Three Automotive Accessories that Are Illegal to Use

While buying your oil and filter, or perhaps just waiting in line at the grocery store, they tend to call out to you. Often impulse purchases, automotive accessories are big business in the United States, racking up billions of dollars in sales annually. While that little bobbing-head dog for your dashboard may not run you afoul of law enforcement, some popular accessories that drivers add to their vehicles aren't technically legal. While you may not get pulled over specifically for an auto accessory on your car, if you do happen to get pulled over, having one of these installed or operational in your car could not only get you the ticket that you might have gotten out of, but you could see stiff fines added on, as well.

Radar Detectors:
Illegal in Virginia, Washington, D.C., All U.S. Military bases. Illegal in Illinois, New York and New Jersey for Commercial truck drivers.

What many manufacturers don't tell you is that radar detectors today are all but useless. With police forces around the country using more-advanced laser technology, only the most backwater police departments in the nation might still use old-style radar guns. Laser technology is tightly focused, and by the time the laser detector signals that you've been "lasered," the officer already has a readout of your current speed. Not only are radar detectors largely a waste of money on the purchase, it can cost you a ticket, and in some jurisdictions, the detector may even be confiscated.

License Plate Covers
Subject to officer discretion in all 50 states

There are two types of license plate covers that are readily available to motorists. The first, strictly illegal license plate cover intentionally distorts the image of the license plate from cameras and speed detection equipment, and the second type is a basic plastic vanity cover that comes in either clear plastic or tinted. The first type of license cover is strictly illegal everywhere in the United States, and in many countries around the world, for obvious reasons. The plain plastic covers, however, are another story. Laws from state to state usually indicate that the license plate should be plainly visible with no obstruction. However, although clear plate covers usually don't block the license plate, they can technically be construed as an "obstruction" under the law. If you're caught speeding, you might just find yourself getting an extra ticket for the cover, as well.

Performance Boosters
Some legal, some not in all 50 states

Some states, California in particular, commonly prohibit the use of performance adders on cars under the auspices of emissions regulations. In cases of performance boosters like Nitrous Oxide, they are legal in some instances, but the nitrous tank must be either disconnected from the primary lines or the tank itself be empty. The laws concerning performance boosters varies in practically every municipality in America, so it's wise to remember that if you intend to use the power you've unleashed in your vehicle, it's a good idea to make certain that you do it at a sanctioned race track. Otherwise, you're just inviting trouble.

Sources:
Expert Law: Potentially Dangerous Auto Accessories: www.expertlaw.com