so I'm driving down I 70 today and a really beautiful red sports car comes up on me from behind. Speeds are reasonable as I am set at 71 (6 over) feeling safe from any speed traps. I cant tell what it is but this is one beautiful machine. I look back to the road ahead and bam. 2 police sitting with radar. Wow. Glad I wasn't speeding. We get past them and the red sports car pulls out from behind me..., passes and takes off making a wonderful sound. And as it goes by I can finally identify it as a Ferrari! Sadly I am not up on the latest models but it has very rounded lines and is flat out gorgeous.

Within two miles there is another radar trap and I think Damned, where's the Ferrari, they have to have him. And I spot him up in the distance about as far up the interstate as I can see, obviously onto the police and slowed till he got by.

Now the question. What the heck kind of radar detector technology is out there these days to allow him to travel so self assured? I don't know what it is but obviously there is good stuff out there.

I gave up on radar detectors in '05 when a VA police pulled me over with instant on. My detector went berzerk but it was too late. Not only did he have me but he knew I had a detector and ticketed me appropriately. I am older than I used to be and now simply stay within 5-10 of the speed limit and try to stay alert. So far so good.

 

Police have radar detector detectors it is my understanding that they are illegal in DC and VA so they will have a way to catch you. They have ways to fool you even with a detector and if you radar detector shows LASER on it it is usually too late, unless you have a laser shifter installed, you can not trust the detector 100% but there are very good detectors out there plus now you have an APP for that too, sometimes I only use the APP on my phone and it will alert me of what other users see on the road and t kind of works from time to time. Escort and Valentine are the best as far as I know but always be alert cops have tricks to catch speeders.

 

With laser/ladiar (lazers and or visiual timing with computers) being so prevelant in most places....and only having a range measured in FEET...DETECTORS are far from foolproof.... Leading to a false sense of security. They are a tool...like looking at brake lights, watch for tire tracks in highway medians, etc are all needed to reduce the risks....
I have a gps enabled unit that eliminates false warnings that "learns" the area...very quite.. Will give you the heads up a LAZY cop is driving around with his radar running...or a chrip might tell you instant on is in use....but the way most folks use detectors...they help to ENSURE a ticket...plain and simple...no excuse If one is on the dash and you be nabbed.
Mos every QUALITY (AKA OVER THE $200 UNITS) detectors are immune to detectors....so no worries there...

 

Well,

I don't think any detector can give 100% confidence. Especially with what they call POP.

Lots of You Tube videos explain this technology and these sites. Not always accurate but these detectors speak to you with words, tell you of red light cameras and such. Photo enforcement, but not always accurate.

I am looking at installing a "Custom Installed Radar Detector" like the Passport 8500CI Plus. Check out the Escort Website and look at the Laser Shifters. Or the 9500CI which he is most likely running.

I personally don't speed and don't mean to be critical. But I have learned that 5 mph over is better and safer to go with the flow of traffic. I have seen cars that don't and pickups skipping over three lanes almost rear ending cars trying to get around.

When you have a Mini you enjoy the drive. The other guy must be so miserable that he can't wait to get to his destination to get out of his auto of choice.

For me a detector is a toy. Why do I need it, I don't but because it is there. We enjoy our toys.

 

And speaking of nice cars I saw a few Fiskers in my area/neighborhood. Pretty cool. No idea about price and I am not up on the latest cars either.

But it looked different, something I had not seen before. Not small either. But cool.

 

On my VA trip in '05, I full well knew they were illegal in Va. Took it anyway. I figured with a nine hour drive, I would feel pretty foolish to get a ticket if I had a detector sitting at home. Oh well, I got what I deserved on that one. I'm not crying over that. Just relating an interesting car experience from last weekend and pondering what the heck that guy knew that seemed to be working so well for him that day. Me, I haven't needed one since that '05 experience. That's knocking on 9 years. I'm getting older, slower and more risk adverse. But still we drive fun cars. I was tempted to tuck in behind him but I did not. It was very cool to take it all in.

