Do Radar/Laser Detectors Actually Work?

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Thinking about getting a Radar Detector but am wondering if it's worth the investment. I know if I DO get pulled over and I have one the cop isn't going to give me a break, so no matter what it's always a double edged sword in that respect. However, I was wondering about how effective they truly are.

For example if I'm getting hit by laser, which prompts the detector to go off, won't that be too late. Won't the officer already have my speed at that point?

Thanks in advance.

[PhillyLS1]

The work but you can't cheap out. Mine cost me like $400.
PAid for its self in a few months.

But it's a tool like anything else. IF you're doing 90 in the hammer lane with no one in front of you, not much a radar dectector can do. You gotta drive smart.
I recomend an Escort model or a V2.

[1gmfanatik]

They do work pretty well, BUT you can not completely rely on them to keep you from getting tickets. You are still going to have to keep your eyes open for the popo

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

How do they work exactly? With Laser, which I presume is very linear, once it detects you being gunned doesn't the officer already have the speed?

[Metalhedd]

I'm pretty sure that it picks up when radar is on, not necessarily pointed at you. I know that when you drive in front of a store with automatic doors it will detect the radar from that even though your car isn't close enough to make the doors open.

[TROLL]

you dont have much protection against laser, and you also wont have much protection about instant on radar. it will help sometimes, but you're far from invincible so you've still got to drive smart. there's no right answer.

[marshallpre1]

Yes and no. If you're gonna buy a cheap, mid range detector, might as well not buy one. Get the best, IMO V1 is the best. Supra guys swear by it... For laser, you need a jammer. This will prevent the cop from getting a reading of your speed. I'm not sure how legal they are, in which states, etc. Also, don't drive like an idiot. If there is a hill, chances are your detector won't be as effective, so might as well slow down. I've never gotten a ticket (knock on wood). I don't have a detector (yet) and most of the time I only drive 10 over the speed limit.... Good luck!

[jbdakid]

Originally Posted by Bubba Ho-Tep

How do they work exactly? With Laser, which I presume is very linear, once it detects you being gunned doesn't the officer already have the speed?

This is true but the idea is to get a detector with better range than the cops radar/laser gun. The officer won't get a reading until you come into his range so if you have a good detector than it will help you in a lot of situations. It will really help with unmarked cars!! Everything posted so far has been true, personally I think it's a good investment.

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Does anyone know how often laser is used versus traditional radar?

I got nailed today and it was on a long wooded road and the cop must have been a mile down the road behind another car. When I passed him I was already going the speed limit again. I saw him turn around and I didn't even get worried- didn't even think he gunned me. Apparently police drive around with the guns on and have ridiculous range.

He said I was going 70'something (forget exactly) in a 45. My jaw almost hit the floor- not only because of the large fines/points associated with a ticket like that but simply the fact I was going that fast. I didn't even realize it.

Thank God, the cop was cool and let me go. He totally could have nailed me big time, so I'm incredibly grateful. Just makes me think about investing in a radar detector now.

[ozthunder]

Radar jammers are illegal, but laser's are not. Once a laser is on you, it's game over, therefore, get a jammer. I believe they are operated under different offices, therefore the different legalities (anyone deny/confirm/am i nuts?).

[jbdakid]

Does anyone know how often laser is used versus traditional radar?

It depends on where you are. I know they use it a lot in B-more and the DC area but I've never faced it here in central PA or Jersey.

[Metalhedd]

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

Yes and no. If you're gonna buy a cheap, mid range detector, might as well not buy one. Get the best, IMO V1 is the best. Supra guys swear by it... For laser, you need a jammer. This will prevent the cop from getting a reading of your speed. I'm not sure how legal they are, in which states, etc. Also, don't drive like an idiot. If there is a hill, chances are your detector won't be as effective, so might as well slow down. I've never gotten a ticket (knock on wood). I don't have a detector (yet) and most of the time I only drive 10 over the speed limit.... Good luck!

I'm gonna have to go out on a limb here and guess that jammers are illegal in most, if not all states, seeing as how they prevent cops from being able to do their job. haha.

[ozthunder]

I think its dependent on state, but I was pretty sure that a different legal body operated the jammer, therefore it wasn't illegal whereas radar was.

[SovXietday]

Easiest way to not get a ticket is to not drive like an asshole. No seriously, I haven't had a single speeding ticket and it can't be said that I drive slow.

[Metalhedd]

yeah, surprisingly ive never gotten a speeding ticket. i did however, get a ticket for turning right through a red light without stopping, even though it was yellow. but it was the end of the month.

[twastheglow]

I've actually been wondering the same questions as these. I drive one hour to work everday (2 hours a day) and having this information is quite useful.

Does anyone make a radar detector/laser jammer in one?
*mike*

[marshallpre1]

Originally Posted by twastheglow

I've actually been wondering the same questions as these. I drive one hour to work everday (2 hours a day) and having this information is quite useful.

Does anyone make a radar detector/laser jammer in one?
*mike*

I don't think one model can do both, but some models can be integrated together. Laser jammers are legal in most states from what I remember, but they are costly >$700. They have to be installed in your front bumper, rear, etc. IMO just go with the Valentine 1 radar/laser detector. It is the best out there, check out www.guysoflidar.com, they have done some awesome tests

[twastheglow]

I'm friends with a "repo man" that also highly recommended the Valentine 1 too. And that dude drives all over all the time. He has experience with different ones that also says that's the best.
*mike*

[zerioustt]

another vote for v1, best investment ever.


even thought i have it im always weary when there are no cars on the road, in that case ill do 10 above. ive got a laser hit on another car from a very far distance, thank god it has saved my ass numerous times.

[namdoogwerdna]

Valentine does make a decent radar detector, and the do work sometimes, however as of late they have become less useful. Back in the day (which was a Wednesday, in case you were wondering) when radar was the new thing, the cops would just sit on the side of the road with the radar between their legs and the trigger stuck down. It was then discovered that this causes tesiticular cancer, so that practice has since diminshed and the police officers now know how to work a radar gun. If it is an officer that knows what he/she is doing, by the time they hit you and your detector goes off, it is too late. Also I remember hearing that in PA, officers may only use radar/laser on highways/state roads. I don't know how NJ works, but I'm sure if you PM Sarge he will be able to tell you.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. Plus, if you have one, you are basically insulting the officers intelligence. But that's just my .02