Hi,
I live in south California and after getting a speeding ticket while doing 80 (just like everyone else) on my commute to work, decided to get a radar detector.

BTW, I fought the case and won. But let's not discuss it here.
Even the judge said that he speeds on the 22.

Anyway, I also drive quite so often to other cities and it's impossible to drive within 65mph. You would just get pushed to the road shoulder.

So, for 3 months I tested a Cobra detector and it did warn me of some radars, specially when driving up to Mammoth Mountain. But I know this cobra model, whioch cost $140 wasn't going to be the best. I got a lot of false alarms, and the beeping can be very annoying. I would get those X1 warnings all the time and it was never a real alarm I should be concerned about. All false alarms.

So, I returned the cobra and I am now shopping for a decent alarm in the $300 range. One that won't give me as much false alarms, and will also have a better range of detection.

By what I researched, the BELs, Passports and Valentines are the way to go. But something I am wondering. Don't you guys think that many tickets come from cops pacing you? I believe that when they are pacing, they are not using any detection. They can tell by their speed that you are speeding. Am I wrong about this? Or do they have their radar detectors On at all times, even when pacing?

I would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks so much

I used to travel in CA for my job (about 50,000 a year) and had a radar detector more for entertainment than anything. It seemed most of the CHP cars I saw didn't set the thing off as if they weren't using radar. It did predict some but not enough for me to be comfortable with.

I think the best way to go is the 10% rule. Basically drive a speed that you pass 9 out of ten cars and the other 1 is passing you. Not an exact science but of course the idea is to have a few cars on the road going faster than you are. You kind of blend in and escape notice.

Pacing is a technique they use so they don't have to use radar/laser. The Valentine or Escort are your best bets I think as far as detectors go.
We do have some LE's here, maybe they would be willing to give you some tips..................

I was pulled over by a cop who said he "paced" me....which was a big lie, because I never went the speed he said I was going..he actually was speeding to catch up with me.:mad:

I swear by Escort... My dad has had them since the early 90's, before then he had to keep a lawyer on retainer b/c of all the speeding tickets ;-)... Anyways, following in his tradition, I have had an Escort 7500 now for about 5 years now, the really nice thing about them is that Escort has a service where you can send in your old detector and they update it to current specs for approx 50 to 60 bucks if memory serves me. I just remember that it was much cheaper than buying another one. Good luck on your selection

i recommend a escort passport and drive safe.

I used to travel in CA for my job (about 50,000 a year) and had a radar detector more for entertainment than anything. It seemed most of the CHP cars I saw didn't set the thing off as if they weren't using radar. It did predict some but not enough for me to be comfortable with.

I think the best way to go is the 10% rule. Basically drive a speed that you pass 9 out of ten cars and the other 1 is passing you. Not an exact science but of course the idea is to have a few cars on the road going faster than you are. You kind of blend in and escape notice.

What he said.

...I think the best way to go is the 10% rule. Basically drive a speed that you pass 9 out of ten cars and the other 1 is passing you. ...

I use sort of a variant of this - I usually drive a max of 10% above the posted speed limit. This keeps you under the radar too - so to speak.

I've had a Valentine1 for about seven years now and consider it a very worthwhile investment. It does not, however, give you a license to speed. You have to drive smart. Stay out of the left lane, let some other fool(s) set the pace, watch for brake light warnings ahead of you, and keep an eye on the bushes and the mirror.

I've had a Valentine1 for about seven years now and consider it a very worthwhile investment. It does not, however, give you a license to speed. You have to drive smart. Stay out of the left lane, let some other fool(s) set the pace, watch for brake light warnings ahead of you, and keep an eye on the bushes and the mirror.


Exactly (what he said). :lol:

I've been running a Valentine for the last 17 years. I'd sooner drive NAKED, then take a road trip without it. I also have a 42' Tourmaster RV - didn't think I'd ever "speed" with that either - the V1 keeps me safe (and aware) in that vehicle too.

