The best advice for people who are always in trouble for speeding is NOT to buy a radar detector or LIDAR jammer, but to slow down.
- Radar detectors or LIDAR detectors are designed to recognize when there may be radar or lasers nearby
- Police use radar and/or LIDAR technology to detect speeding drivers
- It is against the law to use radar detectors across Australia and can result in fines of up to $6500
If you’ve been toying with the idea of a radar or LIDAR detector for your car, you need to know that you could be in more trouble than if you were caught speeding.
These detectors are designed to warn drivers of a potential speed trap, while other basic uses of the technology are designed to detect and jam the laser’s signal.
Police across Australia use radar and/or LIDAR to detect speeding motorists and therefore the use of radar detectors on the road is not legal in ANY Australian state or territory.
It’s also illegal in some states to own that type of device, meaning there’s the potential for double trouble for someone caught in possession of a radar detector, especially if they’re using it while driving.
For a summary of the rules, see the laws in each Australian jurisdiction.
Queensland The Road Transport Act provides that: “A person may not drive a vehicle if in or in the vehicle there is: (a) a device that prevents the effective use of the tachometer; or (b) a device that detects the use of a tachometer.
Please also note that you may be penalized even if the device is idle or in normal working order. An on-the-spot penalty of $400 or a maximum court-imposed penalty of 40 penalty units, or $5750, may be imposed.
IN New South Wales, the rules state that it is illegal to possess or use a “prohibited odometer article,” which could result in a court-imposed penalty of $2200. NSW Police have posted on social media that drivers have also been fined up to nine license points for using radar detector technology.
Victoria have also outlawed tachometers. It is “the crime of selling, using or possessing a tachometer”.
“A person may not own, sell, use or possess a device whose sole or primary purpose is to:
(a) prevent the effective use of road safety cameras in accordance with regulations or
speed detector; or
(b) to detect when a specified speed detector is in use.”
Those found guilty could face up to 20 court-imposed penalty units ($3846). In that state, in the three years to June 30, 2021, there were 57 charges under the law, of which 67% resulted in fines.
South AustraliaRoad Traffic Act 1961 – Article 53B makes it illegal to sell or use radar detectors or jammers. The SA Road User’s Manual states: “Driving a vehicle is an offense if the vehicle or trailer being towed by it has a device that prevents the effective use of a tachometer or a device that detects the use of a tachometer.” So don’t think you can hide one in your caravan.
The fine applicable to “driving a vehicle with a radar detector or similar device in or on the vehicle or trailer” is $570 (including a crime victim tax payment of $94), while additional fines for “possibly in possession of a radar detector or similar device while moving in or on a vehicle or trailer,” may also be imposed at $570.
Western Australia is the final jurisdiction to ban the use of radar detectors. From October 12, 2021, motorists found to have radar detectors installed in/inside or on their vehicles, whether they work or not, will be fined $1200 and deducted 7 points, and drivers of heavy vehicles will be fined $1500 and subject to 7 demerit points.
IN tasmania, there is a sizable fine for the offense of “driving a vehicle or trailer with a radar (or similar) detection device or having a device that prevents the effective use of the tachometer”. If you are caught, you will be fined $1040.
In our capital, ACTThe “sale, purchase, or use of radar jamming and detection equipment” is illegal under Motor Traffic Act section 164G.
“A person may not use, sell or offer for sale or purchase radar detection equipment or radar jamming equipment. A person may not operate a motor vehicle or stop a motor vehicle on a public street or public place if the vehicle is equipped with or carries a radar detector or radar jammer. It is an offense for the owner of a motor vehicle to operate or stand on a public street or public place contrary to subsection (2).”
If you are found guilty of this crime, you could be fined $3200.
The Northern Territory subject to other jurisdictions in that it is illegal to possess a “radar detector or similar device” whether it is in operation, in good working order, or both.
“A person may not drive a vehicle if the vehicle or trailer towed by the vehicle is in or on the vehicle: (a) a device that prevents the effective use of the tachometer; or (b) a device that detects the use of a tachometer.”
The maximum penalty is 40 units, equivalent to $6480. Oh!
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
