Quote from
http://www.snooper.co.uk/radar_detector_faq.htm#12http://www.snooper.co.uk/radar_detector_faq.htm#12
Are they Legal ?
A In January 1998 the Queens Bench Divisional Court stated that radar detectors had in fact never been illegal in the UK , contrary to popular folklore and the repeated claims of the police.
Radar detectors are also legal to use in Germany, Netherlands and Italy. Denmark legalised the sale and use of radar/laser only to reverse its decision 12 months later.
Countries such as France, Belgium and Switzerland continue to take a very dim view of anyone found in possession of a radar detector. Confiscation of equipment and an instant fine is normal. In the Republic of Ireland it is legal to own a radar detector but illegal to be found using one.
Most police officers dont know they are legal so watch out. It seems that there are still quite a few police officers that still think they are illegal. It is NOT against the law to own a unit.... you can go back an claim it back if they take it from you.
Quote the following....
"A judgement of the Queens Bench Divisional Court dated 29th January 1998 makes it clear that the use of Radar Detectors is not unlawful as has hitherto been claimed by some. In the past a few prosecutions have been brought by claiming the use of radar detectors was contrary to section 5(b)(I) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as amended by section 3 of the Post Office Act 1969. However the Acts refer to the interception of wireless communications for the purpose of obtaining information as to the content, sender or addressee of any message. The Court concluded that the radar transmission was not communicating a message and therefore equipment designed to detect the presence of the transmission could not decode any such message. It was further stated that section 1(1) of the Act, which requires a licence for the reception of radio signals, has been superseded by the Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (Receivers)(Exemption) Regulations (SI 1989 No123) which exempts radar detectors and similar equipment from the need for such licences."
Very good for detecting static Gatso cameras but since the Police mostly use laser on motorways and can read your speed in a matter of milliseconds, dont think you would react in time to save your licence if you are going >90.
GPS based systems have databases of all UK static cameras but obviously cant detect mobile units. Best to get one that has Laser/Radar and GPS all in one.
Heated front windscreens also cause problems with these devices.
Hope this helps...
