FCC License for Radar Guns

What type of FCC license is needed to operate a radar gun? Since it is a transmitter of RF signals, the FCC usually requires transmitters to be licensed. Police Department radar guns are licensed under the same FCC license that covers their 2-way radios. But what about an individual who wants to use a radar gun for sport activities? Since they transmit on the same frequencies as the Police radar guns, what FCC license does an individual obtain to be legal? I don't want to get arrested for accidently jamming the radar signals of a nearby patrol car with my unit.

Hi,

You do not need an FCC license to use a radar gun. The certification that police officers go through is to ensure that they are familiar with the product and how it and radar in general works. This is so that their use of the radar gun will stand up in court.

All,

There seems to be some confusion about this matter. Since police departments often have a FCC Public Safety License (e.g. 2-way radio) the FCC allows radar operations under that License.

"Federal Communications Commission Requirements (FCC)
The SpeedTrak radar system is Type Accepted by the FCC and has a Grant of Equipment Authorization number
located on each antenna. The FCC amended its rules several years ago to eliminate the required annual measurement
of transmitter power, frequency and modulation measurements for licensees in the Public Safety, Industrial and Land
Transportation Radio Services. They also eliminated, effective February 1, 1983, the requirement for local government entities licensed in the Public Safety Radio Service to obtain a separate authorization for radar speed detection devices.

It is now only necessary for licensees to list the number of speed detection units and the frequencies on which they
operate at the time of the renewal of their land mobile authorization.If the purchasing agency does not hold a Public Safety Radio license, then it is necessary to obtain an application form from your nearest FCC regional office."

Reference: Electronics SpeedTrak Operators Manual - 2003

Digging a bit deeper at the FCC I did see a reference to application procedures for a

"FCC First Class Radio Telephone License with radar endorsement."

Regards, _Bob