A majority of the time on trips, I too let a "rabbit" set the pace - but I prefer overnite runs on long trips (less traffic/less cops) so sometimes there are no "rabbits".

I don't see my speed in my (newly purchased) E ever being as "excessive" as my last car (635RWHP Corvette), but it pays to be aware of where the traps are anyway. My (local Ft.Lauderdale) ticket lawyer is 11 outta 12 dismissals in the last 8 years - I don't ask how he does it, nor do I care. Out of all my citations - only 1 was a radar (thanks Valentine).

Rick

...My (local Ft.Lauderdale) ticket lawyer is 11 outta 12 dismissals in the last 8 years - I don't ask how he does it, nor do I care. Out of all my citations - only 1 was a radar (thanks Valentine).

Rick

I think the fact that you have a "ticket lawyer" is an interesting data point.

51334

Exactly (what he said). :lol:

I've been running a Valentine for the last 17 years. I'd sooner drive NAKED, then take a road trip without it. I also have a 42' Tourmaster RV - didn't think I'd ever "speed" with that either - the V1 keeps me safe (and aware) in that vehicle too.

A majority of the time on trips, I too let a "rabbit" set the pace - but I prefer overnite runs on long trips (less traffic/less cops) so sometimes there are no "rabbits".

I don't see my speed in my (newly purchased) E ever being as "excessive" as my last car (635RWHP Corvette), but it pays to be aware of where the traps are anyway. My (local Ft.Lauderdale) ticket lawyer is 11 outta 12 dismissals in the last 8 years - I don't ask how he does it, nor do I care. Out of all my citations - only 1 was a radar (thanks Valentine).

Rick
I would think that if you have received 12 tickets.....the detector wasn't doing a very good job!!!!!!

I think the fact that you have a "ticket lawyer" is an interesting data point.

My thoughts exactly. Lets review:

After purchasing a radar detector and retaining a lawyer to fight 12 tickets isn't it time to reevaluate your driving?

I had a cobra. recently baught the passport 8500. It does have false alarms but like u said there all x band which you can turn off! So far it has saved me multipal times. One time i was doing 80 accelerating prob would have got clocked doin 100. but the detector saved me. You can get it on bestbuy.com link is below. i love it

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6354401&st=passport+8500&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1076628570944

The rabbit theory. Why do people think that when the cop sees one car speeding that he will only stop the car in front? In my case he was coming at us in the opposite lane and he radar ed both of us and stopped both of us. You are probably wondering, just how can they do that? He whipped a U turn and whizzed past me and got the car over that was in front of me then he motioned me to pull over. Since then I bought the radar detector and they are a waste of money. Millions of false alarms and when you do go by a cop car it never lets out a beep. I bought the good Escort and they are just a lot of hype. The better the detector the more signals it will receive thus more false alarms. Most radar is now laser and no detector in the world will pick it up until it is aimed at you and then you are caught anyway.

I have had an Escort 8500 X50 for about 6 years now:

I've heard all kinds of pro and con arguments but yet again mine saved me twice this past week and once it didn't do squat. First time I was crusing down the highway this past thursday night - picked up a K band where I normally don't and slowed down to 60. Cop was sitting in one of the open gaps in the dividers but wasn't moving despite people passing me at what I would guess to be 65+. My guess is that he was waiting for at least 70+. Second time was on friday night - cop was gunning a straight pass facing traffic in a stretch with no lights. The detector went off a good mile ahead of his position and I slowed down from 80 to 60. I didn't even see him until I was about 50 feet away. Finally, last time it didn't do squat a state trooper was sitting on the side of a local parkway (different jurisdiction) and pulled out as me and two other cars passed by. We were speeding about 80 and slowed down to 65 by the time we saw them. He followed me being the middle car for about a 1/4 mile in the right lane and me being in the middle but sped up and cut in front of me to pull the guy who was in front of me instead. My only guess is that he saw the parking sticker for a local college and decided to cut me some slack. Lucky me. Anyways point being - considering the cost of what a speeding ticket + points (in NY) would have ultimately cost, the radar detector once again paid for itself in the ~6 years that I've had it.

