Radar Detection Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are some basic questions that one might wonder about Law Enforcement Radar, and Consumer Radar Detection. Here are some very interesting facts about radar detectors...
How Does Police Radar Work?
A police radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain frequencies which reflects off objects (your vehicle) and are then picked up by the radar gun's receiving section. When radar waves reflect off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour (or kilometers per hour) to determine the target's speed.
Two basic types of radar are used - stationary and moving. Stationary radar must be used from a static site, typically a patrol car parked along side the road (See above figure). But with a single antenna moving radar, an officer can clock approaching vehicles while driving on patrol. Moving radar with two antennae - one facing forward, the other aimed out the back of the cruiser - can also clock vehicles even after they have passed by, headed in the opposite direction.
How Does a Radar Detector Work?
A detector is a radio receiver tuned to specific frequencies used by police radar. It is extremely sensitive, often able to hear radar from over a mile away, far beyond the range at which radar can clock a vehicle's speed. In evaluating a detector, the two most important performance criteria are sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is a measure of a units detection range. Selectivity refers to a unit's ability to reject non-police microwave signals and is an important feature because of the many sources of "electronic pollution". Note: Automatic door openers and some burglar alarms operate on X-band, which is a police band. A radar detector cannot tell if a store is opening a door or a police officer is checking speed.
I Saw the Police Car but the Detector didn't go off. Why?
A detector can alert you of a police presence only when they are transmitting a signal. The officer may have a radar or laser gun in the car but the device may not have been turned on. No detector can alert you if no signal is transmitted!
How Common is the Use of Police Radar?
Since the mid seventies radar has served as the tool of choice for speed enforcement. Over 100,000 radar units are in service by police in all 50 states and account for over 37,000,000 speeding tickets each year. In fact, there are so many radar guns on the road today, your speed may be radar monitored more than one-hundred times during a single trip from New York to Los Angeles.
Safety is a commendable concern, however, many states, counties, and towns use speed enforcement more as a major revenue generator, rather than for safety concerns, intentionally fleecing the public community as they peaceably commute to and from work, school, and their pursuit of general peaceful civic participation. ArrowMarkTech.com encourages safety-minded citizens to defend yourselves against this economic assault.
What Frequencies are used?
Except for a few early units, X band (10.525 GHz) was the only frequency used for police radar until the mid 1970's. In 1976 radar guns using K band (24.150 GHz) were introduced; this led to the development of the first dual band (X/K) radar detectors. A proliferation of radar guns using Ka band frequencies began in 1987 with the introduction of photo radar (34.3 GHz) and was followed by the Stalker (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) in 1991 and the BEE 36A (33.4-34.4 GHz) in 1992.
Why Are Radar Detectors Described as Dual Band, Triband, Wideband or Superwideband?
Early detectors needed only to listen for X band radar. When K band arrived, dual band models able to receive both frequencies (X and K) were required. The introduction of Ka band photo radar (34.3 GHz) led to the development of triband models able to detect X, K, plus a small portion of Ka band. A fourth category of radar receivers called wideband, with X, K and "wideband" Ka (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) detection capabilities reached the market following the introduction of Stalker radar. And finally, in response to the BEE 36A a new generation of radar detectors were developed termed superwideband, which cover all radar guns operating on X, K or "superwideband" Ka (33.2- 36.0 GHz).
What is a False Alert?
A number of transmitting devices are also allowed to operate on the same frequencies used by police radar. These are not considered false signals. For example, the automatic door openers commonly used by businesses are low powered X band transmitters. They produce signals that appear legitimate to a radar detector and cause it to alarm. Other sources produce "harmonics" signals, ghosts or look alike K or Ka band radar signals, which make a radar detector give a false alert. A better radar detector reduces these types of false alarms.
What is "pulse", "instant on" or "POP" radar?
