Speed limits are an essential part of maintaining road traffic safety, however, considering how many modern cars have gotten eerily good at “feeling slow” even when doing triple digit speeds, it comes as no surprise that people often accedently go over the speed limit and get pulled over for it.
Sure, there are speed limiters built into many modern cars, but there’s another way to avoid that situation altogether. Radar detectors do a great job of alerting you when there’s a police radar around, probing you to slow down.
However, the use of these devices is outlawed in some states, so before you buy one, you should inform yourself of the legality of these devices in your state.
When it comes to Utah, what does the law say? Are radar detectors legal in Utah? In this article, we’ll answer that question and provide some more relevant information on the subject.
Legality and Other Conditions
Radar detectors are legal in Utah, but as with all laws, there are some conditions to bear in mind. These are are outlined in the Utah Legislature under Title 41.
Here are the rules you should keep in mind when mounting and using radar detectors.
Windshield Mounting
In Utah, radar detectors can be mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or visor. It isn’t illegal to put them on the windshield, as it is in states like California and Pennsylvania.
However, bear in mind that an improperly mounted radar detector can be a safety hazard while driving. It can block your view while driving and serve as a distraction, especially because there is a possibility of false alarms.
Privately Owned vs Commercially Owned Vehicles
When it comes to privately owned vehicles, radar detectors can be used and mounted anywhere in the vehicle, in Utah.
When it comes to commercially owned vehicles, federal law permits the use of radar detectors only in vehicles that weigh below 10,000 lbs. Vehicles exceeding this weight cannot use radar detectors.
The ban was enforced to prevent speeding in large vehicles. While speeding in any vehicle is dangerous, it is even more so in a heavy vehicle.
Driving in a Military Area
Federal law states that using radar detectors, or any radar device, is illegal in military bases and areas.
Visible radar devices must be dismantled from the vehicle and stored out of sight in such areas.
Can the Police Detect My Radar Detector?
Yes, the police can detect a radar detector using a device known as a radar detector-detector (RDD). These devices pick up on leaked signals from radar devices (all radar devices have some amount of signal leakage) and identify vehicles with radar detectors.
RDDs are commonly used in states where radar detectors are banned.
Radar Detector Alternatives
One of the most advanced and efficient alternatives to radar technology is LiDAR. LiDAR uses light waves, instead of radio waves, to map the surroundings using 3D images, and is more precise, detailed, and accurate than radars.
With radar technology going obsolete, even law enforcement authorities use LiDAR to monitor speed and detect vehicles with radars.
Apart from this, several phone applications and GPS can make good alternatives to radar detectors.
State of Utah Info
Most of Utah is nearly uninhabited as large percentages of people live along the Wasatch Front.
This metropolitan region is home to nearly 80% of Utah’s people.
The state is the 13th largest in the country. It borders five states — Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and a little bit of New Mexico.
Population: 2,855,287
Capital: Salt Lake City
Registered vehicles: 2,654,715
Total lane miles: 102,031
Number of highways: 7