Quick Answer

Passenger Vehicle Rules in Michigan

Radar detectors are legal for use in passenger vehicles in Michigan. Michigan State Police include this directly in their traffic laws FAQs, which is one of the clearest and most practical references a driver can rely on.

Legal use does not mean any installation is automatically fine. Michigan also has rules on how certain devices may be mounted, especially when placed on or near the windshield. A clean, compact installation matters if you want to avoid problems during a traffic stop.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions in Michigan

The radar detector restriction for commercial vehicles is federal, not state specific. Under 49 CFR 392.71, a driver may not operate a commercial motor vehicle that is equipped with or contains a radar detector, and may not use a radar detector in a commercial motor vehicle.

If you drive a vehicle that qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle, treat the detector ban as active, even in Michigan where passenger vehicle use is legal. If classification is unclear, confirm your status through your employer or a compliance resource before installing any detector.

Jammers in Michigan: Radar vs Laser

Radar jammers

A radar detector receives signals. A radar jammer transmits interference. The FCC states that jammers are illegal to operate, market, or sell in the United States. Michigan State Police also explicitly address radar jammers and point back to federal law.

Bottom line: do not use radar jammers in Michigan. They are illegal nationwide and can create serious consequences that go far beyond a speeding ticket.

Laser jammers

Laser and radar are treated differently. Radar jammers are federally illegal because they transmit radio frequency interference. Laser jammers deal with light and are not regulated by the FCC in the same way, so legality is handled by state law.

Michigan is commonly listed as a state where laser jammers are allowed, and many state by state summaries do not list Michigan among the states that ban laser jammers. Still, laws and enforcement practices can change. If you are considering a laser jammer, verify current Michigan rules and always verify the rules of every state you plan to drive through.

Mounting Tips and Michigan Windshield Rules

Michigan has specific language covering certain aftermarket visual devices mounted on the windshield or above the dashboard. The key concept is that the device must not be installed in a way that interferes with the operator’s view or control, and it must not be mounted within the deployment profile of vehicle airbags. This is the same reason many drivers choose a high, compact placement near the rearview mirror rather than a low, centered windshield mount.

1) Keep the driver’s view clean

If your detector sits in your primary forward line of sight, it is easier for an officer to view it as a visibility issue. A higher placement near the mirror is typically less intrusive.

2) Avoid airbag deployment zones

Devices placed near pillars and certain windshield areas can conflict with airbag deployment profiles. Even if you are thinking about legality only, safety matters. Mount your device so it does not interfere with airbags.

3) Choose a rigid mount to reduce vibration

Long arm suction mounts can wobble, especially on rough pavement. A rigid, short mount generally stays steadier and keeps the detector from drifting out of position.

4) Plan for parking and theft risk

A visible detector can attract attention in parking lots and garages. If you want a cleaner cabin and faster removal, choose a mounting system designed for a discreet install.

Special Note: Driving Into Canada From Michigan

Michigan drivers are uniquely likely to cross into Canada through border routes near Detroit and Port Huron. Radar detector rules can be different once you cross the border. If you plan to drive into Ontario, confirm Canadian and provincial rules before traveling. A setup that is legal in Michigan may not be treated the same way after you cross into Canada.

Michigan Radar Detector Law Summary