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Radar Detector Kits
November 14, 2025
Virginia Radar Detector Law · 2025 Update
Are Radar Detectors Legal in Virginia?
Virginia is the only U.S. state with a complete ban on radar detectors for all vehicle, including out-of-state drivers. Whether the device is turned on, turned off, or sitting unused in your glovebox, radar detectors are illegal to possess in any moving vehicle within the state.
- Radar detectors: Completely illegal for all vehicles.
- Possession ban: Illegal to have one in a vehicle, even powered off.
- Commercial vehicles: Also banned (federal + state rules).
- Laser/radar jammers: Illegal.
- Mounting rules: Any radar detector mount is illegal because the device itself is illegal.
Why Radar Detectors Are Illegal in Virginia
Virginia is the only state that has maintained a full ban on radar detectors, regulated under Virginia Code § 46.2-1079. Lawmakers argue that radar detectors encourage excessive speeding and interfere with traffic safety enforcement.
Unlike other states with partial or commercial-only restrictions, Virginia’s ban applies to:
- Passenger vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Out-of-state vehicles passing through
- Vehicles that are stopped or temporarily parked
Possession vs. Usage: Both Are Illegal
Virginia’s law is strict: even possessing a radar detector inside a vehicle is illegal. It does not matter whether the device is plugged in or actively turned on.
| Situation | Legal in VA? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Radar detector turned on | No | Illegal to use. |
| Radar detector turned off | No | Possession alone is illegal. |
| Radar detector stored in glovebox or trunk | No | Still counts as possession. |
| Passing through Virginia on a road trip | No | Ban applies to all vehicles in the state. |
Penalties for Radar Detector Use in Virginia
A radar detector violation in Virginia is a non-moving traffic infraction. That means it does not add points to your license. However, penalties still apply:
- Fines typically up to $250
- Temporary confiscation of the device during the traffic stop
- Possible vehicle search if officers suspect hidden equipment
- Detector returned when the stop is completed
Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers Are Also Illegal
Virginia bans both radar jammers and laser jammers. Any device intended to interfere with police radar or LIDAR enforcement is illegal statewide.
This includes devices marketed as:
- Laser shifters
- Radar “scramblers”
- Active defense systems
How Virginia Enforces Its Radar Detector Ban
Police in Virginia use several methods to detect radar detectors, including:
- Visual checks (mounts, wires, suction-cup marks)
- Radar-detector-detectors (RDDs) like the VG-2 or Spectre systems
- Behavioral clues such as sudden braking near enforcement areas
If an officer suspects a detector is present, they may perform a vehicle search. While the violation itself is not criminal, officers have wide discretion to investigate further.
Legal Alternatives for Virginia Drivers
Although radar detectors are banned, drivers still use legal tech tools to stay informed on the road:
- Waze for crowd-sourced police alerts
- GPS navigation apps with traffic enforcement warnings
- Driver-assist systems built into newer vehicles
FAQ: Virginia Radar Detector Laws
Are radar detectors legal in Virginia?
No. They are banned for all vehicles, regardless of usage or mounting method.
Can I have a radar detector in my car if it’s turned off?
No. Possession alone is illegal under Virginia law.
Do the laws apply to out-of-state drivers?
Yes. The ban applies to anyone driving within Virginia, regardless of residency.
Are laser jammers legal?
No. Laser and radar jammers are prohibited statewide.
Can police confiscate my radar detector?
They can temporarily take it during a traffic stop but must return it afterward.
Can I use a radar detector in Washington, D.C.?
No. Washington, D.C. also bans radar detectors.
Looking for a Better Radar Detector Mount?
If you drive outside Virginia—even occasionally—you’ll want a secure, legal-friendly mount that keeps your radar detector high, centered, and stable. The RoadSpy SUPERMOUNT RS1 is engineered for a factory-clean install and rock-solid performance nationwide.
