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CAN POLICE DETECT RADAR DETECTORS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Radar detectors are a popular tool used by drivers to avoid getting speeding tickets. But a common question many people have is - can police detect radar detectors? The short answer is, for the most part, no.

Radar detectors work by picking up radio waves emitted by police radar guns. When a radar detector senses these signals, it alerts the driver so they can slow down before the police officer has a chance to record their speed.

Police radar detectors, on the other hand, are devices that can detect signals emitted by radar detectors. However, radar detector detectors are not regularly used by police and are even illegal in some states.

In most cases, police cannot tell if you have a radar detector simply by looking at your vehicle. Radar detectors are usually small devices mounted on the windshield or dashboard. They don't emit any visible light or sound outside the vehicle that would make them noticeable to police.

However, there are a few situations where police may be able to detect that you have a radar detector:

• If an officer sees you slowing down suddenly right before a known speed trap, they may suspect you have a detector.

• Some cheaper radar detectors may produce radio frequency interference that can be picked up by an officer's two-way radio. Higher quality detectors typically have shielding to prevent this.

• In rare cases, an officer may use a radar detector detector. These are usually only used in areas where radar detectors are illegal.

So while police can't directly detect radar detectors in most situations, there are ways they can sometimes infer that a vehicle has one. The best way to avoid detection is to go with a high quality, shielded radar detector.

It's also important to be aware of the radar detector laws in your area. Currently, radar detectors are legal in most of the United States, with the exception of Virginia and Washington D.C. where they are prohibited. They are also not permitted in most provinces of Canada. But even in states where detectors are legal, it's still illegal to mount them on the windshield in some areas.

To summarize, here is a quick overview of what you need to know about police detecting radar detectors:

Question	Answer
Can police tell if you have a radar detector?	In most cases, no. Detectors are not usually visible from outside the vehicle.
Do police use radar detector detectors?	Rarely. Radar detector detectors are not regularly used and are illegal in some states.
Are there ways police can sometimes detect detectors indirectly?	Yes - sudden braking, RF interference on police radios, visual cues. Using a high quality detector minimizes risk.
Where are radar detectors illegal?	Virginia, Washington D.C., most of Canada. Windshield mounts are also prohibited in some states.

The bottom line is that while can police detect radar detectors in some situations, in most cases drivers don't need to worry. Focus on purchasing a quality radar detector, being aware of the laws in your area, and using common sense. 

Combine this with safe driving habits and you can enjoy the benefits of a detector while minimizing the risk of a speeding ticket.

 

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