neoinoakleys

Anyone use a radar detector in the car??

I do, I have a Valentine V1 (I should say, I used to). I just recently got it confiscated...:-(

Here is the set-up...I was driving through Canada, on my way back home from Toronto to Michigan. It was about 2 in the morning. I was cruisin' along the 401 and my detector starts screaming. I had TONS of warning, and plenty of time to slow down. I slowed down to about 5km under the speed limit. A few minutes later, just over a hill I saw 2 squad cars sitting in the median. I passed them, still 5 km under the speed limit. I stared in my rear view mirror to see if the coast was clear, then I noticed one of the squad cars start pulling out. The officer sped up to catch up to me and the lights went on. I pulled over, and the officer came to my window and asked me to hand over my radar detection-device. I complied. They confiscated it, and gave me ticket. Luckily the ticket was only for possession of the device and NOT speeding. Now, I did not know that radar-detectors were illegal in Ontario, but I know that ignorance of the law is no excuse, but how the HELL did he know I had a radar detector in my car???

I asked the officer (who btw WAS a nice guy, just doing his job) how he knew this. He chuckled and chit-chatted with me about a new radar-detector-detector called the "Spectre RDD". I knew that my V1 was supposed to be shielded and invisible to the conventional radar-detector-detectors, but apparently the Ontario police force had just gotten these new Spectre radar-detector-detectors, that were geared to catch the Valentines and the Escorts and other high-end detectors. He said they had only had these Spectres for about a week now, and he has caught many of the nice high-end detectors.

When I got home (1 awesome radar-detector short), jumped online and decided to do a little investigating...

Here is what I found...from the Valentine website:

Here is Mike Valentine's answer...



Taken from: http://www.valentine1.com/lab/Previously2.asp

I also found this site interesting:
http://www.speedzones.com/

This site did some pretty comprehensive testing on many of the most common radar-detectors on the market.

What i found interesting is that the V1 was undectable by the most common RDDs (Radar-Detector-Dectectors) (VG2 and MD-3), but the Spectre picked up EVERY tested radar detector. The V1 was detected from about about 889ft away, but the detector will detect a radar signal from about 2 miles away....

So, in conclusion, I am down one radar detector and learned that as soon as the detector goes off I have enough time to shut it off...*Mental note for the future*

I just thought that you guys would benefit from my experiences...any similar experiences??

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God of Thunder

If you were telling me that story, I would have stopped you right there.

Ontario Provincial Police are notorious for getting speeders and cracking down on detectors.

Living in Michigan my whole life, I have heard numerous stories about them.

Anytime we knew we were going to Canada, we would leave the detector at home. It was much safer.

Sorry I'm getting you this information a little late, but now you know.

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mbchills

anyone know if the decetors are illegal in new jersey?

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powerclown

Interesting read...

I just did the trip to Toronto from Michigan, over a weekend, and I saw 1 cop. I was running up to speeds of 120mph, averaging around 85mph for the trip. I have a Valentine One and it never went off. The one time I saw the cop, I pulled down the detector. I wonder if he would have stopped me for seeing just the holding bracket on the windshield.

These radar detector detectors are news to me. Well, I guess I've been warned now.

I know if I got my Valentine confiscated Id be furious. Just another f***ing money making scheme for the boys in blue. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you very much for sharing that information.

neoinoakleys

According to a few online sources, apparently radar detectors are only illegal in Virgina and Washington D.C.

They ARE however illegal on ALL commercial trucks anywhere in the US.

I can only assume that since they are illegal on trucks there may be police all over the country that are using these Radar-detector-detectors. The can't pull you over for having a radar detector unless you are in Virginia or DC, but that doesn't mean that they can't try to pull you over for something else....

Oh, and thanks for the sentiments Powerclown....It IS a big loss and I would tell you to be EXTREMELY careful in Canada with you Valentine, or better yet just leave it at home...don't let what happened to me, happen to you...

I DID buy another one today, though...I should have it in a few days...I feel SOO naked without it...:-)

oh, my buddy had a good suggestion...kinda funny actually...

He suggested that I carry an extra radar detector, a REALLY cheap one...maybe one off of Ebay or something, and if I get pulled over again in Canada, hand them that one instead....:-)

*Grin* but the ticket still sux...

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shimmy1

I was going to consider buying a radar detector for my car, but now I think I will just obey the speed limit.
Good bit of info to have though, I'll be sure to pass it on to my friends.

powerclown

Great Idea!!

It sounds like they can pull you over just for having the detector. If thats the case, and you can get pulled over for the detector while obeying the speed limit, your idea is perfect.

Silver linings, and all...

micah67

That works if you don't mind paying the tickets you get for just possessing the r.d. (BTW, how much was the ticket?)

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neoinoakleys

Actually, this is where it gets a little complicated (and I can't believe I forgot to include this in the original story), the ticket is apparently a summons to appear in court. They have to formally charge me with possession, then they will issue me a fine.