When radar detectors proved easily capable of sniffing out radar from miles away, radar gun manufacturers responded by producing instant-on radar or unoffically called "Pulse" radar. In the instant-on mode, the radar's transmitter is placed on hold, ready to fire but not yet producing a signal for detectors to hear. The officer waits until his target is very close (brings a new meaning to "wait till you see the whites of their eyes") then releases the radar from stand-by mode and gets a speed reading within a second or so (pulse). In this situation, no detector offers much warning. Instant-On radar just took on a whole new meaning in 2003! There are new guns out there that operate just like the instant-on guns of the past but with a very tough new twist - POPTM mode! This new gun is a normal K and Ka band radar gun detectable by most radar detectors made in the past 30 years, until this gun is placed in POP mode. When the gun is in POP™ Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy, less than 1/15 of a second is transmitted and the vehicle's speed is quickly acquired. A detector without POP™ Mode detection capability cannot respond to this brief transmission.
TIP - When traveling in unfamiliar highways always try to find a vehicle, which is traveling at the same rate or faster than you are and keep several car lengths behind them. This way the other vehicle can "flush out the radar".
Can I Use My Detector Overseas?
Yes and No! Some countries use the same frequencies as we do. Some countries use K band combined with other bands not used here. Before bringing a detector overseas you need to first determine what frequencies are used in that country. Just a word of warning for those overseas planning on visiting the USA. While visiting, you may want to purchase a radar detector over here but be careful. Some retailers may mark an inexpensive unit and say that they are "Euro Ready" or "Retuned for European radar". Some manufacturers do not sell European units in the USA.
How Do Laser Speed Guns Work?
Laser speed guns transmit short bursts of invisible light, which bounce off a target vehicle and return to the laser gun. By timing the outgoing and return trips of the light bursts, over time, it can compute the target's speed. The laser's biggest selling point is its narrow beam, only about three feet wide at a distance of 1,000 feet - a feature that provides nearly foolproof target identification. In comparison, a radar gun’s beam is about 250 feet wide at 1,000 feet. Laser guns must be used from a stationary position and are most effective at short range, usually when targeting traffic at 600 to 1,200 feet.
How Does a Laser Detector Work?
Since laser guns use a specific "light frequency", or "wavelength", it is possible to detect a laser's signature "light pulse rates". Different laser guns operate at different light pulse rates. Some radar detector manufacturers call them "bands". All laser guns currently in use include:
* Pro Laser™ I, II and III
* LTI 20-20
* Ultra Lyte
* Stalker LZ-1
* Laser Atlanta L-1
Keep in mind that laser detectors act differently than radar detectors. Since the narrow laser beam produces very little "scatter", random bits of electromagnetic energy bouncing down the road, it is much harder to detect than a powerful radar gun that blankets the countryside with easily detectable microwave signals. Laser guns operate exclusively in instant-on mode and usually target vehicles at short range. Similar to instant-on radar, if you are the target vehicle, don't expect much warning. The result is your laser detector usually will offer less advance warning because at 1000 feet the beam is only 3 feet wide and that the officer aims at your license plate or headlights. The distance from where your detector is mounted to the license plate can be greater than 3 feet. This will be outside of the laser beam. If the officer is not steady while targeting vehicles, scattered laser signals can result, giving a possible signal to detect.
How Common is the Use of Laser for Speed Monitoring?
Less than 1,000 laser guns are in service in 45 states at present. Most laser guns are used by city police on urban multi-lane roadways, although some state highway patrols - Illinois and Ohio to name two, have dozens of units spread throughout the state. The use of laser guns for speed monitoring is expected to increase, but will remain limited due to their high cost-four times that of a moving radar, and limited attractiveness to agencies that favor the convenience, offered by conventional moving radar. Currently, laser guns account for less than 5% of the total number of speed monitoring guns (radar and laser) sold in the U.S. annually. During the next five years, this figure is expected to remain under 8%. Laser guns will likely be in service in every state within a few years.
Will Laser Guns Replace Radar?
No. Their premium price, limited applications (compared to moving radar), and more complex operation will keep sales of laser guns at a much lower level than radar.
Do Laser Detectors "false" like Radar Detectors?
Top selling detectors use sophisticated signal processing and optical filtering to almost totally eliminate laser falsing. Because of the design's incredible accuracy, assume any laser alert received as valid.