Sometimes they are actively gunning people and other times they are not. It's true about laser though - once you pick that up on your detector you're already screwed unless you luck out and they gun someone ahead of you where you are close enough to pick it up.

False alarms - ALL THE TIME! But that's one of the side effects you learn to deal with. There are some areas that I drive by that I've become so used to it that I instinctively reach for the mute button before it goes off. It doesn't bother me like it did the first month I had it. Some people never get over it while others just adapt and accept it. Depends on the kind of person you are, but if you are going to get one expect false alarms. The newest Escort model (and another company... belkin?) has a GPS-memory model that remembers which areas produce what kind of false signals to try and eliminate that. The only false ones I get are X and K bands and so I turned off X for this area. Best to see (in time) which your local law enforcement uses and ignore anything else that shows up. Around these parts, I find that county cops (including the highway patrol) primarily use K while the state troopers use Ka. Rarely did I see an actual laser band but it did happen.

Only thing I have against Escorts having one for this long is the age-laser problem. After a few years, something rots inside (a capacitor?) and the laser band randomly goes off frequently. It's been documented before as being a common problem. I've since turned it off along with the "X" band. Usually don't need it but it was nice to have before hand. I've heard nothing but good things about the valentine one and plan on picking one up when I do finally decide to retire the 8500.


Long term - for the way I like to drive, it's saved me more money having it then I would have if I didn't get it. That's really the key. If you have to speed, then it's a small cost to pay for additional insurance. All the false alarms don't bother me as much as the red and blue lights... : /~

In my area I don't think a radar would be much good....my best radar....drive between 2-5 mph over the limit...no more no less.

My E stands out so much that I get too much attention....so driving the limit is my safest way to avoid tickets.

It's all about frame of mind, but if I had a detector it would be an excuse to drive a little faster :razz:

...False alarms - ALL THE TIME! But that's one of the side effects you learn to deal with. There are some areas that I drive by that I've become so used to it that I instinctively reach for the mute button before it goes off....
A regular route I used to drive in California (Hwy 126) took me through the town of Fillmore. As you came into town...and the speed limit dropped from 60 to 35...you passed a local market with automatic doors that always set off the radar detector. One day about a year after starting this routine, my V1 went off as usual. As I reached to turn it down, I noticed the bogey counter at "2" rather than the usual "1" for the market. Checked my speed and then noticed the local sheriff on the side of the road just passed the market, picking off motorists doing about 45-50. From then on I saw him there at least a couple of times every week raising money for Ventura County.

My thoughts exactly. Lets review:

After purchasing a radar detector and retaining a lawyer to fight 12 tickets isn't it time to reevaluate your driving?


That's 12 in the last 10 years. At an average of 35K miles per year - you get caught a little more often than those that drive 12K or less. My last ride was a highly mod'd corvette, kinda attracts thier attention. Actually haven't had a moving violation in 2.5 years now. Only 2 were speeding, neither was radar, both were dismissed. The rest were other "sundry" violations. It's easier to pay a lawyer, than spend all that time in court fighting them yourself.

Without diverting too far from the original topic - the Valentine consistantly tests highest overall, year after year. If nothing else, it keeps one a little more attentive to thier surroundings.

I suspect I won't be seeing the +-side of 100 too often (if at all) in the E (another fringe benefit of driving a toaster?), but it seems quite comfortable @ 85 on the highway.

Rick

Though not foolproof in detection, I have driven with RADAR detectors for thirty years. I am far better off with it and the detector has provided sufficient warning in time. As recently as Thursday night, one of Cobb's finest was sampling on Boothe Road. Had plenty of warnding.

One day about a year after starting this routine, my V1 went off as usual. As I reached to turn it down, I noticed the bogey counter at "2" rather than the usual "1" for the market.

Clever! That's another thing I don't like about the Passport unless you change the settings. It can show you up to two of the same band (and multiple at that), but the indicators are bars that are one pixel wide so unless you have great eye sight sometimes its hard to tell when you're glancing at the thing. More or less another reason why I'm leaning towards the valentine one. Can't spend too much time staring at the detector trying to figure out what's going on.

