Arizona Radar Detector Statutes
While radar detectors are generally legal to use in most places in Arizona, there are a few situations where it is illegal to have one in your car. A good rule of thumb to use when thinking about radar detector laws in Arizona is to use them only when you are on public highways and freeways. Keep in mind, state highways are public highways, but county roads and a city streets are not public highways, according to state law.
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §28-955 prohibits using radar jamming devices; essentially, this means it is illegal for you to use devices that jam (or interfere with) the signals of laser speed devices. This doesn’t mean all radar detectors are illegal to use—just the ones that actively interfere with these devices. Instead, this statute means all radar detectors must be passive and unobtrusive to comply with state law .
The law also makes it illegal to sell, lease, or use in your car a radar-jamming device. This law doesn’t make exceptions for private routes, like county roads or city streets, either. It only makes an exception for state and federal routes. These routes are commonly referred to as "freeways." If you are violating state law and using a radar detector in the city or county, expect to receive a fine between $10 and $50. While this is the general penalty if you were to be issued a citation for this type of infraction, keep in mind that with a petty offense, the fine and other penalties imposed are strictly up to the judge’s discretion.
A city may have its own ordinances and restrictions regarding the use of radar detectors, so be sure to check out your local laws to avoid getting a ticket. But county roads and city streets are not governed by A.R.S. §28-955—only state and federal routes are.
Federal and State Radar Detector laws
Federal laws regarding radar detectors are not the same as the laws of the State of Arizona. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) permits the use of some types of radar detector. However, in Arizona, it is illegal to mount a radar detector on any windshield, placing the radar detector in an area that obstructs the driver’s view and/or the airbag deployment zone can lead to a traffic violation, a fine and the confiscation of the radar detector. If the radar detector is attached to the windshield and is obstructing the driver’s view, the violating motorist can be charged with a civil penalty in the amount of $75.
Some states have enacted laws that permit the use of radar jammers. Like radar detectors, jammers are devices capable of changing the operating characteristics of the speed detection equipment used by a law enforcement officer. However, Arizona state law prohibits the use of radar jammers. The statute does not specifically mention radar jammers nor does it refer to them specifically. However, the text of the statute includes the phrase, "Any other device that interferes with the operation of radar or laser speed detection equipment," which could be interpreted to include them. No case law has been found regarding the use of radar jammers in Arizona.
There are some federal agencies whose employees are also prohibited from using radar detectors. Although these regulations are not effective in Arizona absent a federal employee, readers can take them into consideration. According to Federal Aviation Administration Order 8500.1B, use of radar detectors by Transportation Security Administration employees is prohibited by TSA employees while on official duty if the radar detector is capable of scanning commercial radio frequencies, including citizen’s band radio channels. Federal employees of the Army are prohibited from using radar jammers under Department of Defense Directive 5230.20.
Penalties for Use in Arizona
In Arizona, the potential consequences of illegally possessing, selling, or using a radar detector can range from modest fines to significant legal repercussions, depending on the severity of the offense and the actions of the individual. The purchase and ownership of radar detectors are generally legal in most circumstances, but illegal sales, shipments, or use of certain devices can lead to charges under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 28-958 (Unlawful production, sale, shipment and use of radar jamming devices; definition). These include the manufacture, distribution, shipment and use of "radar jamming devices," which, per the statute, are defined as "any electronic device that transmits radio frequency waves on the same frequency as radar moving at a similar speed as vehicles to conceal or distort the reflected radar waves from vehicles to which the radar is directed."
As such, a common example is the familiar "phaser" type of radar jammers, which, while it is debatable whether they are distinct from other types of radar detectors that are somewhat more tightly regulated, are designed to invisibly disrupt an officer’s speed monitoring with a radar device. This type of device can lead to criminal charges, but more typically only when the manufacturer of these devices has some criminal involvement.
In many cases, the mere possession of the so-called "radar jammers" is legal in Arizona for private purposes. However, illegal sales, shipments, or use can lead to civil and criminal penalties against the particular party involved. Even the person who manufactures the device, or remanufactures the device elsewhere and re-sells it in Arizona may be subject to a $500 fine for each violation it constitutes. For an individual user, the penalties mean a fine of at least $100 for a first offense, followed by a fine of at least $200 for the second offense, and then a fine of at least $500 for each subsequent offense.
