We completed our annual radar detector test on June 27, 2010 with Speed Measurement Labs. SML tested as variety of products, but we focus on the products with “Best in Test” performance; and we tested for the following major performance requests by our customers:

1) radar detector distance detection at 9 miles

2) radar detector detection performance “Over the Hill” at 1/2 mile distance

3) radar detector false alerts

4) radar detector photo speed camera alerts

5) laser detection distance

6) laser jamming performance

The following products and or companies participated in the annual radar detector test:

Passport 9500ix, Passport 9500ci, Escort Redline, Passport Qi45

Bel STi Driver

Valentine One

Blinder M47, Blinder M27

TPX motorcycle radar detector

Cobra 9970G and others

Whistler’s newest radar detectors

BG Tech (Korea) radar detectors

Our spread sheet, Best Radar Detectors, will be updated soon to provide the latest comparison information from the test. We found the Passport 9500ix is still the best over all radar detector mounted in the windshield for radar and photo speed cameras. The Escort Redline, Bel Sti Driver and Valentine One are still in the top 5 radar detectors. The Passport 9500ci is still the best remote radar detector, but we found superb results with the new Passport Qi45 remote as well.

We also found interesting changes in laser guns this year. In the past, we had tested for laser detection behind a lead vehicle, finding no laser detection from behind a lead vehicle. The primary reason for this is that most laser beams provide a horizontal beam pattern, which makes it difficult for laser to be seen behind the lead vehicle. However several new laser guns are vertically oriented, thus some laser reflects off the road surface under the lead vehicle, and can be detected behind the lead vehicle.  This is only on two new laser guns we found, which are very few in operation, so don’t think you are safe with just a radar detector. Remember, in 99% of laser gun situations, if you detect the laser beam, the laser beam is aiming at YOU, which means they already have your speed indicated on the laser gun.

The new laser guns coming out is the Laser Eye and TruCam, both which defeated the Blinder M47 and Shifter ZR4 laser jammers. Because Blinder uses WEB updates, it will be able to defeat these laser guns with a new WEB update. The Shifter ZR4 does not offer WEB updates, thus if you buy the ZR4 without the laser gun updates, you will not be protected from the new laser guns. Escort may not tell us if they updated the Shifter laser jammer for the new codes. The Laser Eye laser gun changed from the standard 904nm laser wavelength to 915nm wavelength. Eagle Eye has changed from a horizontal beam axis to a vertical beam axis, which is interesting as we can now detect laser reflected under a vehicle in front of our vehicle. This laser detection behind a target vehicle was rare, since all other laser guns have used a horizontal beam axis prior to Laser Eye.

We used a Toyota For Runner for our test vehicle. You should have seen it! We had the Escort Redline, Valentine One, Passport 9500ix, Passport 9500ci radar detectors located up in the windshield, while the Blinder M47, Shifter ZR4 laser jammer and Bel Shifter Pack laser jammers were located on the front bumper, as well as the Passport Qi45 and Bel RX45 remote radar on the front bumper. We were driving through New Mexico on Interstate I25 when we turned everything on.  We had so much laser energy, we phased out of view. OK, I just being humorous, but imagine, we had 9 laser jammers turned on and 7 different radar detectors. Our altenator was working overtime.

I was surprised to find the Qi45 tested so well, as well as the Shifter ZR4 and Shifter Pack, both laser jammers from Escort. Last year the Shifter ZR4 did not test very well for laser jamming, but this year, both the Shifter ZR4 and Shifter Pack, a new version of the Shifter ZR4 offered only with the Qi45 and RX45, tested as well as the Blinder for laser jamming. Although these two Escort laser jammers do not have WEB updates, each of these laser jammers tested very well and are less expensive than Blinder, but Blinder does offer WEB updates for new laser guns.

1) Radar Detector Distance Detection – Most people are not aware of the value of testing at 9 miles distance. Understandably, it is not critical to know that a speed trap is out there at 9 miles, but let’s say, Mr. Policeman is out there shooting instant on radar at 9 miles. Billy Bob who is driving towards the police car gets hit with a big burst of radar at perhaps 1/2 mile from the policeman, and you get a small alert on your radar detector. That of course assumes you have a good radar detector, since a poor radar detector would sit quietly in your windshield with a 9 mile radar burst. As you drive closer, Sally Jane gets hit with a radar burst at 5 miles, and you get a larger signal strength signal. YOU KNOW MR. POLICEMAN IS OUT THERE. So 9 mile detection is useful to you the driver to let you know that Mr. Policeman is coming up soon.

