Experts at the wheel. Traveling to different countries with a radar detector Active radar detector and radar detector - what is it
Any thematic and technical community has its own “trademark” problems. Gun lovers will peck at a neophyte who carelessly calls a trigger a hammer, and radar detector experts always troll those who, in the old fashioned way, call these devices “radar detectors.” They say that a radar detector is a device that only warns of a traffic police ambush, and a radar detector is an active suppressor that targets traffic police equipment with targeted interference over the air, preventing it from working. In essence, this is exactly how it is, although quibbles about terminology in this case are purely out of harm’s way, since 99.9% of all devices used by ordinary car owners are warning devices. And even if you call them scientifically radar detectors, or call them vulgarly radar detectors, the essence does not change, and everything is clear to everyone.
Real anti-radars, active suppressors or “jammers”, as they are also called, are quite rare and in many ways semi-mythical. Few people have seen them in person, and even fewer have ever used them. Let's lift the veil of “secret”: the founder of “Koles” will tell you everything about active radar jammers forum about radar detectors Vladimir "MONO".
K: How did it all start? Well, at least in Russia?
IN: The history of the emergence and spread of radar jammers has always been narrowly niche. In the 90s, American-made Scorpion XP active radar jammers were found on the Russian market. They were really effective against our radars of the old generations “Sokol” and “Iskra”, since they emitted, although powerful, but simple, weakly modulated signals that were easy to suppress by transmitting interference to the radar at a level stronger than its signal reflected from the vehicle. But even in the late 90s, when the nature of Iskra’s signals was updated, Scorpio could no longer cope with it. These radar detectors have not gained much popularity due to their high price. And later they disappeared completely - apparently, production stopped.
K: What does the situation look like today?
IN: The range of anti-radar jammers is limited, and what is available is either not effective at all, such as devices with passive re-emission, which do not have their own interference transmitter, but have two antennas - one receives the radar signal, and the second “sends it back” , or only partially effective. For example, in recent years we have tested the Polish Blue Rider radar jammer. It has proven its performance, but not with all radars. The device is mainly designed for low-power European radars, such as Mesta, Robot Multaradar and the like, which it quite successfully jammed from a distance of 200-300 meters. But, for example, it didn’t help well against the “Chris” tripods, it didn’t help at all against the “Strelka” with its complexly modulated signal, and so on. As a result, there is currently no absolutely effective device on the market with which you can “drive without thinking about fines,” even for a lot of money.
K: Why? It would seem that there will always be people willing to buy such a gadget...
IN: There are two reasons. The first is the numerous new generation of radars. Many of them have very complex signals that cannot be interrupted by simple interference: you need to send them the same signal that they emit. Accordingly, the radar manufacturer must load a database of sample signatures into it and regularly monitor changes: after all, tomorrow the radar manufacturer will upgrade it, send out a firmware update - and the radars will work differently, and the jammer will no longer cope. A manufacturer can keep jammers relevant, but to do this they must have a broad, promising market, like warning-type radar detectors. But the sales market for jammers is extremely narrow, you can’t make much money there, and nothing motivates foreign manufacturers to keep their finger on the pulse of the numerous Russian radar equipment.
The second reason is the actively developing segment of radars, which do not use the classic Doppler radar principle of emitting a signal and receiving the signal reflected from the car. They work by measuring average speed and analyzing video footage, which means it’s impossible to jam them in principle...
K: On many automotive Internet forums, the topic of creating homemade radar suppressors is regularly raised and circuits are discussed. Do home-made people produce individually effective devices?
IN: In the 90s, homemade jammers crushing Sokol-type radars were encountered. But today the schemes of previous years and their modifications are useless. You can make a simple transmitter for radar frequencies, solder a horn antenna out of a tin can, and it will even work, but it won’t work to jam a modern radar operating in a wide frequency band with a complexly modulated signal... But about someone today I was making a radar detector on my knee with complex processor control, with a base of signal signatures in memory, recognizing the type of radar and emitting appropriately modulated radio waves towards it, I did not hear...
