At Adhiyaman Arts & Science College for Women, we believe that knowledge is power both inside and outside of the classroom. This is especially the case when it comes to laws. You probably already know that the legal system in your jurisdiction can exert influence over your personal and academic life. However, do you know how statutes and ordinances like those regarding the etiquette of driving on the highway or operating a vehicle impact each other? Whether or not you’re thinking about a career in law, it pays to read up on local and national statutes that affect you. One example of a law with a personal impact is the matter of are radar detectors legal in georgia.
What is a Radar Detector? It makes sense to begin with news about what a radar detector is. Put simply, a radar detector is a device that drivers use to detect signals emitted by law enforcement tools such as speed monitoring radar. Many drivers rely on radar detectors to avoid being pulled over for speeding unless they are forced to stop by other circumstances.
Do Radar Detectors Have Legal Status in Georgia? Some states impose restrictions on radar detectors, while others have no such laws at all. You have probably already guessed if you live in Georgia or if you’re thinking about attending school in Georgia that the statute books reflect this particular state’s negative view of radar detector technology. Using a radar detector is illegal in Georgia. It is also illegal to own or sell a radar detector in the state of Georgia. Georgia is not unique in its harsh stance against radar detectors. In fact, fifteen other states have similar laws. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia also classify radar detectors as contraband that cannot be owned or sold.
Do Other States Differ? A few states do not have laws on the books regarding radar detectors, while the Federal Government takes a neutral position on the topic. Pennsylvania does allow radar detectors to be used in the front windshield position, while other states allow them to be placed anywhere in vehicles. The states of Texas and Washington classify radar detectors as illegal devices, but there are exceptions to their general rules against radar detectors. Radar detectors are legal in the states of Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska. Additionally, you can legally own a radar detector in place like the state of Minnesota if your car was manufactured prior to 1985. Your Georgia College of Law advisor will have more information on the specific radar detector laws in every state.
What Can Happen if I Break the Law? There can be serious criminal penalties for owning or selling a radar detector in the state of Georgia. The sale or installation of a radar detector in Georgia may result in a fifteen-thousand dollar fine. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may impose a fine of up to seventy-five thousand dollars if an individual sells a radar detector that interferes with the communications of other law enforcement agencies. Interference includes jamming communication and eavesdropping. If you are pulled over by law enforcement for possessing a radar detector, you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
So, What Can I Do? When you travel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws wherever you are. This is especially true if you plan to move out of the state you currently live in. Keep in mind that these laws can change due to shifting cultural attitudes about speed limits and law enforcement practices. If you’re thinking about going to law school, you’ll find a win-win in reading the regulations in your area. Do not hesitate to research other legal topics and issues that interest you. You may find that your interest in law continues long after you graduate from college. If you’re enrolled in a pre-law curriculum, you may want to explore some fields where law intersects other important areas, such as psychology. You could eventually discover you are most interested in criminal law or sentential guidelines when you take these classes. The bottom line is that real world issues like Georgia radar detector laws can affect different aspects of your personal and academic life. Keep this in mind as you study for your next exam or try to get out of a parking ticket!
For more information on traffic laws, you can visit Wikipedia’s Traffic Law page.