Unit Falses with Laser When I Rev Up the Engine.
Has the vehicle had a recent tune up? If not, it is possible that the distributor cap is to blame. An old and worn cap will allow the "spark" to leak from the cap and this is what the laser receiver is detecting. Replace distributor cap with a factory original.
What Frequency Does Laser Transmit On? What is a nanometer?
Laser transmits an invisible light beam at a frequency (actually it transmits a "Wavelength") of 905 nanometers. A nanometer is how a light wavelength is measured. The same idea applies to a TV signal or radio signal. These signals are measured in hertz - megahertz to be precise.
What is a Radar Detector Detector? What is VG-2 or Spectre?
A Radar Detector Detector (RDD) is a microwave receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by the local oscillator (A circuit inside the detector) of a radar detector. The trade name of the commonly used RDD manufactured is Interceptor VG-2, most often simply referred to as VG-2. A newer device in this field is called Spectre and it can detect most of the "Undetectable" radar detectors that are on the market! Spectre has upgraded their RDD twice so far, to catch other detectors that tried to "hide" their emissions. Currently, the latest version is Spectre III (6/04).
An officer using a RDD typically parks next to a busy freeway and aims the device at a 45-degree angle across the traffic stream. The RDD acts just like a radar detector when it hears an approaching radar detector, increasing its audio alert rate and progressively lighting more LED's in its visual display. By observing the traffic and watching how the RDD responds, the officer can make an educated guess as to which vehicle is using a radar detector.
Some detectors are "noisier" than others and can be detected by the RDD from as far away as 4,000 feet. In Virginia, the largest user of the RDD's, officers are not empowered to search a vehicle unless visible signs are present to support the RDD's guess that a radar detector is in the targeted vehicle. Important: A missing cigarette lighter plug, dangling power cord, Velcro on the dash, a mounting bracket on the windshield or visor will tip the officer as to the possible presence of a detector and allow him to search for it. If found, the detector isn't confiscated; the officer notes its serial number, checks to see if it's operational, then hands it back to the driver - along with a citation for having used it.
NOTE: This information was correct when written. It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
Where is an RDD (VG-2, Spectre) Used?
At present the police in Virginia, Washington DC and the five eastern Canadian provinces employ RDD's. Because of the recent FHwA regulation which prohibits nationally the use of radar (and laser) detectors in commercial vehicles, interest in the use of RDD's by law enforcement agencies has increased.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
What is Non-Detectable or VG-2 Immunity?
These terms identify a radar detector that cannot be detected by VG-2. Radar Detectors that are non-detectable, have their circuitry tuned outside of the VG-2 "listening" frequency, or have reduced the emissions emitting from the antenna. Stealth is another term for immunity used by radar detector manufacturers.
What is VASCAR?
VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) is a time/distance computer that determines a vehicle's average speed by timing it between two reference points, usually white stripes painted on the roadway. Used both by ground units and aircraft, VASCAR uses no radio waves and therefore is not detectable. Officers typically sit at the top of a freeway on-ramp or other vantage point, timing traffic between the two reference points. It is rarely used at night. Watch for the telltale white stripes across the road that will reveal you're in VASCAR country.
What is "Pacing"?
Pacing is the granddaddy of all speed measuring techniques. The officer typically drives up behind the target, accelerating until his speed matches the speed of the target vehicle. His calibrated speedometer then verifies the target vehicle's speed. Although pacing also works when the police cruiser is in front of the target vehicle, some courts consider this approach unreliable and won't allow it. Pacing is especially effective at night, but rarely works when the drivers maintain a close watch in their rear view mirror.
How are Aircraft Used to Monitor Speed?
Using white reference marks on the road, the airborne officer simply times the target between two of the marks to establish average speed. Most states use VASCAR, but a few use stopwatches. They first program in the known distance between the marks, then operate the time switch to determine the targets speed. Hidden cruisers are waiting below to stop the violator and write the ticket. Contrary to popular belief, radar cannot be used from aircraft.
Are Radar Detectors Illegal?
