Bigger & Harman, APC - April 2020

RADAR DETECTORS CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Some new truckers often make the mistake of going a little too far when it comes to avoiding speeding tickets. Since it’s perfectly acceptable to carry lidar or radar detectors (not jammers) in private vehicles, a few CDL holders may think of placing such a tool in their commercial rig. This can land even the most well-meaning drivers in hot water. AN UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERN Speeding tickets can often feel like they come out of nowhere. Maybe you missed a sign while passing another truck and find yourself getting fined for going 55 in a 40 mph zone, for example. This one mistake can be bad enough as it is, but if the sign you missed was also designating a school or construction zone, you could be facing a serious violation. These risks can make it tempting to carry a detector to circumvent speed traps, but trust us, these devices aren’t worth the trouble. FROM BAD TO WORSE If a detector is caught in your truck, whether because you were pulled over for another violation or were inspected at a weigh station, you can be charged with a crime. This can turn a simple inspection into a costly incident, or it can add to the penalties you’d already be facing due to whichever violation got you pulled over. The risk of carrying one of these devices is often not worth it. NOT EVEN USEFUL In case anyone out there believes radar detectors will keep them safe from speeding tickets, let’s throw some cold water on that idea. While radar detectors may have been magic bullets for getting around speed traps a few decades ago, radar is everywhere now. Today, most traffic lights and even some private vehicles will set off a scanner, making it little more than a beeping annoyance. Worse still, even if you only use it in your own car, police can still write you a ticket for having it on your dashboard or hanging from your rearview mirror, since the unsanctioned device may interfere with your ability to see. CHP will often start looking for other violations if they believe someone is using a radar detector in their truck. As you probably are aware, everyone drives over 55. Get pulled over for going 58 mph and the next thing you know, your logbook and load is being checked for any possible violation. Be careful out there, and if you are a trucker, be careful relying on an illegal radar detector.

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