As far as placement: I've noticed a lot of people mount them right in the center of the windshield. I've never done that and always tried to push it to the top either in the center or the driver's side corner to hide it a little better. It worked well on my old car but obviously with the E no matter where you put it, it sticks out with the height and the angle of the windshield. Even though lower is supposed to help you detect laser faster while higher up helps you detect all other bands - I don't see any point to try and detect laser faster since you basically have no reaction time anyway. Not to mention I would rather not have an officer see any evidence of it if I do get pulled over. I have found that leaving it in the center upper part of the windshield seems to be good enough for the 'average' person who's not really trying to look for one in a vehicle like this one. Even though it's legal here, you never know how the outcome may change if they see one.

I do agree though. You can't rely on the detector only to avoid getting pulled over/ticketed. Given, the faster you're going the harder it is to spot things and in that respect it helps. However, if you're a casual speeder (I.e. I like to do 70-80 in a 55), you can still pick out what's ahead and react when you see it even if the detector doesn't go off. I'm constantly scanning ahead for cops ahead on the road - having taken note of typical places and characteristics of all vehicles they use. I've seen things from typical cruisers to unmarked crown vics. to explorers (supervisors) to a white 95-98 Volvo 960 wagon for the highway patrol that was only marked on the sides. I didn't think that thing was capable of pulling anyone over until I saw it take off at 60mph to chase down someone who flew by. : /~ I'm constantly watching other things on the road mostly relying on peripheral vision to keep distance from the person in front of me. So, it comes somewhat naturally to scan. The detector just gives me a long distance warning whenever they are actively scanning which is why I still swear by one.

i remember a few weeks ago i was following my friend to jamestown. He was driving like an idiot must have been doing 75 on a road that the speed limit is 35. It is a straight road and im just trying to keep him insight not knowing where im going when my radar goes off. So i slowed down to 40. About 1/2 a mile later theres the cop. My friend slows down and the cop pulls out behind him. So he pulled into a gas station...lucky for him the cop kept going. But once again the detector saved me.

i remember a few weeks ago i was following my friend to jamestown. He was driving like an idiot must have been doing 75 on a road that the speed limit is 35. It is a straight road and im just trying to keep him insight not knowing where im going when my radar goes off. So i slowed down to 40. About 1/2 a mile later theres the cop. My friend slows down and the cop pulls out behind him. So he pulled into a gas station...lucky for him the cop kept going. But once again the detector saved me.

Hate to say this dude, but if you are doing 75 in a 35,,,,,,you deserve a speeding ticket!!!!!!

yea the kid drives like a complete ass....i refuse to ride with him. OH and i was doing like 50 he was about 1/4mile in front of me.he passed in the breakdown lane and almost chipped my new winshield!!! i wanted to punch him in the face...lol but speaking of radar detectors..i just baught a 9500 today..so if anyone wants my passport 8500 X50 the red one. id be happy to sell it. I know there like $308 at best buy but ill let mine go for $175obo. Its only 2 months old. Oh and i put different suction cups on it. I took them off my old radar detector.

What are these detectors I see them installing on auto shows like Unique Whips that are led lights mounted in the dash? Looks like the install a sensor in the front grill somewhere and the leds have different colors for the different bands?

not sure of the company...i saw them alot at the audi dealer i worked at. I believe there called k40. They either mount behind the grill or on the licence plate. They give an audiable warning and visual thru the leds. There great for states that dont allow radar detectors cause u can barely see them. Not sure how well they work.

I my self have the V1 mounted onto my visor with the wires taped into the pillar. People never know that you have a radar cause they can't see the wires or the unit so that helps agains the people who like to tail you. The radar is great and most of my friends have it. The K40 is also a great radar. One of my friends has that unit as well and it works great. The only place that I have seen it sold where I live is at the BMW center.

