CHAPTER 125

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
46.1-198.1 to prohibit, with exceptions, the use of devices on motor
vehicles to detect the presence of radar upon the highways or the
operation of motor vehicles so equipped and to provide penalties for
violations.

[S 32]

Approved February 27, 1962

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
46.1-198.1, as follows:

§ 46.1-198.1. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor
vehicle upon the highways of this State when such vehicle is equipped
with any device or mechanism to detect the emission of radio microwaves
in the electro-magnetic spectrum, which microwaves are employed by
police to measure the speed of motor vehicles upon the highways of this
State for law enforcement purposes; it shall be unlawful to use any such
device or mechanism upon any such motor vehicle upon the highways.
Provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply
to any receiver of radio waves of any frequency lawfully licensed by any
State or federal agency. Any person violating any provision of this sec-
tion shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not less
than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or by con-
finement in jail for not more than ten days or by both such fine and
imprisonment.

The presence of any such prohibited device or mechanism in or upon
a motor vehicle upon the highways of this State shall constitute prima
facie evidence of the violation of this section. The Commonwealth need
not prove that the device in question was in an operative condition or
being operated.

This section shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the Common-
wealth or any political subdivision thereof and which are used by the
police of any such government nor to law enforcement officers in their
official duties.