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The Difference Between Radar Detectors and Radar Jamming

A radar detector can be a great tool for learning when law enforcement has their eye on the speed you're traveling, as well as alerting you to important road conditions. However, some people incorrectly believe that radar detectors prevent law enforcement from determining the speed of your car.

A radar detector is a device that senses when certain radio frequencies are within the vicinity of your car. Most models today also include a light sensor which detects reflected laser light also used for quick speed detection. When one of these events occur, the radar detector alarms the driver that the frequencies or light is present, and should consider checking their current speed. Radar detectors do not inhibit the ability for law enforcement to capture the speed of your car. They merely serve as an early warning device if it detects the use of police radar or laser. Radar detectors are legal in most states.

Radar jammers, which are illegal in the US, impede the ability for radar systems to accurately capture your speed. Most of the time, they send back false radar signals to the sending device, which gives a false speed or error message to the device. Getting caught with one of these devices guarantees you a heavy fine, and possibly jail time.

Radar detectors can be useful devices, especially if they can detect radar frequencies early enough. However, newer "instant-on" radar systems and laser devices that are being used by law enforcement make it extremely unlikely that you'll get enough of an advanced warning to change your speed before you are detected. At that point, you'll just know in advance to get your license and proof of insurance ready for when you get pulled over. Remember, the only legal way to not get speeding tickets is to not speed in the first place.

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