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.). Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington DC, which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective January 19, 1994, which prohibits nationally radar and laser detector use in these types of vehicles.Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 lbs., and in Illinois, in trucks over 26,000 lbs. These laws remain in effect. In Canada, radar detectors and laser detectors are illegal to use in Manitoba, New Brunswick; Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
Where Do I Mount the Detector?
A dash model can mount 3 ways; on the windshield, visor or dash. It is personal taste or the vehicle's interior design that limits or forces a mounting location. Laser reception is one concern when choosing a mounting location. The lower the unit is mounted on the dash, the better the laser detection, as the laser gun is generally "shooting" at the license plate or headlights.
What can I do to keep radar and laser detectors legal?
Fight for your rights! Specifically, watch for news stories about any legislation in your state that seeks to ban the use or sale of detectors and let your elected representatives know your feelings. Don't ignore such legislation, even if it targets only heavy trucks. A favored tactic of the anti-detector forces, which are primarily large insurance companies, who benefit immensely from slapping surcharges on ticketed drivers. Their strategy has been to first go after truckers' rights to use detectors. They are actively lobbying our “representatives” to incrementally erode our rights to defend ourselves against this corporate and governmental fleecing. If successful in banning detector use in trucks, you can bet their efforts will turn to banning your right to use them in cars.
SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM (SWS) Radar
This relatively new radar is not for speed detection at all. It is used to keep you informed of highway safety. Transmitters are installed and programmed (for example: in emergency vehicles) to make you aware of possible situations that may require your attention, such as: ambulance vehicles that are moving or stationary, road hazards ahead, road construction delays or detours, etc. Important: Safety transmitters have to be purchased by the town, state or federal agencies. At present safety radar transmitters are few. Safety radar transmissions are received by all radar detectors, because they transmit on K-band frequency, however, only newer radar detectors with safety radar (SWS)capability can identify them.
What is 360 Protection?
Units with 360-degree protection, detects signals from all radar, laser, VG-2, and safety radar systems wherever they come from; front, rear or from the sides.
Go To The Top
* Radar Detection Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
cobra 12 band radar detector, radar band, 12 band radar detector, are radar detectors illegal, vg 2 radar, cobra
A police radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain frequencies which reflects off objects (your vehicle) and are then picked up by the radar gun's receiving section. When radar waves reflect off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour (or kilometers per hour) to determine the target's speed.
Two basic types of radar are used - stationary and moving. Stationary radar must be used from a static site, typically a patrol car parked along side the road (See above figure). But with a single antenna moving radar, an officer can clock approaching vehicles while driving on patrol. Moving radar with two antennae - one facing forward, the other aimed out the back of the cruiser - can also clock vehicles even after they have passed by, headed in the opposite direction.
How Does a Radar Detector Work?
A detector is a radio receiver tuned to specific frequencies used by police radar. It is extremely sensitive, often able to hear radar from over a mile away, far beyond the range at which radar can clock a vehicle's speed. In evaluating a detector, the two most important performance criteria are sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is a measure of a units detection range. Selectivity refers to a unit's ability to reject non-police microwave signals and is an important feature because of the many sources of "electronic pollution". Note: Automatic door openers and some burglar alarms operate on X-band, which is a police band. A radar detector cannot tell if a store is opening a door or a police officer is checking speed.
I Saw the Police Car but the Detector didn't go off. Why?
A detector can alert you of a police presence only when they are transmitting a signal. The officer may have a radar or laser gun in the car but the device may not have been turned on. No detector can alert you if no signal is transmitted!
How Common is the Use of Police Radar?
Since the mid seventies radar has served as the tool of choice for speed enforcement. Over 100,000 radar units are in service by police in all 50 states and account for over 37,000,000 speeding tickets each year. In fact, there are so many radar guns on the road today, your speed may be radar monitored more than one-hundred times during a single trip from New York to Los Angeles.
Safety is a commendable concern, however, many states, counties, and towns use speed enforcement more as a major revenue generator, rather than for safety concerns, intentionally fleecing the public community as they peaceably commute to and from work, school, and their pursuit of general peaceful civic participation. ArrowMarkTech.com encourages safety-minded citizens to defend yourselves against this economic assault.