I rode in a cop car "peering" during a time when I was considering being a Texas State trooper. After my experience, I believe that radar detectors are a waste of money. There is a simple lock/unlock that they use that negates any advantages that a radar detector can give you. I would say that about 1/3 of the drivers that we pulled over had them. Save gas, save your money, drive the speed limit.

Here in Indiana the state police use a murad of devices. Radar, lazar and VASCAR which emits on signal at all. Being a LEO myself and yes I do speed and I do want to get where I'm going, I find it's better to stay out of the hammer lane, let someone who wants to get on down the road do so and let that person be your Pointman. I mean if that person is running 75 or 80 MPH and you let him on by, yet keep him in sight, if there is an officer up ahead you'll know it because your pointman will get on brakes and you can slow your roll. All you really need to do is watch your back side. I generally make my passed and get back over in the driving lane and always using my signals for all my lane changes. I glide in and out very smoothly and fluidly. If for some reason my pointman gets out of sight, I welcome the break from running hard and wait for the next one to come along. There is always someone willing to be your pointman, always.

Also most radar detectors have an on and off switch or better called standby. That being said, the officer only turns it on when he has a target that he has visually determined to be exceeding and he using the device to confirm. By the time your detector detects, it's too late, you've been clocked and locked. Like I said, VASCAR sends no signal out what so ever. Also radar detectors are automatic tickets. Though not agains't the law, officers think and feel that those who have them, want to speed. I know a lot of people have told me they have them to know where we are. Why does anyone need to know where I am. My wife doesn't want to know where I am,OK?

Anyway, if you have one have it out of sight and what ever you do, don't try to hide it prior to being pulled over. Most officers know you have one because when clocked and locked, the officer leaves the device on and watches your speed degrease in the target window.

Nice write up from the law enforcement side! Thanks chozen. Drew

Nice write up from the law enforcement side! Thanks chozen. Drew


No problem Drew. I hate to see anyone get a ticket and I know for me, I'm looking for the aggressive driver who is in and out of lanes, no signals when he makes his lane changes, tailgating etc. I want a quality pinch more so than quantitative pinch. We here in Indiana are bringing back our unmarked Mustangs and I turned one down since I was in the Camaro before we stopped the program. I was asked to at least consider being a back up operator so that when our main guy at my post is on vacation, sick or whatever, I can take it out and use it and I accepted. I wrote 1,025 tickets last year and that was from the months of March thru November and I'm assigned mainly to a desk. I love the road and all the things it brings but the things I advised earlier can help.

One other thing is this, if you see a white or yellow line going completely across the highway or on the shoulder with just hash marks, those are VASCAR lines. If you go through one, make sure you slow way down before you get to the next one. Typically they are no less than 300ft. Simple mathematics in that you take the time vs distance equals speed.


Also dance there is a Hyperdome type system that's been around for years that places an antenna in the grill and usually one in the rear. These pick up the signal and the lights in the dash tell you whether it's front or rear antenna array, signal strength, band etc..... These are used to keep from having something on the dash, especially in states like VA and DC where detectors or illegal.

"Also most radar detectors have an on and off switch or better called standby. That being said, the officer only turns it on when he has a target that he has visually determined to be exceeding and he using the device to confirm. By the time your detector detects, it's too late, you've been clocked and locked. Like I said, VASCAR sends no signal out what so ever." Like I said, I never get advance warnings. And no way in Hell do you ever get an advance warning of a mile up ahead. The people who think this are just getting a false alarm from something else.

"Also most radar detectors have an on and off switch or better called standby. That being said, the officer only turns it on when he has a target that he has visually determined to be exceeding and he using the device to confirm. By the time your detector detects, it's too late, you've been clocked and locked. Like I said, VASCAR sends no signal out what so ever." Like I said, I never get advance warnings. And no way in Hell do you ever get an advance warning of a mile up ahead. The people who think this are just getting a false alarm from something else.


This is true. Most business alarms will set off a radar detector. Coming down I69 from 96th street to I465 people with detectors will get multiple false alarms due to business alarms. This is one great place for officers to sit as they too know this. Those with detectors never slow cause they know it's a false positive.

