Radar detector laws in Virginia: what drivers need to know

Virginia Code § 46.2-1079 generally prohibits using or possessing a radar detector in a motor vehicle, with a limited exception described in the statute for certain out-of-state registered vehicles.

The code describes an exception for a motor vehicle registered in another state, subject to stated conditions. Review the current text rather than assuming every non-Virginia registration qualifies.

Federal regulation 49 CFR § 392.71 prohibits drivers of commercial motor vehicles from using or possessing a radar detector. Check the regulation’s scope and the applicable state requirements.

They are different devices, and the rules for one should not be used to infer the rules for the other. Review the relevant Virginia and federal provisions for the specific equipment.