 

Couple of things:
Detectors are claimed to be illegal in VA - it was my understanding that this was a police scam and has been tested in the courts and found to be unconstitutional. That is motorist have the right to received signals that the police transmitted via radar detectors or scanners or whatever? Yet they continue to ticket and folks pay the tickets instead of fighting it in court??

Also, was following a new, luxury Audi the other day and my Escort went off on a couple of bands and continued to go off for several miles as I followed the car on my way, then we headed off in different directions and the signal stopped - do the back-up detectors or smart cruise controls on these new German luxury cars set detectors off?? Anyone had a similar experience? I've encountered some cars that I was sure were jamming - but the response was less dramatic with this Audi sedan.

 

Which escort?
Know the software version you have and the band the signal was on?
Some detectors are very good at filtering non-speed related radars...some are pisspoor.

 

It probably was the blind spot sensor since is radar based and seats just above the rear bumper at least on the Audis, a good software/ detector upgrade should filter that, like Zippy said check your current software.

 

Well, I don't live in a state where detectors are illegal. But I wonder if the police know if you are running one? Can they tell besides seeing it?

To me they are toys and I like to know I am being watched even if I don't speed. Crazy? Yes, I don't claim to be sane. Paranoid, maybe.

I got a ticket and fortunately it was only $45. Let me explain.

I bought two new Mini's. Yes, two at once. A Countryman and the S Coupe. I also have my dead Mother's Buick. I had to beg, yes beg for the tag renewal. For all three cars. And this has been for two years now.

Gets more complicated. My car and my birthday were close and the Tag Renewal. Driving with temporary tags getting pulled over. I have three pages of names, police departments, state district attorney's I had to call to get my Tag. And yes I called local FBI, and other agencies. Because it was a crime.

The way it works here is that the dealer has to submit all the paperwork electronically to get your Tag. All the money in the world will not help if you walk into the Tag Office. You can walk into the Tag office for the other two cars but not mine. Had to be flushed out of the system by the dealer. Spoke also to my local Senator and Congressman.

And yes, I have pages and spent two days on the phone over all this.

I forgot about the wife's Tag as her paper work got mailed but was to be renewed a month later. Hence the ticket.

So how many people remember to renew their Tag because they get absolutely nothing in the mail? Thought so.

Oh yeah, I forgot about her Tag because at the time I was putting my Father in a Nursing Home. That is after helping my Mom died from ALS and selling his home while working 11 hour days either there or by computer.

The police don't care if cars run here with no headlights. Even if they are road worthy. All they care about is the revenue, hence writing tickets.

I have no respect for them. It is not about Highway Safety as I see them ignore all kinds of infractions. It is about revenue.

So illegal or not I would run a radar detector. As I tell my wife, why am I responsible for Tags when the office misses mailing mine for two years on three cars? If they don't do there job I pay regardless. Respect is earned and they have not earned my respect.

Like I said I don't claim to be sane. With my Mother's death I had a full Power of Attorney drawn up only to find it is worthless. Taking care of my Dad I have fought with his investment firm, Nursing Home, and the like.

So it is very difficult for me to respect any law as I am not necessarily treated fairly or equally. Laws should be two ways, work against you and protect you. That does not seem to be the case.

 

Troopers know you have a radar detector their radar gun shows you slamming on the brakes to get to speed limit.

Radar detectors are permitted in all states except VA (and DC). Radar detectors are illegal to use in VA but not to own. It is a $280 ticket just to be caught using one. The trooper does not want to confiscate them into evidence since it is too much to deal with, instead they prefer to take the serial number down. They are illegal to use AND own in DC.
That said, the BEL STI is the one dectector not picked up by the most radar detector-detectors (specifically the Spectre II). The Valentine1 has a much further distance pickup based on tests and the Spectre RDD can only only pick it up within 100 yards--plenty of time to turn it off. Of course there is a new Spectre III/IV out which supposedly detects most detectors. That said the instant on radar will get you every time on a wide open highway.

