Speeding Radar Detectors: What Alerts Can Tell You

A speeding radar detector is a driver alert device that listens for certain radio signals associated with speed measurement. It is not a speedometer, does not control the vehicle and cannot guarantee advance warning or prevent a ticket.

When comparing alerts, distinguish radar detection from laser sensing, GPS camera databases and community reports. A detector may miss a signal because of how enforcement equipment is used, terrain or the particular technology; no one feature makes speeding safe or lawful.

Canadian legality is provincial: detectors are commonly permitted for passenger vehicles in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, but Saskatchewan bars them in commercial vehicles. Other provinces and territories prohibit detectors in vehicles. Check your route and obey posted speed limits.