Montana’s Radar Detector Rules May Surprise You

You know those long stretches of highway in Montana where it feels like you could drive forever? Ever catch yourself thinking a radar detector might be handy out there? You’re definitely not the only one.

Radar Detectors and Jammers Are Legal for Montana Drivers

If you’re driving your own car, SUV, or pickup, radar detectors and even laser jammers are completely legal in Montana. Everyday drivers don’t have to worry about breaking the law by having one plugged in or turned on. So if you’ve been considering getting one for your next road trip, you’re perfectly within your rights to do so.

Radar Detectors Banned in Commercial Vehicles Across Montana

Things change if you’re driving a commercial vehicle. Both federal and state rules say radar detectors are a flat out no go in these cases. A driver cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle that has a radar detector installed, and they cannot use one while driving. On top of that, motor carriers aren’t allowed to require or even permit their drivers to break this rule. In other words, if you’re behind the wheel of a big rig, a bus, or another large commercial vehicle, the detector has to stay out of the cab.

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Why Montana Bans Radar Detectors in Commercial Vehicles

The reasoning here is pretty simple. Commercial vehicles carry more responsibility on the road, and safety is always the priority. By banning radar detectors in these vehicles, the law aims to make sure professional drivers aren’t tempted to speed or push their limits just because they think they can avoid getting caught.

Montana Splits the Rules Between Personal and Commercial Vehicles

For most Montanans driving a personal vehicle, radar detectors are completely legal, and you can use one without any trouble. But for anyone whose job involves operating a commercial motor vehicle, the rules are much stricter. It’s a clear divide: personal vehicles are fine, commercial vehicles are not.

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Radar Detectors Are Fine for Cars but Banned in Commercial Vehicles

Here’s the takeaway. If you’re cruising in your own car, you can use a radar detector or even a laser jammer without breaking any laws. But if you’re driving a commercial vehicle, whether it’s hauling freight, carrying passengers, or operating as part of a motor carrier, you cannot have one in your vehicle, period.