Now most of the extreme dollar sport cars install built in laser/radar jammers which send out a signal that either jams their equipment or registers a lower speed limit. Most states these are illegal. In some states, if you cannot remove the jammer from your vehicles, the trooper may consicate the vehicle until court.

 

yes they do, mine goes off whenever im behind a newer audi.....and my buddy with a valentine1 has the same issue.

ive found in my area, most of the highway police dont use radars, then again they rarely pull you over for speeding (unless you are going ungodly fast).....

as for driving with confidence, the more you drive, the more aware to police hiding spots and police rotation cycles you become.....you essentially develop a 'police spidey sense'.....especially if you drive on the same stretch of road all the time.

i know on my commute, i can tell you 9/10 where and when a cop will be hiding.

 

I have an escort 8500 x50 and I trust it completely, have never received a ticket with it and only got pulled over with it on once when I was visually clocked with a pace count. Didn't get a ticket though, which is surprising because I didn't even bother to take it out of my windshield. I can't speak for other detectors but mine has pop detection and is immune to radar detector detectors. So basically yes, the driver probably trusts it enough that he would speed with confidence.

 

Glad I don't live there.....

But the whole thing is just interesting to me. How it works, why it works or lack there of.

I find the same thing, same road and I can tell you all the places they hide or have in the past. Speeding is just not worth the risk, especially on some roads I travel.

So when that tailgater blows me off in some sick way I just hope and pray a cop is ahead.

I guess to me like the NSA Phone records I want to know I am being clocked. I feel I have that right just I have the right to video any encounter with police. Then it is not my word verses there word, I have video evidence. Let that stand on its own merit.

Many thought Nixon was bad about Watergate, well I am much worse. I could teach Nixon a thing or two. And if I am a party to it, then it is legal. Absolutely legal. But that is me. I trust no one. Been burned too many times until I started either video taping or audio taping all important encounters.

 

Fully electric sports car out of Finland. One of the Senior VP's at my company had one, with his own parking spot and charging station in the garage!

The model they made is the Karma and runs between $120k and $180k, depending on options.

Unfortunately, the company is gone as of a few months ago...venture capital money ran out....

You are right.. a pretty cool looking car.

 

Finland, Wow I would have never guessed. Cool looking car the Fisker.

I always enjoying seeing something new to me anyway. Got to learn so much about Porsches when I had the Clear Bra installed as the guy had one and love to show it off. I had no idea what they were about.

 

Porsche Boxsters are built in Finland too!

 

It is no scam and it is their law

http://leg1.state.va.us/000/cod/46.2-1079.HTM

My advice is to not listen to a lot of what you read on the web when it comes to this. There is a bill in play that might end it, but it has not been passed. If you are caught with one, you will get a ticket and will have to pay.

 

I had a couple (mediocre early escort then a good bel sti model) many years ago, then went without
for a while, but with the advent of red light cameras and speed cameras in MD (I often drive
down to see my folks) and probably also coming to my locality (thanks you, PA legistators for passing
the bill that would allow them), I got a Bel GX65 Pro (very similar to Escort 9500ix) which has
an updatable database for speed cameras and redlight cameras, and is also a very good radar detector.
I watch my speed more carefully than when I was younger, and haven't had a ticket in many
years, but I still usually go 5-10 mph above the limit (which is actually safer than at or below the limit
if most of the other traffic is doing the same), and occasionally a little faster.
I don't use it for daily driving, but if I'm going on a trip to MD or on the turnpike or interstate, it goes in the car and on.
Being very alert on the road is the best way to avoid tickets when driving prudently but slightly above the legal limit,
but it's good to have those warnings of upcoming radar and cameras. If I go through NJ (to the shore), I have to be
extra careful because of the more prevelant use of laser (LIDAR). As others have said, if you get a laser reading on
your detector, your speed has already been checked (unless you have a laser shifter, which I don't).

