Are radar detectors allowed to be installed in 2021?
3 Answers
There are no explicit legal provisions prohibiting radar detectors, so they can be considered not illegal. However, some regions may prohibit their use. Reasons for prohibition: The installation and use of "radar detectors" can interfere with the normal operation of traffic monitoring equipment and the reception of signals from such devices. Therefore, for safety reasons, some regions prohibit their use. After installing radar detectors, some drivers may drive recklessly at high speeds and suddenly brake before speed detection points to evade monitoring, which is clearly detrimental to safe driving. This behavior can easily lead to unnecessary traffic accidents, as sudden braking may cause following vehicles to fail to react in time, resulting in rear-end collisions. This is also why some regions do not allow the use of radar detectors. Introduction to radar detectors: With the strengthening of traffic monitoring measures, many private car owners have purchased radar detectors or GPS navigation devices with electronic eye detection functions to reduce the number of traffic tickets. The main purpose of radar detectors is to alert drivers in advance to the presence of electronic eyes or speed detection radars, allowing them to prepare accordingly to avoid fines and penalty points for speeding or violations. The goal of radar detectors is to prevent drivers from being caught and fined by traffic cameras for speeding. However, as long as drivers comply with traffic laws and drive safely, there is no need to use radar detectors at all.
As a car enthusiast, I used to pay close attention to radar detector devices, but since 2021, Chinese traffic regulations have strictly prohibited the installation or use of any form of radar detectors or jamming equipment. The law explicitly states that such tools interfere with normal law enforcement and threaten road safety. I remember one time my friend used one on the highway and was caught by traffic police, resulting in an immediate fine and penalty points. Nowadays, with so many smart traffic cameras, these devices are easily detected. If you're worried about speeding, I highly recommend using navigation apps like Gaode or Baidu Maps. Their built-in radar detector features legally alert you to speed traps based on publicly available data—completely free, safe, and reliable. I use this method daily while driving, combined with regular vehicle checks, to ensure everything is by the book and avoid unnecessary trouble. Everyone must follow the rules—safe driving is more important than anything else.
As a long-time car owner, installing a radar detector is absolutely not advisable these days! Recently, traffic authorities have been cracking down hard on such devices because they interfere with camera and radar enforcement, affecting fairness. I heard that even those purchased in 2021 are now subject to penalties, with hefty fines and points deducted from your license. My advice is to simply avoid these gadgets altogether and switch to the built-in navigation system that comes with new cars—many models now have intelligent alert features. When driving on highways, make it a habit to watch for roadside signs and control your speed. With years of driving experience, I believe safety awareness comes first—don’t risk big losses for small gains. With so many road cameras, having a radar detector can actually make you uneasy. If you’re really concerned about speeding, consider installing a legitimate dash cam, which can also monitor road conditions.