9 Mile Signal Strength:

Passport 9500ix has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength. For example 4/6 detection means 4 bars detection out of total of 6 bars possible:

X=  4/6 bars

K=  5/6 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 4/6 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 3/6 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 5/6 bars

Bel STi Driver has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  6/6 bars

K=  5/6 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 2/6 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 3/6 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 3/6 bars

Escort Redline has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  6/6 bars

K=  4/6 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 3/6 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 2/6 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 3/6 bars

Escort 9500ci has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  6/6 bars

K=  4/6 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 2/6 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 3/6 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 3/6 bars

Valentine One has a total of 8 bars. 8 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  6/8 bars

K=  5/8 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 1/8 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 1/8 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 3/8 bars

Passport Qi45 has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  5/6 bars

K=  4/6 bars

Ka 33.8GHz = 1/6 bars    Ka 34.7GHz = 4/6 bars    Ka 35.5GHz = 5/6 bars

Adaptiv TPX 2 has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 9 miles would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength:

X=  3/6 bars

K=  3/6 bars

Ka33.8GHz=8.2 miles@2/6bar, Ka34.7GHz=1/6bar, Ka35.5GHz=2/6bar

2) Radar Detector Detection Performance “Over the Hill” at 1/2 mile Distance

Passport 9500ix has a total of 6 bars. 6 bars is max strength, so any signal strength at 1/2 mile would require a minimum of 1 bar of signal strength. For example 4/6 detection means 4 bars detection out of total of 6 bars possible:

Detecting a hidden radar trap, which is hiding on the other side of the hill is measured in the number of signal bars detected at ½ mile distance over the hill from that hidden radar trap. The performance is measured as follows: 2/6 is 2 signal bars detected at ½ mile distance, over the hill, out of a total of 6 signal bars for that radar detector. 5/8 is 5 signal bars detected at ½ mile distance, over the hill, out of a total of 8 signal bars for that radar detector. All values are averaged over two radar passes. The best performance “Over the Hill” was the Passport 9500ix, and #2 was the Bel STi Driver

X Band=10.525GHz, K Band-24.15GH,

Ka1=33.8GHz, Ka2= 34.7GHz, Ka3= 35.5GHz

Passport 9500ix

X=4/6    K=3.5/6    Ka33.8=6/6 Ka34.7= 5.5/6 Ka35.5= 5.5/6

Bel STi Driver

X= 6/6    K= 4/6 Ka33.8= 5/6     Ka34.7= 5/6      Ka35.5= 3.5/6

Escort Redline

X= 6/6    K= 3.5/6  Ka33.8= 5.5/6   Ka34.7= 5/6     Ka35.5= 3/6

Valentine One

X= 5/8    K= 5/8     Ka33.8= 5/8        Ka34.7= 3/8    Ka35.5= 3.5/8

Passport Qi45

X= 5.5/6  K= 1.5/6  Ka33.8= 4.5/6    Ka34.7= 3/6   Ka35.5= 2.5/6

Bel GX65

X= 2.5/6  K= 2 / 6   Ka33.8= 4/6       Ka34.7= 4/6       Ka35.5= 2.5/6

TPX 2

X=3/6     K= 3/6       Ka33.8= 2/6       Ka34.7= 2/6      Ka35.5= 1.5/6

Cobra 9970G

X= 3/5    K= 2.5/6   Ka33.8=1/5        Ka34.7= 1/5      Ka35.5= 1/5

3) Radar Detector False Alerts

It was not even close with False Alerts. Passport 9500ix and Passport 9500ci Remote uses GPS and memory to remember where the false radar locations are. When you drive by Best Buy, JC Penny, Sears etc., these stores use X band or Ka band radar to detect motion in front of the door. This is called a false radar alert, because the radar detector alerts to a radar not transmitted by police speed traps. The majority of radar detectors will alert to these false radar signals, but the Passport 9500ci and Passport 9500ix can automatically remember the false radar locations, or you can manually target the false radar location. The Bel GX65 can also manually remember the false radar locations, but because it is manual, the Bel GX65 is not as accurate or reliable to decrease false radar alerts.

