Virginia... Radar Detectors... Almost, almost
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nnInn
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Virginia... Radar Detectors... Almost, almost
A bill has just passed in Committee to allow Radar Detectors in Va. It will go to a floor vote next week. 
http://www.news-record.com/content/2...ctor_ban_in_va
http://www.news-record.com/content/2...ctor_ban_in_va
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Legislation to end Virginia's ban on radar detectors won the backing of a major committee Thursday, the first time the perennial measure has advanced this far.
The House Transportation Committee voted 11-8 to advance Delegate Joe May's legislation to a floor vote next week.
Virginia is the only state to ban the devices that alert speeding motorists to traffic enforcement radar in time to brake and avoid a ticket.
The only other jurisdiction that outlaws them is the District of Columbia.
May, the committee chairman, argued that the ban on radar detectors harms tourism and business in Virginia, both priorities of new Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell.
"Right now, if I'm driving from Maine to Florida and I have one of these in my car — or even one built in to my new car — then I don't have to worry about having a radar detector in any state but Virginia," the Loudoun Republican said.
May argued that having the radar detectors in cars actually makes the highways safer because when they detect signals within the radio bandwidth of traffic radar, drivers slow their cars.
But Del. Charles W. "Bill" Carrico, R-Grayson, a former Virginia State Police trooper, said he knew from personal experience that readar detectors make roads more dangerous.
While running traffic enforcement in an unmarked patrol car in the early 1990s, Carrico said, he pulled alongside three cars traveling faster than 80 mph.
"I hit my radar button, he's got a radar detector, he slams on the brakes, which led to a three-car accident," he said. "Now is that safe?"
Automobile insurance companies, the State Police and the Virginia Sheriffs Association opposed May's bill.
"There is only one reason for these devices, and that is to encourage people to break the law," said John Jones, chief lobbyist for the sheriffs' organization.
Virginia's law against circumventing police traffic enforcement efforts dates to 1962, and provisions specifically targeting radar detectors date to the mid-1970s.
The House Transportation Committee voted 11-8 to advance Delegate Joe May's legislation to a floor vote next week.
Virginia is the only state to ban the devices that alert speeding motorists to traffic enforcement radar in time to brake and avoid a ticket.
The only other jurisdiction that outlaws them is the District of Columbia.
May, the committee chairman, argued that the ban on radar detectors harms tourism and business in Virginia, both priorities of new Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell.
"Right now, if I'm driving from Maine to Florida and I have one of these in my car — or even one built in to my new car — then I don't have to worry about having a radar detector in any state but Virginia," the Loudoun Republican said.
May argued that having the radar detectors in cars actually makes the highways safer because when they detect signals within the radio bandwidth of traffic radar, drivers slow their cars.
But Del. Charles W. "Bill" Carrico, R-Grayson, a former Virginia State Police trooper, said he knew from personal experience that readar detectors make roads more dangerous.
While running traffic enforcement in an unmarked patrol car in the early 1990s, Carrico said, he pulled alongside three cars traveling faster than 80 mph.
"I hit my radar button, he's got a radar detector, he slams on the brakes, which led to a three-car accident," he said. "Now is that safe?"
Automobile insurance companies, the State Police and the Virginia Sheriffs Association opposed May's bill.
"There is only one reason for these devices, and that is to encourage people to break the law," said John Jones, chief lobbyist for the sheriffs' organization.
Virginia's law against circumventing police traffic enforcement efforts dates to 1962, and provisions specifically targeting radar detectors date to the mid-1970s.
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May argued that having the radar detectors in cars actually makes the highways safer because when they detect signals within the radio bandwidth of traffic radar, drivers slow their cars.
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But Del. Charles W. "Bill" Carrico, R-Grayson, a former Virginia State Police trooper, said he knew from personal experience that readar detectors make roads more dangerous.
While running traffic enforcement in an unmarked patrol car in the early 1990s, Carrico said, he pulled alongside three cars traveling faster than 80 mph.
"I hit my radar button, he's got a radar detector, he slams on the brakes, which led to a three-car accident," he said. "Now is that safe?"
While running traffic enforcement in an unmarked patrol car in the early 1990s, Carrico said, he pulled alongside three cars traveling faster than 80 mph.
"I hit my radar button, he's got a radar detector, he slams on the brakes, which led to a three-car accident," he said. "Now is that safe?"
He missed the point and contradicted himself...I think it's more dangerous that he CAUSED the accident purposely. If all three cars were safely driving 80 mph then there wouldn't be a problem now, would there? 
Last edited by Shoofin; Feb 4, 2010 at 09:14 PM.
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Punk Rocker
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From: St Simons Island, GA
Detectors are legal here in GA but we have a new, even more retarded law here. Its called the "super-speeder" law which just went into effect in January. Basically its a new tax to help refill state coffers so beware when driving north or south through here on I95/75. If you are caught going more than 85 mph they tack on an additional $1000 to the fine 
If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
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"There is only one reason for these devices, and that is to encourage people to break the law," said John Jones, chief lobbyist for the sheriffs' organization.
Detectors are legal here in GA but we have a new, even more retarded law here. Its called the "super-speeder" law which just went into effect in January. Basically its a new tax to help refill state coffers so beware when driving north or south through here on I95/75. If you are caught going more than 85 mph they tack on an additional $1000 to the fine If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!Either way that is ridiculous.
