Are Radar Detectors Legal in Michigan? Complete 2025 Guide

Yes, radar detectors are legal in Michigan for private passenger vehicles. Unlike some states, Michigan allows drivers to use radar detectors to monitor police speed enforcement. However, there are important restrictions and rules you should understand before installing one in your vehicle.

Michigan Law on Radar Detectors

Michigan’s legal stance on radar detectors is clear. Under Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 1931, Section 750.508, regarding “Equipping vehicle with radio able to receive signals on frequencies assigned for police or certain other purposes,” the statute explicitly states:

This exemption was reinforced by the Michigan Supreme Court in People v Gilbert (414 Mich 191; 324 NW2d 834 (1982)), which determined that a “radio receiving set” as defined by the statute does not apply to radar detectors because the law protects the confidentiality of police communications, not electronic surveillance by police.

Where You Can Use Radar Detectors in Michigan

Legal Uses

• Personal cars and trucks
• Motorcycles
• Private SUVs and vans
• Recreational vehicles (personal use)

Where Radar Detectors Are Prohibited

• Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs: Federal law prohibits radar detectors in commercial vehicles
• Military bases: Not allowed on federal military installations
• Washington D.C.: If you’re driving through, detectors are illegal there
• Virginia: The only state where radar detectors are completely illegal

Radar Jammers Are Illegal

Important: While radar detectors are legal, radar jammers (also called scramblers) are illegal everywhere in the United States, including Michigan.

Federal law (Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934) classifies radar jammers as “malicious interference” with radio communications. Penalties can include:

• Fines up to $50,000 for first offense
• Potential jail time
• Equipment confiscation

Mounting Your Radar Detector in Michigan

Michigan allows windshield-mounted radar detectors, but there are guidelines to follow:

Police Speed Enforcement in Michigan

Understanding how Michigan police enforce speed limits can help you drive safely:

Common Speed Enforcement Methods

• Radar guns: Traditional handheld or dash-mounted units
• LIDAR (laser): More precise, harder to detect in advance
• Pace cars: Officers match your speed to determine violations
• Aircraft enforcement: Used on some Michigan highways

Should You Use a Radar Detector?

While radar detectors are legal in Michigan, consider these factors:

Advantages

• Can alert you to speed traps and enforcement zones
• May help you maintain awareness of your speed
• Some models alert to red light cameras and school zones

Limitations

• LIDAR (laser) is harder to detect until you’re already targeted
• Instant-on radar may not give advance warning
• False alerts from automatic door openers and other sources
• Not a substitute for following posted speed limits

Frequently Asked Questions

Are radar detectors legal in Michigan?

Yes, radar detectors are legal in Michigan for private passenger vehicles. They are prohibited in commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs per federal law.

Can I mount a radar detector on my windshield in Michigan?

Yes, windshield mounting is allowed in Michigan as long as the device doesn’t obstruct your view of the road.

Are laser jammers legal in Michigan?

No, laser jammers (and radar jammers) are illegal under federal law and cannot be used in any state, including Michigan.

Will a radar detector help me avoid all speeding tickets?

No. Modern LIDAR (laser) enforcement and instant-on radar can target your vehicle before a detector provides useful warning. The best way to avoid tickets is to follow posted speed limits.

Can police tell if I have a radar detector?

Some older radar detectors emit signals that specialized “radar detector detectors” can identify. Modern high-end detectors are designed to be undetectable, but this is primarily relevant in states where detectors are illegal (like Virginia).