Many people in America use radar detectors in their cars because the devices provide some amount of confidence especially to those who tend to drive just a hair over the speed limit often and get into trouble for it.
A radar detector installed in your vehicle will probe you into driving slower when there are speed traps around by alerting you to the presence of highway patrols nearby.
Radar detectors are quite commonly used and are legal in most U.S. states, but in some states, these devices may be illegal. The laws regarding the use of radar detectors vary from one state to the other.
So, are radar detectors legal in Minnesota? In this article, we’ll answer that question and a few more.
Other Relevant Restrictions
The use of radar detectors is legal in Minnesota, but there are relevant restrictions. This mostly has to do with where you mount them in your car and whether or not you drive a commercial vehicle.
Take a look at what the Minnesota radar detector laws state about using radar detectors in vehicles.
Mounting Point
It is perfectly legal to own, as well as use radar detectors in your vehicle in Minnesota. But if you install the device on your windshield, you will be asked to pay a fine.
This is because, according to Minnesota’s radar detector laws, it is prohibited to suspend any object on the windshield as it may obstruct the driver’s vision.
This excludes rear-view mirrors, sun visors, navigation systems that are either mounted or located at the bottom of the windshield, and collection devices.
With that in mind, it is illegal to mount a radar detector on the windshield of any vehicle in the state.
Commercially Owned and Privately Owned Vehicles
In Minnesota, according to radar detector laws, it is legal to have these devices in passenger vehicles. But it is different for commercial vehicles.
As per federal law, it is illegal for commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs, including semi-trucks, buses, tractor trailers and other types of heavy trucks, to have radar detector devices in Minnesota.
So, if you’re a driver of a commercial vehicle, then you should avoid having a radar detector completely in your vehicle to avoid getting a ticket or your license suspended.
Driving in a Military Area
It is illegal to enter a military area with a radar detector mounted visibly in your vehicle. Since you will first have to cross a military checkpoint before entering the military base, there is not much risk of getting a ticket, fine or being arrested.
This is because security will ask you to remove the radar detector device and keep it away while you’re in the military area before you’re allowed on the military base.
In What States Are Radar Detectors Illegal?
Installing and using radar detectors in vehicles is illegal in some U.S. states, including California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Detroit.
This is because, as per state law, radar detector devices can distract the drivers and increase the risk of road accidents.
Additionally, radar detectors can unnecessarily obstruct the driver’s field of vision, especially when you consider that there are other spots where you can mount it securely.
Radar Detector vs Radar Jammer
Drivers use both radar detectors, as well as radar jammers in their vehicles. But if you’re confused between the two, here are some of the differences between the two devices.
A radar detector is essentially a device that will alert you when there is a police radar nearby. This will enable you to slow down when you’re driving so that you don’t get a speeding ticket.
Radar jammers, on the other hand, are devices that jam the signals that are emitted by police radars. Radar detectors are legal and allowed by most U.S. states, but federal law makes it illegal to radar jammers in all states.
However, certain states allow the use of laser jammers except for California, Illinois, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Utah and Washington D.C.
State of Minnesota Info
A Midwestern state; Minnesota is the 32nd state to join the U.S..
It is the country’s 22nd most populous state and the 12th largest.
The abundance of gorgeous lakes in the state has earned it the moniker “Land of 10,000 Lakes”; these and the many parks and forests in the state make it a popular tourist hub.
Minnesota is among the leading states in the country when it comes to standard of living, education levels, GDP, per capita income, and other economically important metrics such as safety, employment, and governance.
Population: 5,707,390
Capital: Saint Paul
Registered vehicles: 4,847,971
Total lane miles: 290,618
Number of highways: 5