Are radar detectors legal in Australia?
Last updated August 2026 · McFlash editorial team
In one word: mostly no. Western Australia is the only state or territory where a radar detector is legal in a private vehicle — everywhere else, using or carrying one can mean a fine and confiscation.
State-by-state status
| State / territory | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | Legal | The only jurisdiction where detectors remain legal in private vehicles. |
| New South Wales | Prohibited | Use or possession in a vehicle attracts fines and confiscation. |
| Victoria | Prohibited | Detectors are banned; devices are seized. |
| Queensland | Prohibited | Detectors are banned in all vehicles. |
| South Australia | Prohibited | Detectors are banned in all vehicles. |
| Tasmania | Prohibited | Detectors are banned in all vehicles. |
| Australian Capital Territory | Prohibited | Detectors are banned in all vehicles. |
| Northern Territory | Prohibited | Detectors are banned in all vehicles. |
What this means before you order
- If you drive in Western Australia, a detector is legal and useful on long regional highways.
- If you drive anywhere else in Australia, do not fit a detector to your vehicle — the risk is a fine plus loss of the device.
- Australia also uses a large number of fixed and average-speed cameras that emit nothing detectable.
- We ship to Australia, but you are responsible for complying with your state's road rules.
Related reading
If you are comparing enforcement technology, the speed camera detector explainer covers what any detector can and cannot see.
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