Cops and Radar Detectors
Although I don't have one yet, if I were to get pulled over for speeding or some other moving violation, I would tuck the detector somehere so that it's not visible.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 4
From: WA
I am in NC and I have used the Valentine One for about 10 years now. I would use nothing else. I do use the remote display mounted in the ashtray so I do not advertise.
I find that it has slowed me down by being more aware, but it has saved me at least a dozen times when I saw others get pulled.
I have not been pulled since using it (knock on wood) but I do know other brand users that have been pulled using detectors and the officer asked them, "Don't you have a radar detector? Why didn't you slow down?"
I find that it has slowed me down by being more aware, but it has saved me at least a dozen times when I saw others get pulled.
I have not been pulled since using it (knock on wood) but I do know other brand users that have been pulled using detectors and the officer asked them, "Don't you have a radar detector? Why didn't you slow down?"
If I'm on the highway I'll nearly always do 10mph over the limit, sometimes 15mph with the cruise on. On the run from LA>Vegas it will be higher of course
I've driven all over the US and have never been pulled over for speeding. The V1 has saved me personally at least 20 times from getting a ticket. Those 20 times were from instant-on type radar traps. In many cases you get miles of pre-warning blips that a radar is coming so you just moderate your speed and slow down a little. I've lost count of the number of people that blast by me when I'm slowing down and then they get ticketed.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,701
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,819
Likes: 1
From: CA
That is because while all 50 states, on paper, consider driving to be a priviledge, not a right, Virginia actually MEANS it.
Not being able to drive would be a bummer...I dont' care if radar dectectors are legal or not... I just hardwire it and stick it under the dash panel
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 1
From: Overland Park, KS
When I've had the chance to ask the officer about my radar detector most of them told me they don't care, they just do their job using the facts and they don't believe radar detectors work that well anyway. I gues they've been told that Instant-On will defeat a radar detector.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 1
From: Overland Park, KS
sorry, typo.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 3
From: CA, Bay Area
In CA, CHP vehicle uses fixed mounted radar guns (ka) which send constant signal and the higher end detectors like Passport 8500/9500 or V1 will work just fine... however,
if a cop is gunning you with a handheld speed gun (K) then you are SOL, this applies to most CHP motorcycles sometimes CHP cars. Your radar detector won’t detect nothing until the bike cop sees your speeding vehicle and trigger his/her speed gun, then it’s too late to detect. That’s how I got my last ticket three years ago. Some smarter cops know how to get you…
if a cop is gunning you with a handheld speed gun (K) then you are SOL, this applies to most CHP motorcycles sometimes CHP cars. Your radar detector won’t detect nothing until the bike cop sees your speeding vehicle and trigger his/her speed gun, then it’s too late to detect. That’s how I got my last ticket three years ago. Some smarter cops know how to get you…
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NELOC Mod
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,201
Likes: 9
From: MD
Just a little FYI,, they are not only illegal in ALL commercial vehicles, but the fines for having such are administered on a FEDERAL level. CDL(Commercial Drivers License) holders are unfortunately held to a whole different level of accountability. While the licenses' are State Issued, they are Federally regulated. Fines for just having them in a commercial vehicle start at around $400. Check my screen name and just ask me how I know.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,701
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
You can call the state facist if you want, but VA law, upheld by courts, implies that when you drive within its borders, you agree to comply with state traffic laws.
Those state laws not only outlaw detectors and equip State Police with electronic detector-detectors, but give them the implied right to search your car if their equipment indicates you have one.....and search they will.
I agree that VA law is tough; no question about it....one of the toughest in the country.....but it pays off with the state having a lower rate of speed-related accidents and deaths than that of many other states, where more widespread detector usage leads to more high-speed accidents. The problem is generally worst in Plains and Western states where, in rural areas, people sometimes average triple-digit speeds.
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 9, 2007 at 02:19 PM.
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