Radar detectors are used by millions of Americans every day. These are electronic devices that produce a visual and audible warning when radar waves are detected.
Police typically use radar guns that emit radar waves to monitor the speed of vehicles on the road.
Having a radar detector will help protect you from speeding infractions and allow you to evade speed traps. However, the legality behind the use of these devices varies across the states.
While some states allow you to own radar detectors, they may impose certain restrictions on how you can and cannot use them. In this article, we’ll discuss what the rules for these devices are in New Hampshire.
Windshield Mounted Detectors
In New Hampshire, you are not permitted to mount any device on the windshield in a way that can block your view in any way.
Though there is no specific mention of whether you can mount a radar detector on your windshield, for safety reasons, it is better to mount the device out of the driver’s line of sight.
Privately Owned and Commercially Owned Vehicles
It is legal to use a radar detector if you have a private vehicle. However, as per federal law, using radar detectors while operating commercial vehicles that weigh over 10,000 lbs is illegal.
Therefore, in order to avoid license suspensions or fines, professional drivers should steer clear of using radar detectors.
Driving Around a Military Area
You cannot drive into a military area with a visibly mounted radar detector on your vehicle. Before you enter the base, your vehicle will likely pass through a checkpoint.
Once the device is spotted, you will be asked to take it down before being permitted inside. The use of these devices is made illegal because they can create interference with communication on the military base.
In What States Are Radar Detectors Illegal?
Most states have almost no prohibitive rules regarding the use of radar detectors, except for Washington D.C. and Virginia. It is illegal to use radar detectors in these two states for private and commercial vehicles.
Though the rest of the states permit radar detector ownership and usage, each of them has specific rules for the same.
Radar Detector Common Myths
A common myth among drivers who use radar detectors is that they will never have to face a speeding ticket ever again: This is not true.
With regular advancements in technology, it is quite possible your outdated radar detector may not work as it should. Instead, you could find yourself in more trouble than expected.
There is yet another common myth that clubs together a radar detector with a radar jammer. These are two different devices.
While a radar detector notifies a driver about the presence of radar waves, a radar jammer works to obstruct the signal of a radar gun. The two devices work in different ways.
State of New Hampshire Info
Located in the northeastern New England region of the United States, the state of New Hampshire ranks as the fifth smallest state in terms of area.
This state was part of the original 13 states of the country.
New Hampshire is unique for its lack of personal income tax and general sales tax. Surrounded by granite hills, the region is a tourist attraction for its seashore and lake scenery. It is famous for its maple tree products.
Population: 1,320,718
Capital: Concord
Registered vehicles: 1,202,974
Total lane miles: 33,391
Number of highways: 3