Virginia Radar Detectors Laws (2026)

Restricted: Radar detectors are banned in all vehicles in Virginia, and selling them is also unlawful.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Radar detectors are banned in all vehicles in Virginia, and selling them is also unlawful. See Va. Code 46.2-1079.

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Radar Detectors in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaRestricted
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).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dcregs.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Kentucky has no state ban on them.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
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 →
North CarolinaPermitted
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — North Carolina has no state ban on them.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseePermitted
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — no Tennessee statute prohibits them. They are banned in commercial motor vehicles under federal rule 49 CFR 392.71.
Verified Aug 3, 2026 · Source: ecfr.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — West Virginia has no state ban on them.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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