4) Radar Detector Photo Speed Camera Alerts

Passport 9500ix, Passport 9500ci and Cobra 9970G all alerted to Photo speed camera locations, but the Passport 9500ci and Passport 9500ix provided more accuracy and better advance notice.

5) Laser Detection Distance

We found two interesting points. Nearly all radar detectoprs can detect laser at 3 miles, but laser guns can not aquire speed at distances much further than 2000 feet. So it is fair to say that you can detect laser at distance, but you have to be in a very precise location to detect the narrow beam. We also determined this year that several laser guns have changed form a horizontal laser beam to a vertical laser beam. This means it is possible that you could detect laser behind a primary target vehicle, but again; you have tyo be in a very precise location. We strongly suggest a laser jammer if you want laser protection.

6) Laser Jamming Performance

We tested the Blinder M47, Blinder M27, Shifter ZR4 and Shifter Pack. Blinder M47 provided the best results across the board, while the Shifter ZR4 and Shifter Pack significantly increased its performance over 2009 Shifter test results. I would say on average, the Blinder M27  (2 laser modules), Shifter ZR4 (3 laser modules) and Shifter Pack (2 laser modules) tested about the same in laser jamming performance. However, since the Blinder has WEB updates, while the Shifter does not, and the Blinder has a 2nd mode of operation called Park Assist and the Shifter does not, that makes the Blinder M27 the better of the three laser jammers. M47 laser jammer provides 4 laser modules, WEB updates and Park Assist, making it the best laser jammer for 2010.

7) Radar Detector Detector Performance Test Results

How well did the radar detectors perform against the typical RDD used?

Spectre RDD is nearly identical to OPP Spectre used in Canada and Stalcar RDD used in AU

————————-VG2       Spectre iii       Spectre Elite

Bel STi Driver —–ND          ND                       ND

Passport Redline -ND          ND                       ND

Passport 9500ci –ND          ND                       ND

Valentine One —–ND          135 ft                  189 ft

Passport Q145 —–ND          294 ft                 84 ft

Passport 9500ix –ND          228 ft                 310 ft

Bel GX65 ————ND          307 ft                 334 ft

TPX——————-2 164 ft   1320 ft             1320 ft

Cobra 9970G—— 1060 ft   1320 ft               1320 ft

Speed Measurement Labs has been around for many years, supporting radar gun manufacturers, radar detector manufactures and eventually laser jammer manufacturers. Carl Fors is the President of SML and is very well know in this industry as the “Go To” man for professional product testing of radar, laser and photo products. He travels across the USA, Canada and internationally quite often conducting radar and laser symposiums.

Speed Measurement Labs, SML, conducts its annual test in El Paso, Texas each year, typically in June, although I have never figured out why one would test in El Paso in June, where your brain fries during the day. Never the less, Carl likes the heat, so to speak. So once you have your cowboy hat on, sunburn lotion dripping from your arms and face, then we all slide into our vehicles and start testing radar detectors, laser jammers and photo radar detectors. Carl, it was in jest!

What I like about SML, is that they are objective in their testing and will listen to the new things we as product sales, needs for testing. Traditionally, SML tested for distance only for radar. But over time, SML has added “Over the Hill” radar detection testing, which is important, as many people are trapped with a police car hiding on one side of a hill, waiting for drivers to crest the hill. Ticket Time! So testing the capability or lack thereof, of a radar detector to detect over the hill is important, and we now track that radar detector performance annually with SML and post it on our annual radar detector test chart. We also do many or our videos at the annual radar detector test, because people like to see how the tests are conducted and listen to the background discussions.

SML has also added false radar alert testing, laser jammer testing and photo radar detection testing over the years. The people who conduct the tests are trained policemen from El Paso, who are very well trained in radar gun, laser gun use. In our years of testing with SML since 1997, we have often brought dealers we work with from around the world, who find it amazing that we test countermeasure products using police. Up in Canada, the RCMP would likely fine anybody conducting such a test, as they also would in Australia, UK and most of Europe. We in the USA, do not realize, how authoritarian (socialistic) other countries are, yet we have the freedom to prove what products are good for our customers. Well anyway, the Aussies and Canucks find it amazing that we test with SML, but the data is absolutely objective, and once we have the results, we update our annual radar detector test chart.

