Imagine you’re driving in your car and suddenly, you hear a beep – it’s your radar detector. This handy device, first introduced by Dale Smith in 1968 as the ‘Fuzzbuster’, warns you about speed traps and radar guns used by the police. But are radar detectors legal in New York? Let’s sort this out.
Private vs Commercial Vehicles: Who Can Use Radar Detectors?
When it comes to using radar detectors, New York law differentiates between private and commercial vehicles.
- For private vehicles: Good news! You can legally use a radar detector in your car in New York. But remember, you can’t place it on the windscreen or anywhere else that blocks your view of the road.
- For commercial vehicles: Here, the rules get stricter. If your commercial vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds, you can’t use a radar detector anywhere in the U.S. Commercial vehicles under this weight limit also face restrictions in certain states, including New York.
Section 397 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law enforces this ban on radar detectors in larger commercial vehicles. This includes buses and other vehicles designed to carry numerous passengers.
Radar Jammers vS Radar Detectors
While radar detectors are generally legal for private vehicles in New York, it’s essential to distinguish them from radar jammers.
Radar jammers, devices designed to disrupt or confuse the functioning of radar guns, are illegal in all 50 states. This prohibition exists largely because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the frequencies used in radar guns. Violators using radar jammers can face heavy fines and even jail time, even for first-time offenses.
Laser jammers, on the other hand, which are designed to confuse laser guns, are not deemed illegal. However, despite the distinction in legality, these devices don’t always offer reliable protection against speed detection.
The Practicality and Ethics of Using Radar Detectors
While radar detectors can help alert drivers to the presence of police radar guns, their reliability can vary. To secure a truly reliable radar detector, drivers often need to invest a significant amount, typically between $500 and $700.
Laser jammers, which need to be custom-installed at various points on a vehicle, are also a substantial investment, with reliable models costing upwards of $600.
Despite the allure of potentially avoiding speeding tickets, it’s important to note that the use of these devices can carry ethical considerations. Speeding is inherently dangerous, contributing to accidents and injuries. Using these devices should not be viewed as a license to disregard speed limits and safe driving practices. It’s always advisable to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly.
Finally, if you find yourself ticketed despite using these devices, it may be wise to seek legal counsel. Recognize that police officers may react unfavorably to the presence of radar detectors or jammers, potentially leading to higher speeding tickets or missed opportunities for warnings. In such case, contact a legal representaive to sort out.
Remember that the primary motive is to make safe and lawful driving. Radar detectors, while legal under certain circumstances in New York, are tools that should be used with discretion & responsibility.