I called the "Crown" just the other day. I am not sure about how the legal system in Canada works, but the Crown sounds like our equivalent of the prosecuting attorney. Anyways, I called her and told her that I am from the US and that coming back to Canada was not an option. I told her that I have every intention of trying to resolve this, but honestly, if this cannot be resolved in other way, then they would simply not get anything out of me and I would stop vacationing in Toronto. She told me that although it is a summons, I don't have to appear if I am admitting guilt to possession. They will simply issue a fine and assume guilt, and send me the fine in the mail. She estimated the fine to be about $160. I am not sure if that is in Canadian or US. I forgot to ask. She re-assured me that they won't issue a warrant for arrest or anything like that, unless the fine, once it is set, is not paid.

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merkerguitars

Hmm kinda makes me wonder what they would do in certain situation like if you have an expensive car with one built in? How can they consficate that.

Some of the cops in my area (midwestern Wisconsin) will pull you over and if they see a radar detector on your windshield they will write that on the ticket so if you fight the ticket, the judge will see that and won't back down on the ticket....

I guess you could of grabbed it and shoved it under your seat...but since they already known you have one you pretty much where dicked in the first place.

I wonder how long till other cops will get those radar detector detectors.....

Ah...the world of ever changing technology.....

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zenmaster10665

radar-detector-detector-detector-detectors.

Hilarious.

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neoinoakleys

From what I understand, if the radar detector is installed in the car itself they will actually impound the car until your hearing. At that time they will strip the car of the device or have you strip the car of the device and pay to release the car.

There are also rumors that MANY of the US states already have these devices as they use them on the truckers to enforce the radar detector ban on heavy trucks.

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JStrider

hmmm i was thinking about asking for one for my birthday... the drive from Texas to Cali is a long one... and driving just averaging a few mph faster will trime a good bit of time off the trip...

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neoinoakleys

Look I wouldn't perse NOT get one based on my experience. Especially if you do not live in Virginia, DC or Canada.

Hell, I just bought a new one. I have had no trouble with owning a radar detector until I went to Canada. I have owned radar detectors since 1995 and (knock on wood) I have had no issues. Cops drive by me all the time, and I don't take the detector down.

The whole concept of owning a detector is not just the ability to speed with a little bit of confidence, but I believe that if the police have a right to scan you, then I have a right to know that I am being scanned.

Especially if you live in Texas, that has to be about the most liberal of the states.

Of all of you guys that own radar detectors, I am just curious to know why you have them (asside from the obvious reasons)....

For me, I have an unconcious urge to speed. For some reason I just tend to go faster and not pay attention to my speedometer. I don't speed excessively, and I don't do it on purpose (most times). I just get wrapped up in the mechanics of driving, or the music on the radio, or the conversation in the car and just neglect to constantly check my speed. This has resulted in MANY tickets and traffic stops for me.

For me, the detector is just a last minute reminder to check my speed and slow down. Without it I would be unconciously speeding.

I am actually a VERY safe driver. I have never had any road rage, and I am not the idiot that weaves in and out of traffic. Hell, (knock on wood again) I have never been in a single accident, and I have been driving since 1990. That is 14 years!! Still no accidents. I have not even gotten a single ticket or traffic stop for anything other than a speeding violation. No running red lights, failure to stops, illegal turns...nothing. Just speeding tickets.

Trust me, the 14 years of driving is also ALOT of driving. I drive alot for work. I put on an average of about 37,000 miles on my car per year (that is no joke). I have been putting on that many miles on my car for the last 7 years or so. So for me this is a very important piece of equipment in my car.

Anyone else have a reason for having a radar detector other than me?

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Redjake

Radar detectors are illegal in virginia and for truck drivers is what I've been told. I used to have a $160 Cobra radar detector that literally TALKED to you when it detected a radar or laser......it would tell you to slow down and everything........it got so bad though that any time I heard something that sounded like the tone it gives before the voice kicks in, I would slam on my brakes. in my experiences, those things turn you into a nervous wreck. I gave mine away after using it for two years. It just isn't worth it (speeding).

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soccerchamp76

Some times the detector makes you drive SLOWER.
At first every time you hear it beeps you put the brakes on but then you learn more about it and how to detect a false alarm from a real one. I just hate explaining to passengers about it when every time it beeps "where is the cop?"

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illesturban

well I bought a cheapo ($50) radar detector from Radio Shack but when I was driving back home from school on a six hour trip a cop was hiding at the bottom of a hill and by the time my detector went off it was too late. The jerk gave me a ticket for going 80 in a 70 on the interstate. I'm still mad about that.

neoinoakleys

Well, you get what you pay for. With a radar detector that cheap, I am surpried that it gave you ANY kind of warning.

If you are in the market for another radar detector (one that works) check out this site, it will give all the performance tests for all the major radar detectors (and some that have some VERY ridiculous claims).

http://www.speedzones.com/

I wouldn't write off the entire concept of a radar detector based on one incident. Do your research before spending your cash.

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SaltPork

neoinoakleys, if the fine is $160 CA, then you're only talking about $6.00 US or so, no big deal there, eh?

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merkerguitars

Holy fuck on some lexus they would really have to tear them apart. The local town cop flicks his radar gun rights when he sees you...so when your detector comes on it is too late.

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ChrisJericho

What are the Canadians going to do if you don't pay the fine? Send their Mounties over the border?