Alternatives for Arizona Motorists
For Arizona drivers looking for ways to ensure safe driving practices without relying on a radar detector, there are a number of alternative options and driving applications that are available to provide information on speed limits, traffic signs, and potential hazards on the road. For example, Waze is a popular driving application that allows users to report traffic jams and accidents, as well as police activity, in real time. This provides drivers with an opportunity to stay informed about their surroundings and to make adjustments to their route accordingly.
In addition to driving applications, there are a number of other technologies and tools that can be used to enhance safe driving practices in Arizona. For instance , GPS navigation devices can be used to provide turn-by-turn directions and to alert drivers to upcoming traffic signals and speed limits. Smart car features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings, can also help to promote safe driving behaviors.
Ultimately, while radar detectors may not be legal for use on Arizona roadways, there are a number of other tools and resources that can be used to promote safe driving practices and to avoid costly fines and penalties. By staying aware of the laws governing radar detectors and by utilizing driving applications and other tools that promote safe driving habits, Arizona drivers can help to keep themselves and others safe on the roadways.
Public Perspectives on Radar Detector Usage
The public is a mixed bag when it comes to radar detector use. Many everyday drivers see them as an invaluable tool to maintain safe speeds and avoid expensive fines. "Why should I pay a hundred dollars I don’t have because someone was trying to do their job?" says one Arizona driver, annoyed at receiving several tickets over the past few months. "If radar detectors are illegal, I wouldn’t have been caught."
Many law enforcement officers have less sympathy for the use of these devices. Despite the fact that they are not foolproof and lag behind traffic conditions (and therefore cannot guarantee compliance with speed limits), police officers feel that radar detectors promote even quicker speeding than what is already accepted as "racing" on the freeway. "Radar detectors don’t excuse illegal driving," says one officer. "Fines are not high enough to discourage the reckless drivers who believe the law doesn’t apply to them. Drivers who are being careful around other vehicles are not getting speeding tickets."
Perhaps to no one’s surprise, legislators are not able to unify these extreme opinions. While some view the devices as a danger, other legislators would prefer to penalize the manufacturers of these devices instead of placing penalties on the people who purchase them.
Regardless of how legislators and law enforcement officers feel, the fact remains that radar detectors have been fully legalized in Arizona, and drivers who choose to use them need to be aware of the ramifications.
Responsible Radar Detector Usage
If radar detectors are permitted where you intend to drive, there are still best practices to observe for their responsible use. The first tip is to learn how to properly mount your radar detector. Arizona law generally prohibits mounting a radar detector in such a way as to obstruct the driver’s view of the road. While specific placements may vary by design, the placement should be high enough on the windshield to allow the driver full view of the road without obstruction.
Additionally, even if you keep your radar detector below the view of the road, it is typically recommended to keep the detector as far back on the windshield as possible. This not only allows better detection of radar signals over a longer deal detects more signals from greater distances, but it is also less likely to lead to obstructing the driver’s view of the road.
The next tip is to regularly clean the windshield and the radar detector itself. Not only does this provide a clear view of the road and a clear report from the device, but it also helps the device continue to pick up radar signals and street lights, making visibility better in general .
Thirdly, remember that radar detectors only predict the possible presence of a speed trap. A driver should not exceed the posted speed limit, nor should the presence of a radar detector prompt the driver to slow down his speed. A clear distinction exists between consciously maintaining a safe speed and avoiding a ticket from a police officer for exceeding the speed limit because you have been caught.
Finally, remember that regardless of whether radar detectors are permitted where you drive, being aware of the surroundings also makes a better driver. The law requires that drivers who are stopped by a police officer do so immediately. Therefore, if you are aware of your surroundings you should be aware of when it is time to pull over. If the flashing lights of the police officer’s cruiser may be caught by radar and alerted by the radar detector, then being conscious of your surroundings will facilitate an immediate stop.
One final benefit and tip is to remember that newer radar detectors are powered by a rechargeable battery. This is one less cord to worry about, however, if you plan to frequently move the device from one car to another, you may want to consider keeping a charger with the device.