K: So, in essence, the market for radar jammers is at a dead end, and such devices are not worth considering seriously?
IN: Alas, this is true. You shouldn't expect any device to appear that effectively makes your car "invisible". Some prospects are seen only with laser jammers. The fact is that even the best modern warning-type radar detectors work very poorly against laser radars. Therefore, there is some life in this area, there are manufacturers of laser jammers: the Croatian “Laser Interceptor”, the Taiwanese “Antilaser”, the German “Blinder”, and a number of others. Escort has models of radar detectors with a laser jammer. Some of them cope with our LISD and Amata lidars. But, again, the effectiveness of these devices largely depends on the manufacturer’s ability to track changes in the radar algorithm, which also do not stand still, and release software updates in a timely manner. Plus, for truly effective work, the car must have a whole range of equipment: an advanced radar detector, a laser jammer, a GPS informer with an up-to-date database. These are 2-3 gadgets that need to be carried with you, updated on time, protected from theft... Many over time come to the conclusion that it is easier to drive while observing the speed limit.
K: What is the relationship between radar jammers and the law?
IN: In many countries, even warning-type radar detectors are prohibited, to say nothing of active radar detectors... In our country, jammers also belong to unlicensed radio transmitting equipment and fall under the administrative article “Unauthorized design, construction, manufacture, acquisition, installation or operation of radio electronic equipment and high-frequency devices". This is punishable against citizens by a fine of 500 to 1000 rubles with confiscation of radio-electronic equipment. However, this works mainly against systematically operating stationary radio stations, and only if someone complains about interference. We have no precedents for detecting jammers in a car and subsequent proof of their illegal use, because it is extremely difficult to detect and prove their use, and they are so rare that the punitive authorities actually do not know about them. With laser jammers it is even easier, since they are not radio transmitting devices and are not subject to any law at all. However, foreign manufacturers, when sending a parcel with an order, always call the device a “parking sensor” - just in case...
What driver wants to communicate with the traffic police once again? The question is, of course, rhetorical. That’s why unique devices that notify you when you approach security cameras and traffic police posts are becoming increasingly popular in Russia - radar detectors or radar detectors.
Actually, strictly speaking, these are far from synonymous. If the former emit signals that interfere with traffic police radars and are completely prohibited in Russia, then the latter only warn of approaching police radars and are on free sale. However, in the world both definitions have merged together, and we will not argue with this. For clarity, we will call prohibited devices jammers, however, we are not talking about them.
Let's return to radar detectors. In Russia, their use is completely permitted; no fines are imposed for having this device in a car. But not every country has the same liberal legislation as in Russia. Meanwhile, many, without even thinking about it, travel to Europe with their favorite radar detector and are sincerely surprised when law enforcement agencies confiscate the device and demand a lot of money. In general, in order to ensure that such an unpleasant situation, God forbid, does not happen to you, the specialists of the Putevoy company have compiled a list of the most popular countries among Russian tourists, where the use of radar detectors is in some way punishable by law.
Finland
The use of radar detectors is prohibited.Belgium
It is prohibited to use, import, possess, offer for sale, sell or distribute for free equipment that displays the presence of traffic control devices and interferes with their functioning. Violation of the ban is punishable by a prison term of 15 to 3 months or a fine. If you are detained again, the fine is doubled. In this case, the detected equipment is confiscated and destroyed.
France
The use of radar detectors is prohibited. If a device is found, you face a fine, as well as confiscation of both the device and the car in which it was found.
Latvia
The use of radar detectors is prohibited. There are restrictions on the sale of such devices.
Lithuania
Use prohibited. If a radar detector is detected, you will face a fine and confiscation of the device.
Luxembourg
Use prohibited. If a radar detector is detected, you may face a prison sentence of 3 to 8 years, as well as a fine.
Austria
Use is prohibited; upon detection, a fine and confiscation of the device are imposed.
