You may have noticed vehicles with a small black device mounted on the windshield or dashboard. These are radar detectors that allow you to identify the presence of police radars or speed traps close by.
Typically, the legality of these devices entirely depends on which state you live in. In Alaska, they are legal. However, this does not necessarily mean that you can use them however and whenever you want.
There are some caveats to the legality of radar detectors in Alaska that can help ensure that you are following the law. Find out more in this article.
Relevant Restrictions and FAQs
Here are some of the limitations to radar detector laws in Alaska:
- Windshield mounting: You can mount your radar detectors on the windshield of your car as long as they do not block your view of the road ahead. It might be safer to mount them on the dashboard.
- Commercially owned vehicles: For your personal vehicles, it is legal to install radar detectors. For commercially owned vehicles, however, you can only install these devices if the vehicle weighs less than 10,000 lbs.
- Military areas: Regardless of the car you own and what you use it for, you will need to remove your radar detector and turn it off if you are around a military base.
Want to know more? Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:
- Will I be pulled over for having a radar detector?: If you have installed it inappropriately or are using one in a military base or area, you will definitely be pulled over.
- In what states are radar detectors illegal?: There are only two states in the U.S. that ban the use of radar detectors — Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
- What are some alternatives to this device?: Instead of radar detectors, you can consider using mobile phone applications that carry out the same function for you. Speed camera detectors and small cameras might work too.
- What are some common radar detector myths?: Some common myths surrounding radar detectors revolve around them being too distracting for drivers or letting them escape tickets by only slowing down when police radars are around.
- Can the police detect my radar detector?: This can depend on whether the police have the right appliances of their own to make this kind of detection.
Radar Detector vs Radar Jammer
Radar detectors can only let you know that there are police radars or speed cameras present around you, while radar jammers will deliberately seek to interfere with the radar through the radio waves they send out.
Unlike detectors, radar jammers are illegal in most U.S. states. If you’re in the market for either of these devices, we recommend going with detectors.
State of Alaska Info
The state of Alaska is situated in the western part of the United States. It is the largest state in the U.S. but has a meager population. Nearly half of Alaska’s residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska has several water bodies surrounding it including Chukchi, Beaufort seas, and the Pacific Ocean.
Population: 737,000
Capital: Juneau
Area: 663,268 sq mi
Registered vehicles: 452,492
Total lane miles: 14,336
Number of highways: 4