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District of Columbia Radar Detectors Laws (2026)

Restricted: Radar detectors are banned in the District of Columbia — it is illegal to use one or even have one in a vehicle, and illegal to sell them (DCMR 18-736).

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Official source: dcregs.dc.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Radar Detectors in states bordering District of Columbia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MarylandPermitted
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Maryland has no state ban on them.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Radar detectors are banned in all vehicles in Virginia, and selling them is also unlawful. See Va. Code 46.2-1079.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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