Re: Radar Detectors

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Seeker,

Detectors are illegal in VA and DC.  Several other states (NY, for one) make 
detectors illegal in trucks.

As far as VA police knowing if you have a detector, they use three methods 
to determine whether you have a detector:

1) Visual - If they see a detector mounted in your car, you'll be pulled 
over, even if it's turned off.  Ask me how I know...

2) VG-2 - Some VA State Police cars are equipped with VG-2 detectors, which 
detect the small IF signal that many detectors emit.  If your detector is 
turned off, VG-2 won't detect it.  If their VG-2 indicates that you have a 
detector, they'll pull you over to talk about it.  Again, ask me how I 
know...

3) Reaction - Sometimes the police will keep the radar gun turned off, and 
momentarily 'key it' to send a signal.  If you happen to hit your brakes 
when this happens, he'll probably repeat it again in a minute. If you hit 
the brakes again, chances are you're running a radar detector, and he'll 
pull you over to talk about it.

If you get pulled over with a radar detector, VA police will not confiscate 
the unit if you're an out-of-state resident.  (Again, ask me how I know...)  
He will take the unit to write down the serial number, and to verify that 
it's an operational unit, but he'll return it to you when he gives you your 
ticket.

If you're a VA resident caught with a detector, they may confiscate it 
(although I'm not sure about this).

The fine (for out-of-state residents) for having a detector in VA used to be 
$50, and there were no points issued.  I'm not sure if this is the same for 
VA residents.

When I worked in VA, I equipped my car with a Bel 615STiR (remote unit), 
with VG-2 'immunity'.  That way, there was no visible or VG-2 detectability. 
  I figured that the possible $50 fine was an occasional "usage fee" for 
using a detector in VA.  I'd rather pay $50 once every few years than pay 
big bucks and get points (transferrable to many states) for getting a 
speeding ticket.

By the way, the only way that a VA trooper will pull you over and NOT give 
you a ticket for having a detector is if the detector is out of reach of the 
driver (in the trunk), and isn't turned on.

- -rb

>
>Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 15:05:18 -0500
>From: Seeker <rfg@domain.elided>
>Subject: Re: Radar Detectors
>
>     What about states where radar detectors are illegal?
>
>     I live in Maryland, just over the line from Virginia and every time I 
>drive into Virginia, the first sign after "Welcome to Virginia" is "Radar 
>Detectors Illegal".  Do the cops know if you are using one?  Do they have 
>the right to confiscate it or fine you for using it?  Are there many other 
>states where radar detectors are illegal?  Can the cops tell you have one 
>simply by the fact that it is turned on or do they have to see it?
>
>     Thanks,
>     Seeker

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