Radar Detector FAQ
If you have ever been pulled over for traveling above the speed limit then you know how important a radar detector can be. These tiny devices can greatly reduce your chance of getting pulled over for speeding but do you know how they work? It is one of the technological advances that we seem to take for granted. Most of us have no clue beyond plugging them into the cigarette lighter and mounting them on the dashboard. But are they legal? How do they work? Those are just a few of the questions that you should have when it comes to radar detectors. This is your lucky day. This audio program will cover the basics of radar detectors and hopefully by the end you will have some idea of why a radar detector can mean the difference between a speeding ticket and getting to keep your money and your insurance rates low.
What is a radar detector? A radar detector is a device that measures the radio waves bounced off your vehicle. Police officers use a radar gun that gives off radio waves. When the waves hit your vehicle they are returned to the gun to determine how fast you are going. The radar detector measures these waves and alerts you to the presence of someone using a radar gun to detect your speed.
What is a LIDAR? LIDAR is a new speed detection method used by police officers. It is a pulsed laser light that can target a vehicle up to 3000 feet away and specifically target one vehicle out of several. It does not have the broad range of feet that a radar gun has as it only expands up to six feet. A radar detector may not be able to pick up the LIDAR beam due to the fact that police officers will target the grill or center mass of the moving vehicle. Radar detectors are mounted on the dash board and may not pick up the focused energy beam.
LIDAR detectors are not used as much as radar detectors because of their cost and their inability to catch all beams directed at them.
Is a radar detector legal? In most parts of the United States it is legal to use a radar detector under the Communications Act of 1934. But there are some states that have either made it illegal to own or have a radar detector mounted in certain areas of your car. You have to check with the laws of your state before purchasing and using a radar detector so you will know in case you are stopped. It is also important to note that radar detectors are illegal in commercial vehicles no matter what state you live or travel.
3 Radar Detector Tips
- Keep it mounted high up on the windshield, because it will more easily recieve signals
- Never turn it off, always use it no matter what trip you are taking
- Study the different alert sounds so you know what they mean
Why would I use a radar detector? Most people use radar detectors so that they do not get speeding tickets. But you should keep in mind that a radar detector is not a guarantee that you will not receive a speeding ticket. This is especially true with the new technology being developed for police officers to aid in catching those that speed. It is always the best bet to go the speed limit and avoid the need to use a radar detector all together.
Will a radar detector get me out of a ticket? No, a radar detector may not get you out of a ticket. It just depends on whether or not the police officer tagged you with his radar gun before you had the chance to slow down. It most certainly will not get you out of a ticket if you happen to live in a state that forbids the use of radar detectors. You can most assuredly count on receiving a ticket at that point when the police officer pulls you over and discovers you using a radar detector.
What is a radar jammer? A radar jammer is a device that will scramble the radar waves and the LIDAR that are aimed at the vehicle. It is important to know that radar jamming is illegal in the United States and if you get caught with a radar jammer you are facing a fine and possible felony conviction for using one. It is definitely not worth the risk to own one.
What are some brands of radar detectors? There are several different brands of radar detectors on the market currently. You can choose from a Beltronics BEL RX54 radar detector or you can go with the Whistler XTR-690 Radar/Laser Detector. The choice is up to you and it may come down to what guarantees the company offers along with the price.
How much does a radar protector cost? Radar detectors are generally pretty expensive. The higher powered radar detectors can sell upwards of $400 while even the cheap radar detectors sell for upwards of $120. A large factor depends on the model you purchase as well as the company's guarantee of it working to get you out of a ticket.
Is there a guarantee that I won't get a speeding ticket if I use a radar detector from a certain company? There are companies that will guarantee that if you purchase their radar detector and still receive a ticket within a year, they will pay for the cost of the ticket. This guarantee is not offered by every company so you will need to check the fine print before you purchase one if this is something that you are looking for in a radar detection company. The company may also have some fine print about paying for the ticket so read, read, read the instructions and guarantee before purchasing.
Can a police officer tell if I'm using a radar detector? Unless the police officer sees the radar detector on your dashboard then chances are good that he or she will not know if you are using a radar detector unless they pull you over for speeding. Then of course they will see the radar detector in your vehicle. Hopefully you do not live in or are traveling in a state that forbids the use of radar detectors.