I have seen accidents caused b/c a trooper was spotted in the median and cars slammed on their brakes upon seeing him... and they didn't have a detector. So not sure I understand his point.
If that's his argument then cops shouldn't be allowed to clock speeders without a sign or something so people don't get surprised and slam on their brakes when they see them in the median. This is just as dangerous as his example IMO...
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From: St Simons Island, GA
I have seen accidents caused b/c a trooper was spotted in the median and cars slammed on their brakes upon seeing him... and they didn't have a detector. So not sure I understand his point.
If that's his argument then cops shouldn't be allowed to clock speeders without a sign or something so people don't get surprised and slam on their brakes when they see them in the median. This is just as dangerous as his example IMO...
If the cops are allowed radars, then we should be allowed radar detectors.
Just get rid of the radars, and it will be a level playing field.
But, that is beside the point because there shouldn't be a speed limit.
Just get rid of the radars, and it will be a level playing field.
But, that is beside the point because there shouldn't be a speed limit.
And I hate driving through VA for this one reason.
Detectors are legal here in GA but we have a new, even more retarded law here. Its called the "super-speeder" law which just went into effect in January. Basically its a new tax to help refill state coffers so beware when driving north or south through here on I95/75. If you are caught going more than 85 mph they tack on an additional $1000 to the fine If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
Burning Brakes
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I think the nuance of the law is that the state cannot prevent you from operating a radar detector, since that is covered in the FCC charter, but it can prevent you from possessing, buying, or selling one because the state does have some ability to regulate commerce.
Burning Brakes
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Which goes to show how much perspectives and situation vary from place to place.
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The first two sentences were said in jest, but the speed limit comment was not.
I don't need the state protecting me from myself. There are plenty of other things the police can be doing besides ticketing speeders.
I don't need the state protecting me from myself. There are plenty of other things the police can be doing besides ticketing speeders.
85 mph is only 15 mph over on some of the highways here in DFW. Most of my commute is at 70 mph, and I hardly live in the boonies. And it is only 5 over on the west TX interstates. I see someone driving 85 mph almost every time I get in the car.
Which goes to show how much perspectives and situation vary from place to place.
Which goes to show how much perspectives and situation vary from place to place.
One on the right for me
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From: Bay Area, CA
So the person who thinks it is reasonable to do 45 in a school zone or down a residential road is someone the police shouldn't be concerned about?
Not really. How often does somebody go 45 in a school zone? Should we station a patrol car at every school zone to enforce a speed limit that rarely needs enforcing?
Speed limits are nothing more than revenue for the state under the guise of "protection".
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I guess it might be different in the middle of the country, but in places with larger towns and cities schools are not in the middle of nowhere. People speed in school zones all the time.
I think I remember seeing a Benz with one built into the rear view mirror or the dash. And I think a few Audis. But I saw that on youtube, so its possible it was an aftermarket accessory.
EDIT - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw7_sDK4Zy0
Thats aftermarket though.
I like this one most:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlaCMFiCJ-w
EDIT - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw7_sDK4Zy0
Thats aftermarket though.
I like this one most:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlaCMFiCJ-w
Last edited by civicdrivr; Feb 9, 2010 at 01:35 PM.
Perhaps. But I think it's because people are generally more safe around children. Do people not rob a bank because a cop "could be there"?
Nonetheless, it's not really the speed limits in the residential areas that I have a problem with.
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The only place I have a problem with there being speed limits is toll roads. Most of the time (at least around where I live), toll roads are alternatives to potentially slower and more congested roads. You're paying to go faster. Therefore, I think toll roads shouldn't have speed limits...or have significantly higher ones.
Sometimes I see speed limits lower on toll roads than that of the highway you just came off of...
Sometimes I see speed limits lower on toll roads than that of the highway you just came off of...
Banned
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From: Kennesaw, GA
Detectors are legal here in GA but we have a new, even more retarded law here. Its called the "super-speeder" law which just went into effect in January. Basically its a new tax to help refill state coffers so beware when driving north or south through here on I95/75. If you are caught going more than 85 mph they tack on an additional $1000 to the fine If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
If you get caught doing 75 mph or more on ANY two lane road that is an extra $200 added! This is a law absolutely intended to capture out-of-staters and add revenue to the state so watch out!
I love the law. The fines go to running the state's trauma centers. If you want to put yourself at risk of needing the meat wagon, you're going to help pay for it.
Because 84 is so slow.
Furthermore, you don't even have the facts of the fine correct. It's $200 + speeding fine either instance.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2...B_160_AP_7.htm
Last edited by CocheseUGA; Feb 9, 2010 at 02:08 PM.
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I don't...or in work zones, either. I've had people tailgate me so close I can't even see their hoods but I will not go faster than the 20 mph limit until I pass that 'END SCHOOL ZONE' sign. I refuse to be responsible for claiming the life of a child...it is something I simply don't think I could live with.
The thing that angers me the most about people who speed in school zones (when the lights are flashing) is it's usually the soccer mom in her minivan with her kids in the car. If it was her child on the curb and some moron flew by at 45 mph, she would have a fit. But because they aren't, it doesn't concern her.
The thing that angers me the most about people who speed in school zones (when the lights are flashing) is it's usually the soccer mom in her minivan with her kids in the car. If it was her child on the curb and some moron flew by at 45 mph, she would have a fit. But because they aren't, it doesn't concern her.
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