Wisconsin Radar Detector Law
The use of radar detectors in Wisconsin, also known as speed detection devices, is illegal in the state. According to the state law, no driver is allowed to have a radar detector in their vehicle under any circumstance. So no exceptions for placement or when your car is moving.
While radar detectors are illegal, laser jammers are legal according to the state’s court decisions. You can use a device that sends out a laser signal to block the police department’s laser speed detecting equipment.
Any driver who is found with a radar detector on their persons , in their vehicle or cab of a tractor trailer is guilty of a fine. When caught in violation the penalty includes a fine of $10.00 for the first offense. However if you get caught with a radar detector a second time your fine amount will be increased to $100.00. In addition to these fines, the court is allowed to add a $25.00 penalty for each day you were found with the radar detector.
Penalties for Illegal Use
In Wisconsin, a driver caught using any contrary radar detector can be subject to a forfeiture of $300.00 and a fine of $20.00 plus costs of $250.00. There have been a few cases arising where this exact law has been applied, however, Wisconsin courts tend to put off penalty applications in cases where the defendant is not represented by legal counsel. A simple forfeiture plus court costs is likely and some judges still order a fine to be paid, depending on the judge’s disposition.
Radar Detector vs. Jammer
In Wisconsin, Radar Jammers and Radar Detectors are Not the Same Things and Here is Why
Radar jammers and radar detectors are often considered to be the same thing, usually by people that are trying to develop a defense to a speeding ticket case when they don’t have any other viable defenses. For example, if a driver was clocked going 90 mph in a 55 mph zone using his radar gun, the driver may try to argue that his radar detector "jammed" the radar gun. And aside from the impracticality of getting your hands off the wheel to reach for your radar detector on the passenger seat long enough that the officer could not get a reading on your speed, such a defense is ridiculous on its face. What do consumers need to know about the differences between radar detectors and radar jammers? A radar detector picks up radar signals. It does not block or stop them, nor will it prevent an officer from receiving a radar signal. In short, radar detectors are legal in all 50 states. A radar jammer, on the other hand, emits a radio signal that in effect can "jam" the radar waves so that the radar cannot get a reading. The problem is that jamming your radar signal also jamming the signal of other drivers (including emergency responders), and can therefore be illegal, and it’s illegal in Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin Statute section 941.37, if you’re detected using a radar jammer you will be fined up to $500.
Advice for Wisconsin Drivers
If you’re a Wisconsin driver considering purchasing or using a radar detector, it’s important to keep in mind a handful of practical tips and best practices. While this guide has covered all of the legal ramifications associated with radar detectors in the Badger State, it’s critical that you avoid running afoul of any radar detector-related requirements. Here are six legal tips you may wish to consider when determining whether to buy a radar detector in Wisconsin.
Understand the consequences of using a radar detector while you are operating a commercial vehicle. As specified by the Wisconsin DOT, drivers who receive a citation while using a radar detector while driving a commercial motor vehicle will be subject to an additional fine of $200, and the vehicle’s operator must appear in court to contest the citation.
Be vigilant about how your radar detector is mounted within your vehicle. If you display your radar detector on the windshield, place it in such a manner that it does not block your clear view of the highway. Furthermore, radar detectors cannot protrude beyond your driver-side windshield wiper. If you choose to put your radar detector on your dashboard, make sure it does not obstruct your view of the road, nor should it be too close to your body .
If you decide to buy a radar detector for your personal vehicle, know that most radar detectors available on the market are fully legal to sell and use in Wisconsin. However, as some radars are illegal to sell due to their efficiency in detecting law enforcement radars, take care to check for such disclaimers on the packaging before you purchase certain models.
While radar detectors themselves are legal to sell and use in Wisconsin, many radar jammers — devices that emit radio signals to confuse police speed detectors — are illegal. Ensure that you buy only those radar detectors that do not include radar jamming technology.
Learn about how to properly calibrate your radar detector, and do so at least once every year after you’ve purchased the device. Due to variances in equipment and other factors, the settings on your radar detector can deteriorate over time and with use — regularly calibrating your machine can help you avoid unnecessary fines.
When you purchase and install a radar detector, it’s a good idea to keep all of the original receipts related to your purchase and installation. In the event you do receive a ticket for violating a radar detector requirement, these receipts can serve as proof you’ve complied with all relevant regulations.
Future of Radar Detector Laws
At the time of this writing, few waves have been made in Wisconsin regarding any future change in radar detector laws. The right to use radar detectors is currently a state law, with little movement towards change. Despite the lack of movement, a few other state and nationwide events are interesting to note. Several states, due to a gap in laws concerning built-in or mobile radar cameras, are experiencing legal battles. These battles all have differing outcomes. In one case, the judge ruled that the one citizen can video record the cameras, but not release the videos. Another case has been ruled as unconstitutional, and a legislative bill regarding changing the law in that state was dismissed. Other states have ruling one way and then another. Even within one state, there have been differing outcomes. Meanwhile, other states have ruled that the cameras are legal, and violate no existing laws.
Why does this matter for radar detector users in Wisconsin? Radar detectors are on the other end of the spectrum. Because the laws are in agreement and established, and all parties agree that radar detectors should be legal. It’s not a debate concerning the discretion of parties, rather a technological issue over the integrity of a radar detector.
One thing to consider is that laser jammers are much less controversial and problematic (in the eyes of the law). In many states, not just Wisconsin, laser jammers have become an issue. Many courts see them much differently than a radar detector. It is yet to be seen if this will see any movement similar to these other states regarding their technology . Unless there is a serious issue or controversy regarding the interpretation of radar detectors on the 4th Amendment, it is unlikely that Wisconsin will make any changes to the laws concerning the use of radar detectors. Even judicial reviews haven’t brought up unconstitutionality objections, rather loopholes on wording and terminology that could potentially lead to detection issues. The most common issues are in Massachusetts, California, and Texas. There have even been debates as to whether or not out of state plates have to comply with radar detector use.
The future of radar detector laws in Wisconsin are dependent on how other states interpret and use this technology. It has been agreed that the use of radar detectors are more beneficial for the public than harmful. In fact, the entire reason so many of these radars are used is to ensure that drivers do not engage in reckless behavior. While it could be said that a radar detector may encourage a driver to speed, and hence cost lives, this can be said of even regular speedometers. This means that it will be far more likely that Wisconsin (as well as other states) continue to allow for radar detectors to be used, and hold that the state would play more of an enforcer, and not an illegal user. It is unlikely that any other state would attempt to make the use of a radar detector illegal. For now, Wisconsin is safe for radar detector users, but modelling from other states shows that potentially later down the road, there could be some issues.