radar detector laws
Radar Detector Laws
The radar detector laws help the authorities in preventing the misuse of this device. Its use is banned in most countries, especially in military areas. Its laws for different states in the US have a lot of variations. They need to be followed in order to avoid any kind of penalty.
A radar detector is an electronic device or appliance used to detect the radar waves. The ones used nowadays are capable of detecting signals of various wavelength bands, including 'K', 'X', 'Ku' and 'Ka'. However, they are able to detect only the Doppler radar. They catch the electromagnetic waves produced by the radar guns using a 'superheterodyne receiver' and raise an alarm.
Laws in Different Countries
To have a radar detector installed in a vehicle is termed illegal under the laws of many countries. It could result in it being seized, and the user might have to pay a fine as per the rules. The following points provide information regarding the laws of different countries.
- United Kingdom: It is legal to use this device in the United Kingdom; however, as per the 'Wireless Telegraphy Act' passed in 1949, technically it cannot be used.
- Australia: Its use is termed illegal in Australia, except for the state of Western Australia. A person possessing this appliance might have to pay a fine, up to AUD 1200, and can earn as many as 9 demerit points.
- Canada: It can be used only in the states of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Substantial fines are imposed by the police for its illegal possession, in the other states of Canada.
- Belgium: Using radar devices is illegal in Belgium. In the year 2006, a vehicle worth EUR 75,000 was seized, and the driver's license was suspended for 3 months for illegal possession.
- Germany: It is illegal to use this device in Germany. Possession results in confiscation and destruction, along with a fine of EUR 75, and a 4 point deduction.
- Greece: Illegal possession here leads to driving license suspension for 30 days, a fine of EUR 2000, and car registration license suspension for 60 days.
- France: It is illegal to use radar equipment in France. Even if the device is not in active use, police can confiscate it and impose heavy fines on the user.
- Ireland: The law under which the detectors are confiscated in Ireland is known as 'Speed Meter Detectors'. Although the penalty amount is not fixed, confiscation of the appliance and imposition of a hefty fine could be the consequences of illegal possession.
- Switzerland: Here, the devices are confiscated and destroyed if possessed illegally.