I've had a Valentine1 for about seven years now and consider it a very worthwhile investment. It does not, however, give you a license to speed. You have to drive smart. Stay out of the left lane, let some other fool(s) set the pace, watch for brake light warnings ahead of you, and keep an eye on the bushes and the mirror.

This is excellent advice!

Hey, wait a minute! Aren't radar detectors illegal in CT?

This is excellent advice!

Hey, wait a minute! Aren't radar detectors illegal in CT?

No, not anymore. The law was repealed at least 10 yrs go I believe.

They put out a book called 10-8 about 7 years ago. Best advice I've read from an Indiana Police Officer (The book was written anonymously).
Paraphrasing the quote:
1-5 miles per hour over the speed limit, typically get a pass.
6-9 miles over, Tag em if they look suspicious or drive bad.
10 or higher, they always get the banana.

He also recommended not trying to be belligerent, self righteous, whiny or use the "I pay your salary" line. People who come out and say "Yup I was an idiot, sir." tend to fare better in the eyes of our Police. They have hard enough times without morons yelling at them.

BTW, I can vouch for the honesty approach. It got me out of a 45+ over the limit in front of a hospital. I REALLY deserved a ticket. I told him that I was driving with my head up my rear, he agreed. Things went better after that:D

No, not anymore. The law was repealed at least 10 yrs go I believe.

EXCELLENT!

There's hope for Virginia!

I lived in CT many years ago (college years - I had a radar detector in my covered wagon) and remember all the radar detector hiding I had to do (kinda like now in Virginia).

How was the repeal accomplished?

Hi,
I live in south California and after getting a speeding ticket while doing 80 (just like everyone else) on my commute to work, decided to get a radar detector.

BTW, I fought the case and won. But let's not discuss it here.
Even the judge said that he speeds on the 22.

Anyway, I also drive quite so often to other cities and it's impossible to drive within 65mph. You would just get pushed to the road shoulder.

So, for 3 months I tested a Cobra detector and it did warn me of some radars, specially when driving up to Mammoth Mountain. But I know this cobra model, whioch cost $140 wasn't going to be the best. I got a lot of false alarms, and the beeping can be very annoying. I would get those X1 warnings all the time and it was never a real alarm I should be concerned about. All false alarms.

So, I returned the cobra and I am now shopping for a decent alarm in the $300 range. One that won't give me as much false alarms, and will also have a better range of detection.

By what I researched, the BELs, Passports and Valentines are the way to go. But something I am wondering. Don't you guys think that many tickets come from cops pacing you? I believe that when they are pacing, they are not using any detection. They can tell by their speed that you are speeding. Am I wrong about this? Or do they have their radar detectors On at all times, even when pacing?

I would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks so much

They're ileagal in VA just like everything else is. Do you belive cold air intakes are ileagal in VA! I hate this state sometimes!

Hi,
By what I researched, the BELs, Passports and Valentines are the way to go. But something I am wondering. Don't you guys think that many tickets come from cops pacing you? I believe that when they are pacing, they are not using any detection. They can tell by their speed that you are speeding. Am I wrong about this? Or do they have their radar detectors On at all times, even when pacing?

I would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks so much


From a former police officer, Pacing is done without radars. Officers have calibrated speedometers checked usually twice a year. They match your speed and then are legally entitled to write you ticket for the speed they are "pacing" you at.

Now also be aware that there are radars that state troopers at least in VA are using in which an undercover vehicle can travel in a pack of sppeding vehicles and actually with accuracy tell what car is doing what speed. Another concern is Speed monitored via Aircraft which is becoming more and more popular.

And one last device that is getting more attention is LIDAR which uses light beams and not radar and can be accurate from far distances and of course does not use radio waves.

I recomend to go 6-9 mph over the speed limit at a max and you should be fnie assuming you have no other problems with your vehicle. Drive safe and be smart.