Poland
The use and transportation of a radar detector in an active state is prohibited. Carriage is allowed only when the radar detector is declared unsuitable for use (for example, packaged). In case of violation, a monetary fine will be levied.
Sweden
Prohibition on production, transfer, possession and use. Violation may result in confiscation of the device, a fine or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Switzerland
Use, transportation, import, sale, free distribution, purchase, installation are prohibited. Violation is subject to a fine, as well as confiscation of the radar and the vehicle in which it was found.
Denmark
It is prohibited to equip a vehicle with equipment or individual parts that are configured to receive electromagnetic waves from police devices configured to control speed or that interfere with the operation of these devices. Violation is subject to a monetary fine.
Spain
The use of radar detectors is prohibited.
Hungary
Possession, use while driving, and advertising of automobile radar detectors is prohibited. Violation may result in a fine and confiscation of the device.
Germany
The authorities have a very original approach to radar detectors. Germany. There, radar detectors are not only not prohibited, but their use is encouraged. Moreover, holidays and lotteries are often held, the main prize of which is the radar detector. Thus, the German police fight for law and order on the roads. In especially dangerous sections of roads, so-called false police radars are hung to encourage drivers to slow down.
conclusions
Before you go on a road trip abroad, study the legislation of the country you are going to visit. It is quite possible that a harmless radar detector there could become a reason to initiate a criminal case.
How can a dashing driver save his money without running into a fine for speeding? The most obvious option - changing your habits and strictly following the rules - is not liked by everyone. Many people prefer to rely on modern technology: install a radar detector or a radar detector. In order to drive calmly along your native roads and... still run into a fine when you find yourself abroad.
Yes, attitudes towards the use of these devices differ significantly in different countries. In some places you can safely use not only detectors, but also anti-radar devices that interfere, but in others any such device is illegal. Let's take a brief overview by walking around the world map.
In our country, only devices that interfere with speed-detecting devices are officially prohibited. Buying a radar detector in Minsk (precisely a radar detector, not a detector) is very difficult and, taking into account our laws, pointless. But in Russia and Ukraine there is no ban on either radar detectors or antiradars.
However, as soon as you go abroad in a different direction, the situation changes dramatically. Almost throughout the entire territory of the European Union, such devices are prohibited not only from being installed, but even from being transported in packaged form. This also applies to our closest “European neighbors”. In Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, radar detectors are outlawed. But, for example, in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria the situation is similar to ours: detectors can be used, but radar detectors cannot.
The situation in Germany is especially worth noting. In RuNet you can find information that the German authorities encourage the use of detectors and even distribute them to drivers for free. This was once true, but now in Germany, as well as almost throughout the continent, any devices that can sense radar frequencies are prohibited. Of the large European countries, such devices are currently only allowed to be used in the UK.
But American police actually encourage the use of radar detectors. Each state has its own laws, but in the vast majority of territories these devices are completely legal. The legality of using this type of device in Canada also depends on the laws of the specific province.
In Asia, everything is simpler: most states (with the exception of Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and some others) do not prohibit the use of such equipment. Moreover, this in no way depends on the “civilization” of the drivers. As you know, in China and especially in India there is chaos on the roads, but in Japan and Korea there is much more order. However, radar detectors are allowed in all of these states.
The use of devices that allow you to “fight” radar is an ambiguous task: hence the different attitudes towards such technology. In any case, while on the territory of the country, you must strictly observe its laws - this will be useful for both your health and your wallet!
According to official data from sociologists, the most frequently issued fine is a fine for speeding. It all depends on the numerical parameter of the violation. You may pay a large sum, or you may lose your driver's license. That is why more than half of all car enthusiasts purchase a device such as.
Types of equipment
There are two types of radar detectors: the radar detector itself and the radar detector. They are fundamentally different. The radar detector operates using special high-frequency waves that block the operation of government radars that control speed limits on the roads. Some may simply distort the vehicle's actual speed. The latest, more advanced models can even disable monitoring equipment. The radar detector only gives the car owner a signal that a working radar is approaching. Its radius of action is 1-3 kilometers, this is enough for the driver to have time to reduce the speed to the required speed.