What Frequencies are used?
Except for a few early units, X band (10.525 GHz) was the only frequency used for police radar until the mid 1970's. In 1976 radar guns using K band (24.150 GHz) were introduced; this led to the development of the first dual band (X/K) radar detectors. A proliferation of radar guns using Ka band frequencies began in 1987 with the introduction of photo radar (34.3 GHz) and was followed by the Stalker (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) in 1991 and the BEE 36A (33.4-34.4 GHz) in 1992.
Why Are Radar Detectors Described as Dual Band, Triband, Wideband or Superwideband?
Early detectors needed only to listen for X band radar. When K band arrived, dual band models able to receive both frequencies (X and K) were required. The introduction of Ka band photo radar (34.3 GHz) led to the development of triband models able to detect X, K, plus a small portion of Ka band. A fourth category of radar receivers called wideband, with X, K and "wideband" Ka (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) detection capabilities reached the market following the introduction of Stalker radar. And finally, in response to the BEE 36A a new generation of radar detectors were developed termed superwideband, which cover all radar guns operating on X, K or "superwideband" Ka (33.2- 36.0 GHz).
What is a False Alert?
A number of transmitting devices are also allowed to operate on the same frequencies used by police radar. These are not considered false signals. For example, the automatic door openers commonly used by businesses are low powered X band transmitters. They produce signals that appear legitimate to a radar detector and cause it to alarm. Other sources produce "harmonics" signals, ghosts or look alike K or Ka band radar signals, which make a radar detector give a false alert. A better radar detector reduces these types of false alarms.
What is "pulse", "instant on" or "POP" radar?
When radar detectors proved easily capable of sniffing out radar from miles away, radar gun manufacturers responded by producing instant-on radar or unoffically called "Pulse" radar. In the instant-on mode, the radar's transmitter is placed on hold, ready to fire but not yet producing a signal for detectors to hear. The officer waits until his target is very close (brings a new meaning to "wait till you see the whites of their eyes") then releases the radar from stand-by mode and gets a speed reading within a second or so (pulse). In this situation, no detector offers much warning. Instant-On radar just took on a whole new meaning in 2003! There are new guns out there that operate just like the instant-on guns of the past but with a very tough new twist - POPTM mode! This new gun is a normal K and Ka band radar gun detectable by most radar detectors made in the past 30 years, until this gun is placed in POP mode. When the gun is in POP™ Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy, less than 1/15 of a second is transmitted and the vehicle's speed is quickly acquired. A detector without POP™ Mode detection capability cannot respond to this brief transmission.
TIP - When traveling in unfamiliar highways always try to find a vehicle, which is traveling at the same rate or faster than you are and keep several car lengths behind them. This way the other vehicle can "flush out the radar".
Can I Use My Detector Overseas?
Yes and No! Some countries use the same frequencies as we do. Some countries use K band combined with other bands not used here. Before bringing a detector overseas you need to first determine what frequencies are used in that country. Just a word of warning for those overseas planning on visiting the USA. While visiting, you may want to purchase a radar detector over here but be careful. Some retailers may mark an inexpensive unit and say that they are "Euro Ready" or "Retuned for European radar". Some manufacturers do not sell European units in the USA.
How Do Laser Speed Guns Work?
Laser speed guns transmit short bursts of invisible light, which bounce off a target vehicle and return to the laser gun. By timing the outgoing and return trips of the light bursts, over time, it can compute the target's speed. The laser's biggest selling point is its narrow beam, only about three feet wide at a distance of 1,000 feet - a feature that provides nearly foolproof target identification. In comparison, a radar gun’s beam is about 250 feet wide at 1,000 feet. Laser guns must be used from a stationary position and are most effective at short range, usually when targeting traffic at 600 to 1,200 feet.
How Does a Laser Detector Work?
