California drivers are not allowed to have any device in their vehicles that can interfere with equipment used by local police or the California Highway Patrol to measure speed.
Drivers found to have devices that utilize lasers to help evade speeding tickets can face misdemeanor charges.
California Laws About Speed-Monitoring Jamming Devices
Some fast-moving California drivers may want to reduce the chances they’ll get hit with a speeding ticket. However, California’s vehicle codes make it clear that they cannot rely on laser-jamming devices and other equipment that might influence the reading of a law enforcement officer’s speed monitoring radar and laser tools.
California Vehicle Code 28150. (a-b)
“(a) No vehicle shall be equipped with any device that is designed for, or is capable of, jamming, scrambling, neutralizing, disabling, or otherwise interfering with radar, laser, or any other electronic device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of moving objects.
(b) No person shall use, buy, possess, manufacture, sell, or otherwise distribute any device that is designed for jamming, scrambling, neutralizing, disabling, or otherwise interfering with radar, laser, or any other electronic device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of moving objects.”
The law makes it clear that motorists are guilty of an infraction if they:
- Buy such a device
- Use a device
- Sell a device
- Distribute a device
- Manufacturer a device
Who Can Have a Jamming Device?
CVC 28150. (e) lays out an exception to this legal mandate. Someone who possesses a federal license for operating a device that interferes with speed-check equipment can legally use the devices.
The license must be kept in the vehicle that carries the laser or radar equipment at all times.
Punishment for Being Caught with a Laser-Jamming Device in California?
Drivers caught using a device that affects an officer’s speed-monitoring equipment would usually only face an infraction. This is the least serious of traffic offenses. Those caught would likely pay a fine. Beware, that with court costs, even a small fine can grow to a considerable sum.
However, CVC 28150. (e) goes into a situation where a criminal penalty would be assessed. Drivers caught with or using four or more of these devices could face a misdemeanor charge. This is a criminal charge, but less serious than a felony. Offenders could face fines and even jail time for this type of offense.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident involving a serious injury, you should talk over your case and your options with a California Car Accident Lawyer at Maison Law. If your crash was caused by a reckless driver who was perhaps speeding or engaging in other reckless behavior, you shouldn’t face your recovery costs alone.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. It’s a chance to determine how much an at-fault driver should be providing to you. And if you need our help to earn more for your claim, you won’t need any upfront money. Maison Law doesn’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement a car insurance company must provide.
