Is Radar Detectors Legal in Australia After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No. Radar detectors are illegal nationwide under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and State Road Rules, with enforcement by ACMA and local traffic authorities. Using one risks fines up to $2,200 and device confiscation, as they interfere with police radar systems.


Key Regulations for Radar Detectors in Australia

  • Federal Prohibition: The Radiocommunications Act 1992 (Cth) criminalizes possession, use, or sale of radar detectors, classifying them as unauthorised radiocommunications devices under Section 162. ACMA actively monitors spectrum compliance.
  • State-Level Enforcement: All states and territories mirror federal restrictions via road rules (e.g., Road Safety Road Rules 2017 (Vic) s. 294) or criminal codes, with penalties varying by jurisdiction.
  • 2026 Compliance Shifts: ACMA’s Radiocommunications (Prohibited Devices) Determination 2023 tightens enforcement, targeting online sales and in-vehicle use, following a 15% rise in detector-related prosecutions in 2024.