Since laser guns use a specific "light frequency", or "wavelength", it is possible to detect a laser's signature "light pulse rates". Different laser guns operate at different light pulse rates. Some radar detector manufacturers call them "bands". All laser guns currently in use include:
* Pro Laser™ I, II and III
* LTI 20-20
* Ultra Lyte
* Stalker LZ-1
* Laser Atlanta L-1
Keep in mind that laser detectors act differently than radar detectors. Since the narrow laser beam produces very little "scatter", random bits of electromagnetic energy bouncing down the road, it is much harder to detect than a powerful radar gun that blankets the countryside with easily detectable microwave signals. Laser guns operate exclusively in instant-on mode and usually target vehicles at short range. Similar to instant-on radar, if you are the target vehicle, don't expect much warning. The result is your laser detector usually will offer less advance warning because at 1000 feet the beam is only 3 feet wide and that the officer aims at your license plate or headlights. The distance from where your detector is mounted to the license plate can be greater than 3 feet. This will be outside of the laser beam. If the officer is not steady while targeting vehicles, scattered laser signals can result, giving a possible signal to detect.
How Common is the Use of Laser for Speed Monitoring?
Less than 1,000 laser guns are in service in 45 states at present. Most laser guns are used by city police on urban multi-lane roadways, although some state highway patrols - Illinois and Ohio to name two, have dozens of units spread throughout the state. The use of laser guns for speed monitoring is expected to increase, but will remain limited due to their high cost-four times that of a moving radar, and limited attractiveness to agencies that favor the convenience, offered by conventional moving radar. Currently, laser guns account for less than 5% of the total number of speed monitoring guns (radar and laser) sold in the U.S. annually. During the next five years, this figure is expected to remain under 8%. Laser guns will likely be in service in every state within a few years.
Will Laser Guns Replace Radar?
No. Their premium price, limited applications (compared to moving radar), and more complex operation will keep sales of laser guns at a much lower level than radar.
Do Laser Detectors "false" like Radar Detectors?
Top selling detectors use sophisticated signal processing and optical filtering to almost totally eliminate laser falsing. Because of the design's incredible accuracy, assume any laser alert received as valid.
Unit Falses with Laser When I Rev Up the Engine.
Has the vehicle had a recent tune up? If not, it is possible that the distributor cap is to blame. An old and worn cap will allow the "spark" to leak from the cap and this is what the laser receiver is detecting. Replace distributor cap with a factory original.
What Frequency Does Laser Transmit On? What is a nanometer?
Laser transmits an invisible light beam at a frequency (actually it transmits a "Wavelength") of 905 nanometers. A nanometer is how a light wavelength is measured. The same idea applies to a TV signal or radio signal. These signals are measured in hertz - megahertz to be precise.
What is a Radar Detector Detector? What is VG-2 or Spectre?
A Radar Detector Detector (RDD) is a microwave receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by the local oscillator (A circuit inside the detector) of a radar detector. The trade name of the commonly used RDD manufactured is Interceptor VG-2, most often simply referred to as VG-2. A newer device in this field is called Spectre and it can detect most of the "Undetectable" radar detectors that are on the market! Spectre has upgraded their RDD twice so far, to catch other detectors that tried to "hide" their emissions. Currently, the latest version is Spectre III (6/04).
An officer using a RDD typically parks next to a busy freeway and aims the device at a 45-degree angle across the traffic stream. The RDD acts just like a radar detector when it hears an approaching radar detector, increasing its audio alert rate and progressively lighting more LED's in its visual display. By observing the traffic and watching how the RDD responds, the officer can make an educated guess as to which vehicle is using a radar detector.
Some detectors are "noisier" than others and can be detected by the RDD from as far away as 4,000 feet. In Virginia, the largest user of the RDD's, officers are not empowered to search a vehicle unless visible signs are present to support the RDD's guess that a radar detector is in the targeted vehicle. Important: A missing cigarette lighter plug, dangling power cord, Velcro on the dash, a mounting bracket on the windshield or visor will tip the officer as to the possible presence of a detector and allow him to search for it. If found, the detector isn't confiscated; the officer notes its serial number, checks to see if it's operational, then hands it back to the driver - along with a citation for having used it.