Other companies or groups that test products are seldom objective. One test company that specializes in testing radar detectors, is hired by manufacturers to do tests and positive technical write ups on the products they tested. While the article produces great marketing exposure on the products tested, the test results never discusses poor performance, yet we test products every year at SML that prove to have less than desirable radar/laser performance, yet gets great write by some test companies. Other test groups tend to test, knowing which product they want to come out on top. In both cases it is a subjective test, and does not provide the customer what they need for real product evaluation. Thus SML appears to be the only objective test facility on our radar, laser and photo market that provides objective testing, using professional staff to collect the data and conduct the product tests.

When we first got into this industry in 1993, we relied on the manufacturers product literature to verify who was best, as I always wanted to sell the best products. It took one year to figure out the manufacturers usually indicate on every product box that that product is the best. Some manufactures use every possible adjective, action verb and phrase possible to describe useless product descriptions. The unwary customer tends to read the product information, and is convinced they have the next best thing to sliced bread. We quickly realized that relying on product literature was not the wise thing to do when picking the best product performance. So we started doing highway tests, but found it was inconsistent, unless you had your own equipment. Thus we came across SML in 1996, started testing products soon after, and over the years we have gained tremendous experience in what to look for in a radar detector, laser jammer and photo radar detectors. The product testing with SML has permitted 1stRadarDetectors to identify which radar detectors and laser jammers are best for our customers each year. Some products stay at the top or near the top, such as Valentine One, while some companies introduce leading edge technology and are always at the top, such as the Passport 9500ix radar detector. The Passport 8500 used to be the #1 radar detector, followed by the Bel Rx65, STi Driver and Valentine One. There is often several very best products, which is what we look for. We discuss these different products in other articles, but the important point it that we don’t sell everything, as with other dealers. We focus on “Best in Test”, which is why it is important to work with an objective test facility such as SML. I think you would find nearly all the other dealers use product literature and second hand knowledge from SML and annual test results to suggest which product is best. But dealers who do not test their products,  have no technical knowledge or test experience to rely on. A customer can tell who knows what they are talking about and who is blowing smoke.

Call 1stRadarDetectors at 303-678-9101 to discuss which radar detector, laser jammer or photo radar detector is best for you.

Review radar detector laws, laser jammer laws and radar jammer laws in the states with in the United States that ban these devices. States are listed alphabetically.

California radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: California Vehicle Code, Section 28150; http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/)        Radar and Laser

Jamming: Electronic Speed-Measuring Devices

28150. (a) No vehicle shall be equipped with any device that is designed for, or is capable of, jamming, scrambling, neutralizing, disabling, or otherwise interfering with radar, laser, or any other electronic device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of moving objects.

(b) No person shall use, buy, possess, manufacture, sell, or otherwise distribute any device that is designed for jamming, scrambling, neutralizing, disabling, or otherwise interfering with radar, laser, or any other electronic device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of moving objects.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of subdivision (a) or (b) is an infraction.

(d) When a person possesses four or more devices in violation of subdivision (b), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who has a valid federal license for operating the devices described in this section may transport one or more of those devices if the license is carried in the vehicle transporting the device at all times when the device is being transported.

Added Sec. 1, Ch. 493, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999.

Colorado radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Colorado Statutes : TITLE 4, ARTICLE 4, PART 14, 42-4-1415 Link 2 Radar and Laser

42-4-1415. Radar jamming devices prohibited – penalty.

(1) (a) No person shall use, possess, or sell a radar jamming device.

(b) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with a radar jamming device in the motor vehicle.

(2) (a) For purposes of this section, “radar jamming device” means any active or passive device, instrument, mechanism, or equipment that is designed or intended to interfere with, disrupt, or scramble the radar or laser that is used by law enforcement agencies and peace officers to measure the speed of motor vehicles. “Radar jamming device” includes but is not limited to devices commonly referred to as “jammers” or “scramblers”.

(b) For purposes of this section, “radar jamming device” shall not include equipment that is legal under FCC regulations, such as a citizens’ band radio, ham radio, or any other similar electronic equipment.