-Mike

As I recall the aircraft use LADAR not LIDAR, they get mistaken often. The acronyms stand for LAser Detection And Ranging. versus Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging.
The difference being that LADAR just tells you where and how fast something is moving. LIDAR will image the item and show you a reflected image and show you where and how fast it's moving.

Either way, the laser portion of a radar/laser detector will pick it up, as they are forced to use certain frequencies (as per the FCC) and the laser detector catches a slightly broader spectrum than they use (to allow for minor amounts of frequency shift due to dispersion and intervening moisture).

No matter what though, that max speed recommends is a good one. I've noticed that anything going 10+ the speed limit get tagged the most.

As I recall the aircraft use LADAR not LIDAR, they get mistaken often. The acronyms stand for LAser Detection And Ranging. versus Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging.
The difference being that LADAR just tells you where and how fast something is moving. LIDAR will image the item and show you a reflected image and show you where and how fast it's moving.

Either way, the laser portion of a radar/laser detector will pick it up, as they are forced to use certain frequencies (as per the FCC) and the laser detector catches a slightly broader spectrum than they use (to allow for minor amounts of frequency shift due to dispersion and intervening moisture).

No matter what though, that max speed recommends is a good one. I've noticed that anything going 10+ the speed limit get tagged the most.

Here's a good one. From an airplane, you watch a car cross a white line painted on the roadway and start timing it, either by a simple stopwatch or a fancy electronic console that's basically a stopwatch. The time it takes before the car passes a second white line on the road is how you track the speeder and that's all there is to it. I've never seen a civilian air system using Ladar for traffic.

By law, no matter for what use, all lasers in the US are regulated solely by the FDA (Food & Drug Admin) and no other agency, Fed or State. The FCC is prohibited from regulating them in any way.
Traffic lasers are infrared because you can't see them, and IR laser diodes are more power efficient. IR light passes easily through dust and moisture at traffic control distances. (Think about someone sitting under a bridge shining a red or green laser at oncoming cars...)
For the frequency to have shifted enough to be noticeable, the speeder would have to be going pretty darned fast.
The IR receptor used in radar detectors picks up a wider range of frequencies because it's looking for a pattern of pulses, not a specific color of light. It's a cheap part - not much different than the one inside the front of your TV set that picks up the remote. :-) The biggest problem laser detectors have is that the tight beam of most laser guns never spills across the detector to be detected.

I used to use a radar detector long ago with my previous cars. With my E, I have slowed down enough to not worry about it. That and I have two kids with me most of the time, so speeding is not an issue. I used to average 1 speeding ticket about every year, which so happened to be about every time I was cleared for traffic school to avoid the points on my license. My Radar detector only helped reduce my speed that the officer was able to ticket me for.

Some times with the radar you will be able to pick up the signal of an officer checking the speed of a car ahead of you if you use the pointman/rabbit technique. This will give you a plenty of time to slow down. You can also get away with a cheaper detector this way too.

wife got pulled over with the officer claiming she did 80kmh/50mph in a 60kmh/35mph zone..... he claimed he paced her but he was sitting in a gas station and she just turned on a red light and was not even 1/2 mile away....then he asked for her cell phone number......:lol:

we use a combo of LIDAR hand units and aircrafts that time between white lines.... RADAR is only used in vehicles on opposing traffic and cars ahead/behind.

That would be half the reason I put my GPS in record mode when I go into Wisconsin. They have a policy that you can either pay the fine right there or go to jail if you intend to fight it. I got pulled over once, showed him the playback of my speed through the area he claimed I sped through (A 5 mile stretch of 35 mph) and told him I would fight and win. He said it "must need calibration."
Never fight fair and always check to see how a gadget can cover your butt in an emergency.

Personally I'd have to say a radar/laser detector is definitely worth having.Like others have said,I feel naked if I drive any other vehicle without one. My radar detector has saved me countless times,as it seems to always gives me enough time to adjust my speed. :)

I have a Beltronics 995,which I love.:cool: This detector just continues to amaze me with it's more than impressive range/sensitivity.:)

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/1Damaged/100_7019.jpg

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/1Damaged/100_7652.jpg

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/1Damaged/100_7654.jpg

Hey who doesn't like pics? So here's mine.:smile:

That would be half the reason I put my GPS in record mode when I go into Wisconsin.

