Police Radar Frequency in NZ

Ka radar, used in police patrol cars, operates on 34.7Ghz.  If you can isolate this frequency and switch off everything else, you’ll virtually eliminate any chance of false alerts.

K band used in camera vans operates on 24.1 Ghz from a low-power radar transmitter.  This means that camera vans are very hard to detect reliably.

The difference between K and Ka band is quite simple – read more about police radar frequencies in NZ here.

It’s also worth the reminder that not all police cars have radar installed, normally just highway patrol cars.  They also don’t always have their radar turned on.  This is why your detector may not give you a lot of warning, it will suddenly blast a full-strength warning because the police just flicked their radar on the last second.  It’s tough to beat that sort of “hunting”.

There has long been talk of banning radar detectors, however this rumour has been circulating for nearly 20 years and there’s no evidence to suggest any New Zealand government will actually take action on the matter.

Radar detectors are NOT illegal in New Zealand.

There are a number of reasons why radar detectoes aren’t illegal here, as discussed here – read more.

The answer is BOTH. New Zealand Police use both radar and laser to detect speeding vehicles.

Radar is more common though, with radar installed in police patrol cars, motorbikes, and fixed and mobile speed cameras.

Laser is more accurate, but it can only be used by officers who are trained in its use and is used from a stationary, parked vehicle.  That said, laser can usually be transferred between police vehicles faster and easier, making it more financially effeciant for New Zealand police.

Read more about the differences between police radar and laser here…