State of Radar Detectors in Oklahoma Today
Radar detectors are permitted in Oklahoma for use in non-commercial vehicles. A non-commercial vehicle is one used for personal and/or family use, as opposed to use for the purpose of transporting goods, materials, or other wares in the course of a business operation. A violation of this rule is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma punishable by a fine of $500.
There is no comprehensive state statute that is written directly and specifically to regulate the use of radar and lidar jammers or scramblers in Oklahoma private automobiles. Such devices are often used for the purpose of jamming the police officer’s laser speed detection system within the scope of specific range, as opposed to scramblers which have the intended objective to defeat an oncoming radar device.
As a far broader generality, Oklahoma statutes proscribe the criminal act of "obstruction" in relation to the use of a "device, planning, or tampering." In other instances, "obstruction" can be defined as any conduct which has the effect of impeding or interfering with a governmental official’s lawful duties. Devices for such purposes would be subject to control under the general nature of this language .
The most likely way in which the Oklahoma law enforcement community goes after these devices is under its application of the specific law and dilatory purposes of "impersonation," which involves the use or possession of devices which replicate the appearance and function of law enforcement equipment, namely radar and light bar systems. This is a misdemeanor crime in Oklahoma attractive to law enforcement because it becomes an act of impersonation, which seems to a police officer, in their position of authority, to diminish the power of law.
As an aside, regulation exists, however, for the commercial use of radar speed monitoring devices for the purpose of monitoring motor vehicles in the operation of a commercial endeavor. The law proscribes the conduct of any business except hereinafter specifically provided for, including, without limitation, the business of radiator radiographic imaging or other radiation scanning devices, or providing or offering to provide any of the services regulated hereunder.
Oklahoma’s law regarding the commercial use of certain radar devices is imposed directly upon the commercial operations of commercial operations of truck stops, service stations, and roadside service centers.
Oklahoma commonly imposes a criminal penalty of $100 for any person who violates Oklahoma’s law concerning the commercial use of radar devices.
Exceptions and Oddities
Radar detectors are generally prohibited for most vehicle drivers across Oklahoma. So are laser jammers, and typically no-toll road warning signs alert drivers to the law.
But there are some exceptions, and a few special situations worth noting. The exception for motor homes and activity vehicles exists because these multi-axle vehicles can cause vibrations that trigger speed guns unexpectedly. So they are exempt from Oklahoma’s radar detector rules.
Law enforcement are prohibited from using radar detection in these vehicles, because it makes sense that a car’s vibrations can trigger a scanner like break lights or the heat of the sun.
Inside commercial trucks, or vehicle over five axles, drivers are still legally permitted to have radar detectors. Under Oklahoma Vehicle Code § 47-11-801.5(b), all vehicles with this number of axles are exempt from the general prohibition on radar detection devices.
Although commercial truck drivers are legally permitted to have radar detectors inside their trucks—and cannot even be charged utilizing them—laser jammers—which differ characteristically from radar detectors—are not allowed, and cannot be used.
Oklahoma Military Areas Military operations areas are exempt from the radar detector law. These areas—to which access is highly restricted anyway—are given a military load limit, under which the state allows driver access.
Surrounding State Comparisons
When comparing the use and legality of radar detectors in Oklahoma with those of its neighboring states, we find a mix of similarities and differentiations. While Oklahoma stands out as a state where the use of radar detectors is legal for most vehicles, its border states have different regulations.
To the north, in Kansas, the use of radar detectors is legal for passenger vehicles. However, including commercial motor vehicles in this handful of states that permit their use. Missouri, another border state, similarly allows the use of radar detectors for passenger vehicles. Arkansas, to the east, prohibits all drivers from using devices that detect or jam radar or laser signals on public highways. Texas, to the west and southwest, has similar restrictions in place for commercial motor vehicles.
Surrounding Oklahoma, another seven states permit the use of radar detectors in passenger vehicles. Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Tennessee and Wisconsin do not consider radar detectors illegal devices. However, this list does not include all 50 states. Four additional states prohibit their use in all vehicles: Virginia, Washington, Maryland and Connecticut. Georgia has restrictions in place, not allowing them to be used to jam police signals.
Our neighboring state, Kansas, has only one exception to the overall rule. Installing a radar detector on a motorcycle for alerting other motorists is legal under Kansas law.
Penalties for Wrongful Usage
Violating Oklahoma’s prohibitions on radar detectors can be costly in more ways than one. In addition to the fact that you may be paying extra money in fines and fees but receiving no benefit in terms of detection of police radar and laser, the State may determine that doing so is a "misdemeanor," which comes with a fine.
According to 47 O.S. § 17-192(b), "any person who, in violation of this section, displays or operates an electronic radar or laser detector shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000 . 00) or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment." In addition to this statutory fee however, you must also give the State an additional two-hundred dollar ($200.00) fee. 42 O.S. § 133.8. It’s presumed that the Judge would be ordering you to pay this fee along with any fine. A misdemeanor conviction can affect employment options and potentially predispose you to greater sanctions in the future, including harsher penalties for future offenses.
Best Practices for Compliance
Here are some practical tips and advice for ensuring compliance with Oklahoma’s laws regarding radar detectors: Understanding how radar detectors are monitored and enforced is crucial. In Oklahoma, law enforcement typically use stationary or mobile radar devices, coupled with a visual confirmation method. Once confirmed, the driver is pulled over and the violation is cited. When radar detectors are used, it’s important to be aware that some models and designs can be detected by speed enforcement devices. As such, they may not only be considered illegal but also provide incriminating evidence during a traffic stop. Moreover, when drivers find themselves in an area where radar detector use is illegal, and the detectors are displaying warnings, they should immediately pull over off the roadway and disable the device. This action demonstrates cooperation not only with local ordinances but also with other drivers that may be affected by the device. Additionally, some drivers cover the display in a device that has been alerted for the same reason. For the most part , radar detectors are seen primarily as passive devices, detecting and displaying radar and laser signals. Yet, there are some locations that ban not only the use of radar detectors, but also the possession. To reduce the possibility of human error, and to ensure that the rights and freedoms of residents and visitors alike are upheld, radar detectors should be stored in securely closed bags, or accompanied by a rental agreement and vehicle registration information should the authorities need to check information about the device. Any change in legislation could impact an individual’s or organization’s decision to have or utilize a radar detector. In keeping with compliance with Oklahoma laws and ordinances, it’s a good idea to go directly to the state legislative website. Regional news, such as The Oklahoma Gazette, and local publications, like The Norman Transcript, also provide valuable information regarding changes in the radar detector laws on a more local level.