NOTE: This information was correct when written. It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
Where is an RDD (VG-2, Spectre) Used?
At present the police in Virginia, Washington DC and the five eastern Canadian provinces employ RDD's. Because of the recent FHwA regulation which prohibits nationally the use of radar (and laser) detectors in commercial vehicles, interest in the use of RDD's by law enforcement agencies has increased.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
What is Non-Detectable or VG-2 Immunity?
These terms identify a radar detector that cannot be detected by VG-2. Radar Detectors that are non-detectable, have their circuitry tuned outside of the VG-2 "listening" frequency, or have reduced the emissions emitting from the antenna. Stealth is another term for immunity used by radar detector manufacturers.
What is VASCAR?
VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) is a time/distance computer that determines a vehicle's average speed by timing it between two reference points, usually white stripes painted on the roadway. Used both by ground units and aircraft, VASCAR uses no radio waves and therefore is not detectable. Officers typically sit at the top of a freeway on-ramp or other vantage point, timing traffic between the two reference points. It is rarely used at night. Watch for the telltale white stripes across the road that will reveal you're in VASCAR country.
What is "Pacing"?
Pacing is the granddaddy of all speed measuring techniques. The officer typically drives up behind the target, accelerating until his speed matches the speed of the target vehicle. His calibrated speedometer then verifies the target vehicle's speed. Although pacing also works when the police cruiser is in front of the target vehicle, some courts consider this approach unreliable and won't allow it. Pacing is especially effective at night, but rarely works when the drivers maintain a close watch in their rear view mirror.
How are Aircraft Used to Monitor Speed?
Using white reference marks on the road, the airborne officer simply times the target between two of the marks to establish average speed. Most states use VASCAR, but a few use stopwatches. They first program in the known distance between the marks, then operate the time switch to determine the targets speed. Hidden cruisers are waiting below to stop the violator and write the ticket. Contrary to popular belief, radar cannot be used from aircraft.
Are Radar Detectors Illegal?
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.). Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington DC, which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective January 19, 1994, which prohibits nationally radar and laser detector use in these types of vehicles.Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 lbs., and in Illinois, in trucks over 26,000 lbs. These laws remain in effect. In Canada, radar detectors and laser detectors are illegal to use in Manitoba, New Brunswick; Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
Where Do I Mount the Detector?
A dash model can mount 3 ways; on the windshield, visor or dash. It is personal taste or the vehicle's interior design that limits or forces a mounting location. Laser reception is one concern when choosing a mounting location. The lower the unit is mounted on the dash, the better the laser detection, as the laser gun is generally "shooting" at the license plate or headlights.
What can I do to keep radar and laser detectors legal?
Fight for your rights! Specifically, watch for news stories about any legislation in your state that seeks to ban the use or sale of detectors and let your elected representatives know your feelings. Don't ignore such legislation, even if it targets only heavy trucks. A favored tactic of the anti-detector forces, which are primarily large insurance companies, who benefit immensely from slapping surcharges on ticketed drivers. Their strategy has been to first go after truckers' rights to use detectors. They are actively lobbying our “representatives” to incrementally erode our rights to defend ourselves against this corporate and governmental fleecing. If successful in banning detector use in trucks, you can bet their efforts will turn to banning your right to use them in cars.
SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM (SWS) Radar
This relatively new radar is not for speed detection at all. It is used to keep you informed of highway safety. Transmitters are installed and programmed (for example: in emergency vehicles) to make you aware of possible situations that may require your attention, such as: ambulance vehicles that are moving or stationary, road hazards ahead, road construction delays or detours, etc. Important: Safety transmitters have to be purchased by the town, state or federal agencies. At present safety radar transmitters are few. Safety radar transmissions are received by all radar detectors, because they transmit on K-band frequency, however, only newer radar detectors with safety radar (SWS)capability can identify them.
What is 360 Protection?
Units with 360-degree protection, detects signals from all radar, laser, VG-2, and safety radar systems wherever they come from; front, rear or from the sides.
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* Radar Detection Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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