No, radar detectors are illegal for all vehicles on New Jersey roads under N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.1, with enforcement by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Commercial drivers face additional federal restrictions under 49 CFR § 392.71. Violations may result in fines up to $85.
Key Regulations for Radar Detectors in New Jersey
- Statewide Ban: N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.1 explicitly prohibits the use, possession, or operation of radar detectors in any vehicle, including passenger cars and commercial trucks.
- Commercial Vehicle Exclusion: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations (49 CFR § 392.71) extend the prohibition to commercial drivers, regardless of state lines.
- Enforcement & Penalties: The NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety enforces violations with fines up to $85, and repeat offenses may escalate to court proceedings under N.J.S.A. 39:5-41.
Local municipalities, such as Newark and Jersey City, have reinforced compliance through targeted traffic patrols, particularly near high-incidence zones like the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. As of 2026, no legislative amendments have been proposed to alter the statewide prohibition, maintaining strict adherence to the original statute.