Radar Detector Laws [Archive]

2ndBimmer

11-27-2004, 08:26 AM

Our friend durnadupa's recent ticket got me to thinking...

Last April I was nabbed doing 76 in a 65 (and yes, the officer bitched at me about it being wet out too). This pushed me over the edge and I bought a Valentine 1 in May. Ive had no problems with it since and its caught at least 5 rolling radars and 3 speed traps (along with telling me if Im within a mile of a Walmart). Ive not gone much outside of MD and PA since then, but a coworker of mine warned me that in VA they will take them away from you like a slingshot from Bart Simpson. Ive gone right past cops in both MD and PA with the detector in sight, in daylight, and on with no issues whatsoever. I am kind of worried about traveling to other places where the laws might not be so kind.

Does anyone know or have expeirience with detector laws in the various states you all live in?

1996 328ti

11-27-2004, 02:41 PM

Using radar detectors are illegal in Virginia and Washington, DC.
Personally I never heard of anyone aving to give up their personal property but I have read about it. Could be an urban legend. I've also read whee people keep crappy detectors to hand over to the revenue agents.

Radar detector detectors can't pick up V1s.
Everytime a slammed down Honda passes me my V1 goes beserk because it is picking up all of the leakage of his crappy detector.

I have mine mounted near the sunroof switch and a hidden display in the ash tray. I use it in VA too since you can't see it from the outside unless the sunroof is open.

durnadupa

11-28-2004, 03:06 AM

ClubSport

11-28-2004, 03:13 AM

The concensus is that the Valentine One or the Passport 8500 are the best on the market. It's pretty much a toss up as to performance, as different reviewers have called either one the winner. It pretty much comes down to which one you prefer.

sydeshow

11-28-2004, 03:33 AM

Hahaha, nice... im glad my misery and suffering is bringing up new threads. AWESOME!

hahaha, but seriously though... where would i go about getting one of these thigns? online or sometin? and wat is the best one...
Valentine One (V1) (http://www.valentine1.com)

that's all you need. haha. in my opinion at least.

sydeshow

11-28-2004, 03:39 AM

Does anyone know or have expeirience with detector laws in the various states you all live in?
down here (louisiana), it's no problem. in fact, as far as know, none of the states down here (south-central and southeast) have a law against them. virginia and d.c. are the only two places i've heard of it being illegal.

but i don't think they take it from you. you do get a ticket though.

you should check out videos of the gumball run 3000. there's an m3 that got pulled over for his in virginia (i think).

but just find out before you go places. according to V1's web site...

"Some states and municipalities have laws prohibiting the use, or the possession, or both, of radar detectors."

so some states may not rule it illegal, but some counties (or parishes as they're called in louisiana) may give you a ticket for one. just don't be stupid. that's all i can say.

chepas

11-28-2004, 04:45 AM

Well, I was in VA and D.C. this past week and my friend got a ticket for 250 and his radar detector taken away, (was stupid though), anyway when you go to another state there will be signs stating that "radar detectors are illegal" so you'll have plenty of time to take it down/off before you get pull over.

FYI mine have saved my ass about 4 times...

1996 328ti

11-28-2004, 05:13 AM

The only safe place is in the trunk. Oh wait, our cars don't have a trunk.
Even if it is in the glove box then they can probably take it away.
I don't understand how anyone can take personal property.
Oh wait, it must have been Virginia. The only state in the US that governs the use of radio waves which is under federal jurisdication.

aceyx

11-28-2004, 05:50 AM

va is illegal to possess, but i've heard of no instances where it's been confiscated. dc is illegal to use, not sure about possession.

if you have a v1, snip off the clip on the telephone/power cord to make throwing it under your seat quicker.

i personally have a v1, because i like to know where to look.

Phil Marx

12-01-2004, 05:12 AM

In VA they are illegal to sell or operate, not to own. Access to power is key to proving use. I live in VA and don't go anywhere without my V-One. Valentine will ship one to Virginia, but Crutchfield won't sell detectors here. They fought it a long time ago and gave up.

popstr

12-16-2004, 03:51 AM

barische

12-16-2004, 04:18 AM

how about new jersey and PA is there any laws against detectors there.

1996 328ti

12-16-2004, 05:18 AM

how about new jersey and PA is there any laws against detectors there. Are there laws, not is there laws. ;)

No. Only Washington, DC and Virginia ban the use of radar detectors.

Phil Marx

12-16-2004, 05:20 AM

i live in va, where radar detectors are illegal. as from my encounters and those of friends here's what i have to say. the cops can't do anything if the detector's off. so even if they pull you over all you have to do is take it down and turn it off. There is no way they can take it, so calm down and speed smart!

Allow me to repeat myself from earlier in this same thread: "In VA they are illegal to sell or operate, not to own. Access to power is key to proving use. I live in VA and don't go anywhere without my V-One."

If you have your detector in the passenger compartment with you and it has "access to power"---and that does NOT mean it has to be plugged-in---you are guilty of using an illegal radar detector in Virginia. I just want you all to know the truth. However, I have even heard on some ocassions where the officer has stopped someone with a detector and given them a break by simply asking them to lock it in their trunk. They no longer have to confiscate them to prove you had one. Checking that it works and including the serial number of the unit on your citation is enough evidence to convict you. The fine is somewhat standardized at $100 and up as I recall. Court costs may vary and several years ago the state quit counting it as a moving violation so no points. It's still illegal to have one in the car with you, just so you know.