Radar Detector: Radar Jammers Explained

Radar Jammers Explained

By Automotive Editor

For most of us, obeying the speed limit is a choice we make. For some car owners, however, radar jammers have become the new method of choice in avoiding a speeding ticket ...

While most people prefer the "drive safely, arrive safely" train of thought, there will always be a select few who view cars as toys. These are the people who typically own faster, sleeker and sometimes louder cars, and often forget that the freeway is not a race track. For most of us, obeying the speed limit is a choice we make. For these other few, however, radar jammers have become their new method of choice in avoiding a speeding ticket. The jammers scramble detector radar signals and allow them to most often escape from being caught speeding.

Radar jammers, as the name signifies, are compact devices used primarily to scramble detector radar signals, particularly those emanating from speed guns used by policemen. Now that you know, you'll probably ask, "Are they legal?" While purchase of a radar detector jammer is permissible by law, the now amended Communications Act of 1934 clearly stipulates that intentional use of a radar detector jammer will be construed as malicious interference. Contravention of these laws can invite heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Before investing in a radar jamming unit, it would be advisable to first check state laws governing their ownership and use, as well as the models and types permitted. There are basically two types of car radar jamming devices available; active and passive. Several models are available with approximately 90% of the models falling within the latter category. Active jammers constitute a mere 10%; however, it is important to note that this type is considered illegal by the US federal government since December 1997.

Since radar jammers are purchased for the purpose of avoiding a speeding ticket, it would only make sense that marketing and advertisements would try to emphasize their effectiveness. What they fail to mention, however, is that passive radar jamming units are only effective within about 100 feet from the speed gun. Since most people are much farther away when their speeds are recorded, these models are just shy of useless. Illegal active devices are much more effective in preventing your speed from being detected; however, the result can easily be jail time and/or hefty fines, when the unit is discovered. Both active and passive radar detector jammer units can be purchased in today's market, especially online. Active jammers come with hefty price tags, sometimes exceeding $1,500.

So aren't there any countermeasures? Indeed, there are. Today, police are equipped with highly advanced digital speed guns that are extremely accurate and rather difficult to jam. In addition, the latest versions are also fitted with built-in cameras which enable police to record a picture of the violator's car and face. Finally, do pause for a moment and ask yourself. Are radar jammers really worth it? Your conscience will almost surely answer that.

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