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Are radar detectors legal in California?

I’ve gotten two speeding tickets over the past few years, and I don’t want a third. I’ve considered installing a radar detector so that I can see if my speed is being monitored by police using a radar gun. Are radar detectors legal in California?

avatar
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Woah, two
speeding tickets
?! Where ya off to in such a hurry? You’ll be pleased to hear that radar detectors are legal in California, although some restrictions apply.
California
radar detector restrictions include the following:
  • Radar detectors may not be fixed to your windshield or anywhere else that may impede your view of the road. This includes side and back mirrors. We recommend fixing your radar detector to the dashboard.
  • Radar detectors are illegal for commercial vehicles—including Ubers and Lyfts.
  • Radar detectors are illegal when driving through a military base.
If you’re caught breaking any of these rules for radar detectors, you could be ticketed. However, when installed correctly, radar detectors are perfectly legal in the Golden State.
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