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shakran

they probably wouldn't do anything now. But if he ever wants to go back into Canada he'll get nailed unless he pays now.

miko

Luckily I'm in Texas and they are legal. I LOVE my V1. You just can't beat the directional arrows, the multi-signal pickup, and the optional remote display.

Redjake

but you CAN beat the $400 price tag.......too rich for my blood! i'd rather stay under 10 over the speed limit

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Cynthetiq

or years from now he's hanging out with friends.... they decide to cross the border for a little excursion... and he's denied access.

or

they are driving around doing their tour, gets pulled over and it comes up that he's wanted for failing to appear or pay fine, and he's arrested on site.

either way... no matter how deep you bury your shit. it still stinks.

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neoinoakleys

You said it man...I HAVE to pay it...

I go to Canada often. Always on vacation, but the 360 degree restaurant on top of the CN Tower is where I proposed to my wife. Can you imagine the amount of disappointment she would feel if I told her that we have to avoid Canada for the next X amount of years until their statute of limitations is up??

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feelgood

Don't think it's illegal all over Canada. Most transportation related laws are enforced by province and rarely enforced by the federals. I say it isn't illegal in all of the Canadian provinces simply because Calgary is full of shops that's displaying signs to sell radar detectors...

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macmanmike6100

sad to hear about your loss

question: what does a canadian ticket matter if you're a driver registered in the States?

neoinoakleys

You're right, I think there are 2 or 3 provinces in Canada that radar detectors are ok to use in. I am not sure which provinces, amybe someone else could confirm.

However, just because they sell the devices in a particular area does not mean they are legal.

For example, you can buy radar detectors in Virgina and DC, but they are illegal to operate in a vehicle. What other purpose would you buy them for, I am not sure, but you CAN legally purchase them.

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Yalaynia

Well I have travelled across the border and one of the things that is listed a long with guns, alcohol and any other sort of weapons is a great big sign saying NO RADAR DETECTORS ALLOWED. If they see fit to search your car the border patrol finds one they would give you a ticket and possibly decline your enterence into Canada. If they didnt decline you to come in and still let you be sure that your name would be at any border crossing and it wouldnt matter what vehical you were driving it would be searched each and everytime. I live in Ontario Canada and have travelled back and forth to the states many times.

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MSD

I had a detector once, got it for 35 bucks at the local Radio Shed, on sale down from 280 (last day before new VG-2 regulations made them illegal to sell, but not own.) Had it for two weeks, forgot it was plugged in, drained the battery, traded it for a set of Firebird rims.

If I had a Valentine, maybe I could get a whole Firebird in exchange ...

Never gotten a ticket either way.

Shokan

How about you just drive the speed limit and not get yourself or others killed?

Speed limits are there for a reason. I see absolutely no reason for speeding other than a critical emergency.

Tell me I'm wrong.

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Scipio

"In Canada only three provinces allow detector use in cars; British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan."

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taylorspl

Speeding doesn't kill people idiots do. There is excessive speeding and flat out unsafe driving but speeding isn't an issue as long as you aren't on your cell phone and playing with the radio while trying to eat a sandwich.

Cynthetiq

you're wrong. speeding is subjective.

In California the BASIC speed limit rules over the signage.Thus even if the sign says 55MPH and everyone else is driving 35 because of whatever reason, a CHP officer can cite you for speeding.

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MontanaXVI

I have a older Whistler which i have had for a number of years and it served me well, has the VG2 immunity, safety radar warnbing system (which i have yet to see work in 4+ years of owning) the digital compass etc etc etc.

is legal here in Ohio but when i make the trip to NC gotta yank it down when i hit VA.

gotta love coming thourhg the mountain tunnel first sign you see WELCOME TO VIRGINIA.

2nd sign you see RADAR DETECTORS ARE ILLEGAL

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agball

I never found the Laser detection to work to well, & most cops do the "instant on" when you get busted. I have given up

kalisto_911

I love my Escort 7500(i think). Most of you are right, it does make you more nervous driver sometimes, and it does make it so whenever a song on the radio makes a background noise like your detector, you impulsively tap the brakes. The one time I got pulled over for speeding the cop said I should get rid of it and drive the limit but I still got off with just a warning (yay!)

Anyways the point I set out to make is that while I sped quite badly when I first got the 350$ radar detector, because there is defenitely an impervious to the law feeling at first, but now, about 2 years later, I almost never speed except in the day on the freeway or certain backroads, because radar detectors are truly not that great of a warning where I live.

OK so the point!

A huge amount of the time I spend on the road is on country roads with no street lights in the pitch black, so I like to know if that car coming up to me is a cop or not for sure, guessing and the spedometer watching that accompanies that is so much more worse than adjusting to the beeps of the detector.

SO: radar detectors main purpose these days : sense of security, awareness

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G5_Todd

you can have them.....just know this.....


if you have one and your caught speeding your more likely to get a ticket....

ratbastid

The solution to this is obvious. Somebody needs to invent a radar detector detector detector. That way when your RDDD detects an RDD up the road a ways, you know to shut off your RD so that the policeman's R can see how fast you're going.