 

I have an Escort 9500ci installed in my 2010 C4S and I use the Escort Passport in my other vehicles (including my daughter's 2012 MCS).

As was previously mentioned, radar/laser detectors are only a tool and there is no substitute for being aware...and letting a rabbit get out front to take the heat.

 

Yes some newer vehicles like the Audi set off radar detectors. You can research all of this by just googling it. I did my research on which one to get recently and bought a Valentine 1. I love the option of knowing where the radar is coming from. Front, side or from the rear. Nothing will protect you from Laser and instant on if a cop is detecting you. Only way its going to protect you with instant on is if they are detecting someone near you and you are able to react before the get to you. I use the Valantine one and also the app called Waze for my cell phone.

Waze is an app that you can use as a GPS and it is updated by all the users that use it. This apps warns you of cops in the area and also traffic conditions, accidents, traffic light cameras, and other things on your route to where you are going. It is updated by the users that use the app so things are fresh and updated alot if you live in a busy area like I do in Chicago. I would imaging if you are in the middle of nowhere like Iowa not to many updates would be happening. The app work almost if not better than a radar as its kinda like the how old school CB's where/are used to help people detect cops.

 

Wow, did some research on the latest laser jamming technology, and are my eyes opened! I have not fooled around with any kind of radar detector in over 15 years and it is amazing what an arsenal the cops now have to use on speeders. I see now that they always got my speed and just simply chose to pull over someone else.

The geek in me would like to have that laser jamming stuff, but at those prices for the few that actually work (on the open highway at distance), I will just keep my eyes alert and try to hold the the traffic flow speed - which is about 85 mph on 2 of the three highways I usually go on.

 

I remember when I used to drive as fast as I thought was possible without detectors since I never had the nerve to depend on one. I would push the envelope on roads that I thought I could get away with it. Because I'm not so assertive, I never got nailed. As I have gotten older I also learned something else. Pushing the limit in some supposed thought of saving/making time is really not worth the energy. I agree that a long road trip at highway speeds,(The Cannonball Baker comes to mind) an extra 10 or 20 miles per hour will give a measurable return. However, in the daily humdrum of driving, pushing the car at supersonic speeds really saves nothing in time. The average driver that goes 20-30 over the limit only does it for less than an hour for their entire trip. That translates into a maximum time savings of 30 minutes in theory and probably more like 5-10 in practice. I DO push the limit on road trips but only to maybe 10-15 max. I don't drive continuously enough for the extra speed to show a payback. I'm probably going to stop for a coffee or get stuck in traffic somewhere anyway. I never could justify the limited value of any radar detectors at any time in their technology. And given the probability that whatever a detector may be able to detect will probably be countered by John Law in a short time, the latest and greatest detector this month will be tomorrows electronic garbage and in need of a pricy upgrade PDQ.

OTOH, I guess that owning stock in a detector company wouldn't be such a bad thing. There will always be buyers, just like the buyers of all those amazing weight loss smokescreens~~

 

I was blazing up the turnpike near Orlando and my escort X50 was all quiet. All of the sudden a trooper was on my bumper pulling me over. He said I was clocked via aircraft.

 

A good radar will be able to pick up K/Ka bands from a far distance. Granted if you're going 100+ with no one around, not even the best will save you. Think Valentine 1, Escort 9500 & Redline. I have Redline

Laser jammers work out if you're in a bit of traffic.

Funny cause I was just going 79 in a 70 on cruise when a red Ferrari F12 blew by me at about 110. I was really hungry so I decided to just follow at speeds ranging from 90-120 for the next 17 miles.

In the course of that we both got blown by an ILX and an Accord. After the Ferrari exited, I kept cruise at 99 while the Accord followed me for another 5 miles.

0 ***** were given to the two cops/cars pulled over going the other way.