Common car feature could get you arrested in some US states

Common car feature could get you arrested in some US states

Many cars now come with any number of mod cons to make them more comfortable or easier to drive.

It could be cruise control for the freeway, heated seats, cameras giving a 360 degree view, or any number of extras.

But one car feature could land a driver in hot water in certain parts of the world.

A common feature in cars is illegal in some states. Credit: Pexels/Oleksandr P
A common feature in cars is illegal in some states. Credit: Pexels/Oleksandr P

States can have any number of rules and laws which govern how drivers should behave on the road, and what is and isn’t permitted.

For example, many a European driver has found themselves honked at traffic lights as they wait for the lights to change, unaware that they can turn right on a red light in the states.

But this rule isn’t about what can do on the road so much as what devices you can use in your car.

Many modern cars are now built with a device called a radar detector included in the vehicle.

This device can be used to detect upcoming speed cameras so a driver knows to slow down and avoid a penalty.

Speed camera detectors can serve a useful function as they can remind drivers of speed limits and encourage them to be mindful of their speed when driving.

This could result in safer driving habits overall.

But some people disagree with this. They argue that alerting drivers of speed cameras means they can just slow down when passing the cameras, before speeding off safe in the knowledge they won’t get caught.

Speed cameras are usually pretty easy to spot. Credit: KevinHolt / Getty
Speed cameras are usually pretty easy to spot. Credit: KevinHolt / Getty

And it’s this argument in particular which has led to some US states banning the use of radar detectors altogether.

This could be a problem as many modern cars come with some sort of radar detector included in the build of the vehicle.

Using this device in certain states is illegal, so is something to be aware of if are you live in these states, or are visiting.

For the vast majority of states in the USA, 48 out of 50 in fact, using these devices is perfectly legal.

Speed camera detectors are banned in certain states. Credit: Alex Walker / Getty
Speed camera detectors are banned in certain states. Credit: Alex Walker / Getty

However, if you are in Virginia, Mississippi or the District of Columbia, then you need to be careful if you have a car with one of these devices installed as these are the states where it’s illegal.

It’s worth noting that not all cars have these devices fitted, it tends to be more modern cars which have them.

Nonetheless, if you live in Virginia or Mississippi or are planning a trip there, it’s worth checking if your car has one so you can deactivate it and avoid getting in trouble.

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