Driving rules are set state by state, so what's fine at home can earn a ticket — or worse — the moment you cross the line. Below is where four of the most-asked-about rules stand across all 50 states (plus DC). Tap any state for the dated, officially-sourced detail. For the bigger picture, see what's legal in your state across cannabis, firearms, alcohol & gambling.
Radar detectors by state
Radar detectors are legal to use in most states; “Restricted” means illegal to use. (Separately, radar jammers are illegal in all 50 states under federal law.)
Handheld phone use by state
“Restricted” = handheld use banned (hands-free only). “Conditional” = partial limits (e.g., texting banned, or younger/novice drivers). “Permitted” = no statewide ban.
Speed & red-light cameras by state
“Permitted” = automated speed/red-light cameras are allowed. “Conditional” = limited to certain areas or uses. “Restricted” = prohibited or heavily limited statewide.
Studded tires by state
“Conditional” = allowed only in a seasonal window. “Permitted” = allowed. “Restricted” = prohibited.
Know it before the lights come on
This is a snapshot. LawLert pins the live driving rules to exactly where you are and alerts you when one changes or when you cross into a state where it flips. Browse all state laws.
FAQ
Are radar detectors legal in my state?
Radar detectors are legal to use in nearly every US state for passenger vehicles; only a couple restrict them. Radar jammers, however, are illegal nationwide under federal law. Check your state's detail page for the current rule.
Which states ban using your phone while driving?
Most states ban holding a phone while driving (hands-free only), and nearly all ban texting while driving. The exact rule — and whether it's a primary offense — varies by state.
Do driving laws really change at the state line?
Yes. Tint limits, radar-detector legality, phone rules, helmet requirements and camera enforcement are all set by each state, so the rule can change the moment you cross the border.
How current is this?
Each subtopic links to that state's detail page, which shows the official source and the date LawLert verified it. This hub is generated live from that same data.