No, radar detectors are illegal in Washington, D.C. under D.C. Code § 50-2201.04, which prohibits their use or possession while operating a vehicle. The Metropolitan Police Department enforces this ban, and violators face fines up to $200. The 2026 D.C. Council’s traffic safety amendments reinforce penalties for electronic countermeasure devices.
Key Regulations for Radar Detectors in Washington D.C.
- Prohibition Statute: D.C. Code § 50-2201.04 explicitly bans radar detectors, classifying them as electronic countermeasure devices. Possession or operation while driving constitutes a moving violation.
- Enforcement by MPD: The Metropolitan Police Department actively cites drivers under this statute, with fines escalating for repeat offenses. Dashboard-mounted detectors are prima facie evidence of use.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The D.C. Council’s pending traffic safety legislation (Bill 25-460) expands penalties to include mandatory driver education courses for first-time offenders and potential license suspension for repeat violations.