- Unlike radar detectors, which are legal in all states except Virginia and the District of Columbia for passenger vehicles, federal law prohibits the use of radar jammers. In addition, ten states have separate laws that outlaw radar jammers.
- The Federal Communication Commission defines radar jammers as "transmitters turned to interfere with ("jam") a radar signal." These devices are mostly used illegally to interfere with law enforcement's ability to clock how fast drivers are going. They can also be used to illegal disrupt other types of wavelengths like radio signals.
- The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the use of radar jammers. The Federal Communication Commission is the federal agency charged with enforcing the Communications Act. Federal law prescribes a penalty of a maximum fine of $10,000 or a prison term under one year or both. Multiple convictions under the Communications Act can receive up to two years as well as up to a $10,000 fine.
- As of 2010, 10 states have separate laws that prohibit the use of radar jammers. These states include California, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and South Carolina. The District of Columbia also has separate laws that criminalize the use of radar jammers.
- This article is not intended to give legal advice. To find out how the facts of your situation apply to radar jammer laws, please contact a qualified attorney licensed to practice in the state in which you reside. All laws are subject to change.
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