Laser Jammers Explained
Laser speed detection is a method of measuring the speed of a moving object, usually a motor vehicle. It relies on the use of a laser beam, transmitted in the form of a pulse, reflected by the rear of the subject vehicle and detected by the laser unit. Radar speed detection performs the same function, but makes use of radar waves, instead.
Laser jammers are devices designed to emit a laser pulse that enables a vehicle to avoid detection by a police officer using a laser speed detection system. The laser jam signal is emitted during the time the electrode resistor, or speed trap, has been triggered by the reflective signal of the laser beam. In other words, the signal is emitted to the extent the laser jammer is receiving a reflected signal resulting from a laser speed detection system being used on the car. According to industry standards, the laser signal must be emitted from the vehicle at a low power level in a very short time frame so that only an object in close proximity to the car will be affected.
Though often confused with radar detectors , which do not serve the same purpose, laser jammers, like radar jammers, are strictly devices used to prevent a driver from being caught speeding by law enforcement. Radar detectors are devices used to detect radar signals for the purpose of warning drivers that they are approaching a location where speed traps may be in use. For example, if a driver received a warning from his radar detector that he was approaching a speed trap set up by an officer using a stationary radar speed detection system (commonly referred to as a "speed trap"), he could take measures to slow down to avoid being ticketed. Unlike radar detectors, however, laser jammers are never used as a device for detecting radar. In fact, there are no consumer devices available as of the date of this writing that can be used as detectors for either type of radar detection system.
Arizona Laws On Laser Jammers
Law enforcement officers and other drivers may appreciate the fact that a driver is using a radar or laser detection device. That technology is not illegal to use in Arizona, but using a jamming device is. Jammers emit signals on the same wavelengths as police radar or laser systems and can render these systems useless. In 2010, the Arizona House of Representatives passed HB 2326, a bill to prohibit "the use of devices that interfere with or disable a radar speed detection device." The bill went into effect on July 29, 2010, and was signed by Governor Jan Brewer.
When the bill was first proposed, it garnered some opposition in the form of letters from automatic door, ATM, and "pay-at-the-pump" gas station operators, who opposed its passage. However, the bill passed through the Arizona Legislature without incident. Those who operate business facilities that rely on these technologies have an interest in protecting the profitability of their businesses. Automatic opening doors, ATMs, and "pay-at-the-pump" gas stations rely on radar or laser, and jamming would interfere with their function. Such devices are not illegal to operate, and the success of these industries at the expense of rampant speeding could be affected. Commercial establishments have a right to privacy on their premises and to uninterrupted business operations.
Arizona law is similar to that of other states that ban jammers. Many states that ban jammers use language such as that proposed in HB 2326: "To knowingly install, operate or use within this state a device that transmits a signal, or aids in the transmission of a signal, that interferes with or disables a radar speed detection device." This section would appear to render many of the most common radar devices illegal in Arizona. Whether or not law enforcement officers can easily distinguish radar detectors from jammers may be an issue going forward in Arizona.
Penalties For Using A Laser Jammer In Arizona
The use of a laser jamming device in Arizona could result in substantial fines for the driver. Under the statute that establishes laser jamming as an offense, a person would be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor for "possessing a laser jamming device that is not disabled, that is designed or intended to be operated on a motor vehicle or motorboat or that is held or used by the operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat." Although this statute does not define the term "designed or intended to be operated by a motor vehicle or motorboat," the definition embraces devices that are to be manually activated by a driver to interfere with the operation of a police laser speed detection device. Because this would include a laser jammer, the imposition of a fine, imprisonment or both is a possibility. The range of penalties for a class 2 misdemeanor conviction under the Arizona Penal Code ยง13-707 is no less than 4 months for 2 prior convictions and up to 4 months for 3 prior convictions.
Laser Jamming Compared To Other States
Arizona’s stance on laser jammers is not unique. Just to the West, California prohibits laser jammers in that sales, installation and use are forbidden in California. Texas has a similar position as it is illegal to sell, and use a laser jammer in the state of Texas. Meanwhile Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, there are no specific laws that address laser jammers.
Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, and South Carolina differentiate their laws to laser radar detectors by allowing the use of laser radar detectors while prohibiting the sale of laser radar detectors in the state. Minnesota, Montana, and Washington have a similar approach but go one step further to ban the sale, and possession of laser radar detector.
Although nationwide, there are no uniform laws regarding the sale, installation and use of laser radar detectors, Alabama, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia prohibit or limit the operation, sale, and use of both laser radar detectors and laser jammers.
Alternative To Laser Jammers
One of the best alternatives to laser jammers, besides not speeding, is an ultra-sensitive radar detector. Many drivers are under the impression that laser guns cannot be detected which is far from the truth. While the horns on laser detectors have always been more sensitive to Ka band they are becoming more sensitive to LIDAR units as well. Some expert drivers can pick up a ready light from a lidar gun if tuned correctly. This allows the driver an opportunity to slow down before he or she is caught speeding.
With so many options available it is important to do your research and determine which radar detector is right for you. Products like the Whistler CR85 provide enough performance and features to satisfy most users, sometimes at a lower cost than competing units . Members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Highway Safety Committee on Speeding and Traffic Safety served as the panel of judges who compared performance, price, and portability of more than 35 detectors of various brands. The CR 85 ended up coming in 1st place. Many police officers are now capable of manually calibrating the radar guns before stopping speeders. The operator may ask you to slowly increase your speed until the radar gun goes off. If the radar gun reads a close approximation to the speed you are going there is a possibility the officer will stick with his verbal warning. There are many other alternatives to purchasing a laser jammer or radar detector.
Expert Opinions and Commentary
Enforcement officials and legal experts are expressing strong opinions, but little proof that the use of laser jammers goes against state law. Those claiming illegal use of laser jammers often cite an Arizona law that prohibits devices that "interfere with; jam; or degrade radar, laser, or other emergency signal jamming, radar, or laser-based measuring devices," a description that closely fits laser jammers. The problem is that, despite their promising name, laser jammers do not really jam speed guns. Instead, they act like active speed displays, giving away the presence of a speed trap so that a driver can react in time to avoid being caught speeding.
No evidence exists that laser jammers are an effective way to avoid detection, which is what makes it surprising that enforcement officials are so adamant that possession of one is against the law. During a debate about new traffic regulations in Arizona, Sen. Karen Fann cited the theoretical dangers of laser jammers, and made a series of claims about their performance. "If you drive into Phoenix, for instance, with one of these on your vehicle, you will slow down, you will get charged six times. You will get all the fines at once. If I could tell you right now how much it would be, I would say about $4,500," said Sen. Fann. Sen. Fann’s comments were primarily anecdotal, and little evidence exists that possession or use of laser jammers has led to any legal penalties. A 2008 study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension produced some research on the subject, and listed laser jammers among a large number of other items that "are advertised and promoted as ways to avoid ticketing." But the study went on to note, "There is little research or anecdotal evidence regarding the efficacy of many of these products." The Arizona Republic, the largest newspaper in the Phoenix area, took issue with the version of the regulation limiting use of laser jammers. In its article, the Arizona Republic quoted Jesse J. Seeds, an attorney who practices criminal defense and civil litigation. "The entire concept of these devices may be illusory," he said. "They may not even be that effective at all." Reporter Lily Altavena, who wrote the article, wrote, "In a statement sent by email, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said that no one has been pulled over for simply possessing a radar or laser jammer, and cautioned state lawmakers that the devices may not even work."
Conclusion: Observing The Law
In conclusion, it is crucial for all drivers in Arizona to understand and stay informed about the legalities surrounding the use of laser jammers. While these devices offer a significant advantage in detecting laser speed enforcement devices , their legality remains a gray area and is subject to local jurisdiction. Ensuring your compliance with your locality’s laws will help you avoid penalties and fines that can be associated with the illegal use of such technology.
Each driver should take an active approach in educating themselves in the latest news regarding laser jammers and other countermeasures, in addition to abiding by the laws.