that you do not want to rear-end another vehicle because you were going too fast to stop in time, but you also need to be prepared to respond to other vehicles making abrupt stops for various reasons. Therefore, it is important to be flexible in your driving style in order to safely avoid sudden stops.
There are also mobile apps that can help you reduce your chances of speeding. For example, there is an app that will monitor your speed in real time, which can alert you if you are exceeding the speed limit. Then you can slow down to avoid getting a ticket for speeding or causing an accident from driving too fast.
While radar detectors may provide some useful features that would be nice to have in a safe and legally driven vehicle, there are numerous work-arounds that will provide you with all the tools you need to drive safely, legally and distraction-free.
Do You Have Other Choices Besides Radar Detectors?
If radar detectors are illegal in California, what alternatives are available? Plenty, it turns out. In the 21st century, we don’t need to rely on a pocket-sized plastic box to determine our speed. With modern smartphones and GPS systems at our side, there’s more than one way to access our current speed in real time.
APPS AND SOFTWARE
The most effective alternative to a radar detector is an app designed for your smartphone. These apps can be downloaded easily on any iPhone or Android, with the effective ones having a small fee. Once downloaded, these apps will alert you to various mobile police locations within your vicinity using an interactive map pinpointing descriptions of speed traps, roadblocks, signs, and other officer locations that could result in a ticket.
Most of the better apps also include a "speedometer" feature that allows drivers to keep track of their exact speed while they drive. This will not only help you avoid speeding tickets, but you’ll also have a better idea of your acceleration for posting the fastest time on your favorite stretch of highway.
Third-party apps like MyRadar, Weather Underground, and NOAA Weather Radar Live are great because they don’t require you to download a number of different apps, and allow you to view live weather radar. This crucial tool can help you identify areas where inclement weather might be hiding police officers blowing speed traps. What they lack in speed trap information, these apps more than make up for by offering immediate weather information.
Of course, there are multiple apps that blend multiple features on one platform . Such apps might offer both interactive weather readings and mobile police information. While they may not be cheap, the best alternative to a radar detector is arguably a multi-tiered app—it has all the tools you need to stay safe while driving.
GPS SYSTEMS
One of the most popular alternatives to a radar detector is a in-car GPS system. Available for around $250 to $500, these devices not only work as regular GPS systems that help you navigate between different locations, but they also alert you to your precise speed while you drive, including when you’re in a school zone or a construction area with reduced speed limits. Some GPS systems will even alert you to how fast you were going at the precise moment you spotted a police officer.
These systems also alert you to your precise location, meaning you’re less likely to drive through a stop sign (and receive a ticket) trying to find your way. While GPS systems don’t necessarily identify speed traps before you’re caught in them, the fact that they allow you to monitor your speed and navigate, allows them to double as effective radar alternatives. The price may be high, but many would agree it’s worth it knowing you’ll have better control over potential speeding tickets.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Radar detectors might provide you with advanced warning of police that could potentially cost you a ticket. That said, there are scores of mobile apps and in-car GPS systems that can not only give you a heads up as you approach a speed trap, but also help you immediately adjust your speed. To get around California law, drivers should stay up to date on the latest mobile radar alternatives.