Re: Radar Detectors

[Daniel Chenault <DanielC@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To get around #3, I don't use my regular brakes (cops elsewhere look for the
brake lights and the nosedive of braking) but the hand-brake. Since this
engages the rear brakes only, there is no nosedive and the lights don't come
on. Be careful with this though; practice using the handbrake to slow down
so you learn how much to use. Otherwise you may find yourself with locked-up
rear brakes at highway speeds; not a good thing. And keep your finger on the
button so you can control them.

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@domain.elided>
To: <rfg@domain.elided>
Cc: <bmw-digest@domain.elided>
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 5:43 PM
Subject: Re: Radar Detectors


> 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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