Types of punishment
Before purchasing this equipment, many car owners think about its legality. Back in 2012, the State Duma approved an entire article banning the use of equipment capable of blocking the operation of official speed limit vehicles. In Russia, for use, the car owner faces a fine of 500 to 1,500 rubles and confiscation of illegal equipment. If the use of a radar detector is classified as opposition to law enforcement agencies in the performance of official duties, then this may lead to more serious consequences. Anti-radar detectors are not allowed for use in Russia, but they are not prohibited by law, which gives rise to a large number of discussions on this topic.
In the European Union countries this is much stricter. The first time, a fine is also issued and the radar detector is taken away; the next time, the driver is deprived of his driver’s license. In some cases, the violator faces criminal liability.
If you look at the websites of car enthusiasts, you can find entire forums dedicated to disputes about the legality of using radar detectors. Many share their “sad” experience of using it and advise not to risk their driver’s license and drive according to the rules. But there are also those who do not agree with this ban, believing that there are situations that allow you to significantly exceed the speed and, accordingly, break the law, create an emergency situation on the road, and risk your life.
Not all Ukrainians know that in many European countries it is prohibited to use radar detectors that warn of traffic violations.
Their use while driving is considered a gross violation, and is punishable not only by a large fine, but also by penalty points.
But people remain people, and if they can break the law, they will always try to do so. The ban on radar detectors was no exception, which enterprising inventors from Germany tried to circumvent with the help of modern technologies.
They considered that the German police would not be able to call ordinary smartphones radar detectors. And we created a mobile application for them with the function of tracking speed measurement systems. This software, installed on the phone, showed on a map the locations of stationary photo and video cameras, as well as police patrols with mobile speed meters.
By the way, the drivers informed each other about the latter themselves, entering information into the application where the patrols were currently stationed. Thus, the smartphone warned drivers about cameras and “radars”. And at the same time, everyone was sure that such actions did not contradict the law.
But the developers of this application were mistaken. They did not take into account the fact that German laws are written wisely. Regarding the use of radar detectors, it is clearly stated that in Germany
“Drivers of motorized vehicles are prohibited from using any technical devices , capable of warning about traffic control systems" (§ 23 paragraph 1b StVO, StVO is the German Code of Traffic Regulations)
And as you understand, a smartphone successfully falls under this definition of the law.
As soon as German patrol officers began to “catch” drivers who had a phone with an anti-radar application running on the holder, they realized that they were trying to deceive them. And from the very first incidents they began to fine violators 75 euros.
The punished drivers tried to challenge such police actions in court, but lost. The result of their struggle was not a relaxation, but a tightening of the rules.
The German Supreme Court said that the use of mobile applications to warn drivers about traffic control systems falls under § 23 paragraph 1b of the German traffic regulations. This means that it is punishable in the same way as the use of specialized radar detectors.
Moreover, the court declared illegal the use in Germany of any software that helps motorists avoid fines. It also gave the police the right, at their discretion, to seize any devices using such applications.
So, if you are traveling along the roads of Europe, do not push your luck. Do not try to use radar detectors or gadgets that imitate their operation. Police officers will consider this a gross violation of traffic rules. And such a violation can result not only in a significant fine, but also in the loss of a smartphone.
Also remember that each European state has its own fines for using radar detectors. If in Germany the penalty amount is only 75 euros, then in Switzerland – 200 euros, in Austria – 4000 euros, in the Czech Republic it comes to 7300 euros. And countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Serbia can send you to prison for between 1 and 6 months.
It’s better to prepare for traveling by car in Europe in advance. While at home, look on the Internet where stationary photo and video cameras are installed in the countries you are interested in. Such information can be found. And mark their locations on a regular paper map. In this case, the police will not be able to catch you breaking the law.
However, this measure will not protect in cases where the police use mobile measuring devices. Therefore, it is better to never violate traffic rules - this way you will save your wallet from losses and your body from stress.
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