If you’ve considered installing a radar detector in your car, you’re probably wondering about its legality in the state of Wisconsin.
In most U.S. states, radar detectors are legal, but there are some exceptions. However, there are a few caveats to this law that you should know about note so that you don’t get into trouble with law enforcement.
In this article, we’ll explain what these caveats are and provide you with some relevant information.
Mounting Point
The windshield is an ideal spot for mounting a radar detector. That said, mounting it there might obscure your field of view, which is why many states don’t permit people to install radar detectors on the windshield.
Wisconsin is one of those states. Even though it is perfectly legal to use one, you cannot mount your radar detector on the windshield.
Commercially Owned Vehicles
Radar detectors are only legal for passenger vehicles. Commercial motor vehicles are not permitted to be equipped with radar detectors.
This is a matter of safety. Now, the law clearly states that this is applicable to commercial vehicles that are more than 10,000 lbs.
In some states, that number may be higher, but if your commercially-owned vehicle is anywhere near 10,000 lbs, it is best to not use radar detector.
Driving Near a Military Base
When it comes to using radar enabled equipment in and around military areas, the rules are a bit different. These regions have heightened security protocols and breaching them will get you into a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Federal laws state that you are not allowed to have a working radar detector when you are in a military base. Typically, there is an entrance where you will be checked for it.
If you have one, you will be asked to take it down before you are allowed to enter the premises. But the personnel are usually not happy to see such devices being used by civilians on their premises.
Will I Be Pulled Over for Using a Radar Detector?
Law enforcement officials typically carry radar detector-detectors or RDDs. As the name indicates, this is a device used to detect a radar detector. If radar detectors are legal in the state where you are driving, as is the case in Wisconsin, you won’t be pulled over.
But if you are crossing state lines, it is wise to check the legal specifics of all the states you will be driving in to make sure you are compliant.
State of Wisconsin Info
Situated in the north-central region of the country, the state of Wisconsin comprises 72 counties.
In terms of area, it is the 25th-largest state. It was the 30th state to join the union in 1848.
It borders Lake Superior, Minnesota, Iowa, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Illinois. Milwaukee is its largest city. It has a diversified economy, including dairy agriculture.
Population: Madison
Capital: 5,726,398
Registered vehicles: 5,616,271
Total lane miles: 239,318
Number of highways: 5