Radar Detector

[bsmithinc]

First time poster here, I hope I'm doing this right. Been a reader for sometime, but I didn't really notice if anyone had mention a topic like this (although I could be wrong). I've been saving my money for sometime now and I can not wait to possibly get my hands on a 5th Gen . However, the difference from my current ride (Chevy 98' S-10 4 banger, haha) to hopefully one of the new 09'/10' Camaro will be like night and day. I don't have a history of speeding or running from the law, but I was curious about what you guys thoughts on radar detectors? Any recomendations? Anything?

[EllwynX]

I had a radar detector for a few years some time back. When it stopped working I never bothered to get another since I don't speed that much.

After my brother passed away my stepfather gave me his radar detector since he had no use for it though...

That said, I'd probably want one in the new Camaro (just in case heh).

[Navy Blue]

there's quite a few out there, but IF you get caught speeding with it i hear its worse for you, not trying to scare ya or anything matter of fact it is no fact! its just a little myth i've heard not sure tho, but i wont be the one to find out :( i kinda just wasted a post here eh?

[blindingillusion]

Totally and absolutely illegal in Virginia, and in SC if they catch you you get a maximum fine and ticket + POINTS ON YOU LICENSE. Play it smart and don't be an idiot and if you do speed you won't get caught.

[Mindz]

There was a post about detectors and jammers posted a while back. I think you might be able to find some info (try keyword JAMMER) in that thread.

I don't think I'm gonna have the cash for a detector as I'll be almost flat broke after my down payment. I'm just gonna play it safe and only fly on the track.

[09'Z28]

well if you are concerned about it i would suggest a Cobra radar detector, we have them in all of our cars and last time we did get pulled over we didn't get a ticket so thats just a myth

[fastball]

I have had my Escort Passport 8500 for about 6 years now. It's great. Highly recomended (price is around $250.00). Having said that, I know a few people with Valentine Ones, and they swear by them. At first I thought the $500.00 price tag was insane, untill I found out how they are made:

Magnesium Cobalt case - filters and eliminates any frequencies other than those for RADAR/LASER/LASAR thus eliminates false alarms. Also protects the circuits from possible damage due to heat, impacts, etc.

Completely upgradable for free - whenever they come out with improved hardware or software, you can ship it to them and they will upgrade it for free for the life of the detector.

The Arrows (they really work well).

In the various reviews I've read over the years about radar detectors, Escorts and Valentine One seem to perform the best. Cobra right behind them.

As far as the legalities of detectors, I've been ticketed in Ohio with my detector (once you're nailed with LASER, might as well pull over before the cop even puts his lights on) and no problems other than the standard ticket.

I know in VA it is illegal, as well as all Canadian provinces (but I didn't know that WHILE I was driving around up there - never was pinched, though).

[bsmithinc]

Great, thanks guys. As far as I know, detectors like these are not illegal in California (interesting, I know.)

Magnesium Cobalt case - filters and eliminates any frequencies other than those for RADAR/LASER/LASAR thus eliminates false alarms. Also protects the circuits from possible damage due to heat, impacts, etc.

Completely upgradable for free - whenever they come out with improved hardware or software, you can ship it to them and they will upgrade it for free for the life of the detector.

Are these mounted, or internal?

[fastball]

Originally Posted by bsmithinc

Are these mounted, or internal?

Mounted.

http://www.valentine1.com/

All the stuff is on his website. That's the only place to buy them, too.

[acscamarochick06]

My boyfriend has a Cobra and he has been pulled over a few times (Trust me on this!). Probably half the times he was pulled over he didn't even have his detector turned on. He has never received any more of a ticket or had a cop anywhere say something because of the radar detector.

Whether this was because they can't legally/technically do something about the detector or whether they didn't notice the detector, I'm not really sure.

There are a few police officers on the forum that I am sure may be able to give you some information about the legality of the radar detector if you wanted.

I don't have a radar detector, I've been pulled over twice and one of those times was for speeding and I actually received a ticket (the other time was for running a stop sign, which was total BS). But I didn't have to pay my ticket because my boyfriend's sister works in the courthouse...

[stovt001]

Whether you get a ticket for the detector in areas where it is illegal entirely depends on the circumstances and the person writing the ticket. You may get a fairly laid back officer who is in an understanding mood, or you may get one who's dog just died and had all the coffee run out before he got his morning cup before starting patrol. Also, it could depend on if you're cooperative and respectful or a complete jerk. If your actions are just asking for another ticket, they'll find one to give you.

[09'Z28]

Originally Posted by bsmithinc

Great, thanks guys. As far as I know, detectors like these are not illegal in California (interesting, I know.)

Are these mounted, or internal?

i'm in california and i can confirm that they are not illegal(they do have radars that look for radar detectors, so watch out if that come on) but out here they are completely legal

[VTXrider]

I use a Beltronics, I forget which but I think its a 900 series. I'll check tomorrow if I remember. My view on tickets is that if the cop sees the radar detector there is usually no chance of a warning. I remember a cop once quoted saying "radar detectors are used by people who intend to speed, not people who inadvertantly speed sometimes" and that is why they do not give warnings.

As to legality, unless things have changed they are illegal in VA and DC, legal everywhere else. I know mine has saved me multiple times and I don't take a road trip without it. I do not use it in regular driving. I was pulled over once with it on, the cop did not turn on the radar until I was next to him, remember they only work if the cop has the radar on. I just take it off and throw it under the seat before I stop, and before he is right behind me. I knew I was getting pulled over and the cop was still 1/2 a mile back so he could not have seen this even if I didn't have tints, but with the tints there is no way he can see from far back. I always keep it on dim at night so anyone following can not see it.

[Italianwhiplash]

I use escort, it cost me 600 bucks the best out there. I love it detects cops from a mile away. sometimes the radar beeps and i cant spot the cops i drive up about half a mile and there is a cop zapping people with his radar