(3) Radar jamming devices are subject to seizure by any peace officer and may be confiscated and destroyed by order of the court in which a violation of this section is charged.

(4) A violation of subsection (1) of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, punishable as provided in section 42-4-1701 (3) (a) (II) (A).

(5) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to peace officers acting in their official capacity.

History
Source: L. 2005: Entire section added, p. 340,  1, effective July 1.

Illinois radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/12-613 Radar and Laser

Sec. 12-613. Possession and use of radar or laser jamming devices prohibited.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not operate or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is equipped with any instrument designed to interfere with microwaves or lasers at frequencies used by police radar for the purpose of monitoring vehicular speed.

(b) A person operating a motor vehicle who possesses within the vehicle a radar or laser jamming device that is contained in a locked opaque box or similar container, or that is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and that is not in operation, is not in violation of this Section. (c) Any person found guilty of violating this Section is guilty of a petty offense. A minimum fine of $50 shall be imposed for a first offense and a minimum fine of $100 for a second or subsequent offense.

(d) The radar or laser jamming device or mechanism shall be seized by the law enforcement officer at the time of the violation. This Section does not authorize the permanent forfeiture to the State of any radar or laser jamming device or mechanism. The device or mechanism shall be taken and held for the period when needed as evidence. When no longer needed for evidence, the defendant may petition the court for the return of the device or mechanism. The defendant, however, must prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that the device or mechanism will be used only for a legitimate and lawful purpose.

(d) A law enforcement officer may not stop or search any motor vehicle or the driver of any motor vehicle solely on the basis of a violation or suspected violation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-594, eff. 1-1-06.)

Minnesota radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Minnesota Statute 169.14 Radar defined and Laser inferred

Subd. 12. Radar jammer. For purposes of this section, “radar jammer” means any instrument, device, or equipment designed or intended for use with a vehicle or otherwise to jam or interfere in any manner with a speed-measuring device operated by a peace officer.

No person shall sell, offer for sale, use, or possess any radar jammer in this state.

Nebraska radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Nebraska Revised Statutes, sections 60-6,274, 60-6,275, 60-6,276, and 60-6,277, Radar Only

Section 60-6,274
Terms, defined.

For purposes of sections 60-6,274 to 60-6,277:

(1) Radar transmission device shall mean any mechanism designed to interfere with the reception of radio microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum, which microwaves, commonly referred to as radar, are employed by law enforcement officials to measure the speed of motor vehicles;

(2) Possession shall mean to have a radar transmission device in a motor vehicle if such device is not (a) disconnected from all power sources and (b) in the rear trunk, which shall include the spare tire compartment, or any other compartment which is not accessible to the driver or any other person in the vehicle while such vehicle is in operation. If no such compartment exists in a vehicle, then such device must be disconnected from all power sources and be placed in a position not readily accessible to the driver or any other person in the vehicle; and

(3) Transceiver shall mean an apparatus contained in a single housing, functioning alternately as a radio transmitter and receiver.

Section 60-6,275
Radar transmission device; operation; possession; unlawful; violation; penalty.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or possess any radar transmission device while operating a motor vehicle on any highway in this state. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class IIIA misdemeanor.

Section 60-6,276
Authorized devices.

Section 60-6,275 shall not apply to (1) any transmitter, transceiver, or receiver of radio waves which has been lawfully licensed by the Federal Communications Commission or (2) any device being used by law enforcement officials in their official duties

Section 60-6,277
Prohibited device; seizure; disposal.

Any device prohibited by sections 60-6,275 and 60-6,276 found as the result of an arrest made under such sections shall be seized, and when no longer needed as evidence, such device shall, if the owner was convicted of an offense under such sections, be considered as contraband and disposed of pursuant to section 29-820.

Oklahoma radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Oklahoma Statutes: Title 47, Chapter 11, 11-808 Radar and Laser

Section 11-808 – Radar Interference Devices – Advertising, Sale, Manufacture Or Distribution Prohibited – Exemption – Penalties

A. As used in this section:

1. “Jammer” means any instrument, device, or equipment designed or intended for use with a vehicle or otherwise to jam or interfere with in any manner a speed measuring device operated by a law enforcement officer in the vicinity; and

2. “Speed measuring device” shall include, but is not limited to, devices commonly known as radar speed meters or laser speed meters.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to use or possess a jammer.