GREAT idea! I got a ticket on highway 12, coming back from Devil's Lake State Park, 4 lanes divided, NO traffic, with cruise on set at 60 (in a 55), got nabbed and told I was doing over 70! I don't really know, but I was COASTING down the hill (cruise was on, and it doesn't put on the brakes) so I don't see how that shoebox could have possibly been doing 70. Now, my inattentiveness to the road (hey, we were talking) is another story! :rolleyes:

But you know, an Illinois plate, north of the Cheese Curtain. I was just paying the FIB tax.

A cheap radar detector is a waste of money. I think V1 and Escort are the only ones worth getting. I have had a V1 for about 8 years and it worked well in the beginning. But, now that Arizona has moved to do more photo radar units, it is useless. They still use radar but not something that the V1 picks up. I have pondered sending it back to get upgraded but I want to make sure it is worth the money first. The only time the V1 goes off now is when I pass a DPS car/motorcycle driving the opposite direction.

unfortunately radar detectors here in Ontario comes with a hefty fine..... :-(

Glad I found that out before the wife and I try going up there. Would kinda sour my opinion of our northerly neighbors, if'n you know what I mean.

I have a hint for you guys. If radar detectors are illegal in the state or province you live in, it is because the police in those areas use always on radar. This means your radar detectors will work, but of you get caught, heavy fines. In states or provinces where radar detectors are legal, like here in California, the police use trigger activated radar. In this case, by the time the radar detector goes off, its too late!!! Unless you get really lucky and the radar goes past a car in front of you, and sets off your detector before the police officer can re-aim and try and hit you with it, you will get caught. I thought I would post that up for people on the fence.

Now they're using laser measuring devices... rendering detectors useless... and they're supposed to be illegal everywhere, but not everyone cares to fine you for it. They also go off if a boat nearby is using radar. Never bought into that trend. Though I do love seeing them on cars that do 60mph max...

I have to say that I used to have one in the truck, not to get out of tickets (have gotten one in my whole life) but because the thing talks and I dearly love gadgets. I'll get around to putting it in the E someday if I get bored with the other fun things that Honda made for us. ;-)

I should probably mention that the one and only ticket was for going 31 in a 30 zone. The police in Mishawaka, IN were unhappy with their contract one year and decided to hold a job action by giving out as many tickets for anything to anyone they could catch. Who cares if the court throws it out 'cause the city had to pay the processing fees on each one.

In states or provinces where radar detectors are legal, like here in California, the police use trigger activated radar. In this case, by the time the radar detector goes off, its too late!!! Unless you get really lucky and the radar goes past a car in front of you, and sets off your detector before the police officer can re-aim and try and hit you with it, you will get caught. I thought I would post that up for people on the fence.

It seems that where I drive,I find that a majority of the Police cars on the road choose to drive with their Radar always on. Once in a while I'll catch a few in hiding trying to pick off cars,but most of the time they just sit to the side of the road,or a parking lot with the Radar constantly on.:)

[QUOTE=AztecRol;763422]I have a hint for you guys. If radar detectors are illegal in the state or province you live in, it is because the police in those areas use always on radar. This means your radar detectors will work, but of you get caught, heavy fines. /QUOTE]

actually....this assumption is not necessarily true because law enforcement agencies debt service their equiptment every few years....

for ontario.... handhelds are all lasers (because we bought several used radars from police to measure speed in our transportation projects), but in vehicles are radar (front/back) with a radar dectector monitoring device too..

then there are small planes that observe and time lines with video evidence too.....

the new method here now is to flash highbeams to alert police ahead.....

Okay, here's something that kept me chuckling all day, hope it does the same for you.
Driving in to work this morning (all back roads) I'm at a stoplight and next to me pulls up a Smart car... with high end looking radar detector. I kept chuckling all the way in, thinking "If he needs that on the highway..."