C. It shall be unlawful to manufacture, advertise or offer for sale, sell or otherwise distribute any jammer in this state.

D. This section shall not apply to any person who lawfully possesses a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission for the use of a jammer.

Tennessee radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Tennessee Code 39-16-610 Top-level link Radar and Laser

39-16-610. Radar jamming devices. -

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) “Radar jamming device” means any active or passive device, instrument, mechanism, or equipment that is designed or intended to interfere with, disrupt, or scramble the radar or laser that is used by law enforcement agencies and officers to measure the speed of motor vehicles;

(2) “Radar jamming device” includes, but is not limited to, devices commonly referred to as “jammers” or “scramblers”; and

(3) “Radar jamming device” does not include equipment that is legal under FCC regulations, such as a citizens’ band radio, ham radio, or any other similar electronic equipment.

(b) It is an offense for any person to knowingly possess or sell a radar jamming device.

(c) It is an offense for any person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle with a radar jamming device in the motor vehicle.

(d) It is an offense for a person to knowingly use a radar jamming device for the purpose of interfering with the radar signals or lasers used by law enforcement personnel to measure the speed of a motor vehicle on a highway.

(e) Any radar jamming device that is used in violation of this section is subject to seizure by any law enforcement officer and may be confiscated and destroyed by order of the court in which a violation of this section is charged.

(f) The provisions of this section shall not apply to law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.

(g) (1) A violation of subsection (b) or (c) is a Class C misdemeanor.

(2) A violation of subsection (d) is a Class B misdemeanor.

[Acts 2006, ch. 853, 1.]

Utah radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Utah Code, Title 41, Chapter 06a Radar and Laser

41-6a-609. Radar jamming devices and jamming radar prohibited — Defense — Exceptions — Penalties.

(1) As used in this section, “radar jamming device” means any instrument or mechanism designed or intended to interfere with the radar or any laser that is used by law enforcement personnel to measure the speed of a motor vehicle on a highway.

(2) (a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a highway with a radar jamming device in the motor vehicle.

(b) A person may not knowingly use a radar jamming device to interfere with the radar signals or lasers used by law enforcement personnel to measure the speed of a motor vehicle on a highway.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Subsection (2)(a) that the radar jamming device was in an inoperative condition or could not be readily used at the time of the arrest or citation.

(4) This section does not apply to law enforcement personnel acting in their official capacity.

(5) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session

Virginia radar detector laws and laser jammer laws. Source: Code of Virginia, Title 46, Chapter 10, 46.2-1079 Radar and Laser

� 46.2-1079. Radar detectors; demerit points not to be awarded.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth when such vehicle is equipped with any device or mechanism, passive or active, to detect or purposefully interfere with or diminish the measurement capabilities of any radar, laser, or other device or mechanism employed by law-enforcement personnel to measure the speed of motor vehicles on the highways of the Commonwealth for law-enforcement purposes. It shall be unlawful to use any such device or mechanism on any such motor vehicle on the highways. It shall be unlawful to sell any such device or mechanism in the Commonwealth. However, provisions of this section shall not apply to any receiver of radio waves utilized for lawful purposes to receive any signal from a frequency lawfully licensed by any state or federal agency.

This section shall not be construed to authorize the forfeiture to the Commonwealth of any such device or mechanism. Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person’s request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.

Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the presence of any such prohibited device or mechanism in or on a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth shall constitute prima facie evidence of the violation of this section. The Commonwealth need not prove that the device or mechanism in question was in an operative condition or being operated.

B. A person shall not be guilty of a violation of this section when the device or mechanism in question, at the time of the alleged offense, had no power source and was not readily accessible for use by the driver or any passenger in the vehicle.

C. This section shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and used by law-enforcement officers in their official duties, nor to the sale of any such device or mechanism to law-enforcement agencies for use in their official duties.

D. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for violations of this section. Any demerit points awarded by the Commissioner prior to July 1, 1992, for any violation of this section shall be rescinded and the driving record of any person awarded demerit points for a violation of this section shall be amended to reflect such rescission.

(1962, c. 125, 46.1-198.1; 1975, c. 108; 1976, c. 90; 1978, cc. 87, 91; 1981, c. 303; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 825; 1998, c. 300.)