See that is what I don't get. How do they expect people who drive through the state to get out and put it in their trunk this is my arguement- the use must be illegal not the posession because what do they expect me to do mail it to someone once i cross the line?

Not trying to bash your point at all though

 

See my posting of the law in post #4.

It has to be in the trunk or another area inaccessible to the driver or passengers.

"B. A person shall not be guilty of a violation of this section when the device or mechanism in question, at the time of the alleged offense, had no power source and was not readily accessible for use by the driver or any passenger in the vehicle."

 

Compare that to motorcycle helmet laws. You aré required to wear one in NC but not in SC. When you enter NC from SC you have to put the helmet on before you enter.

 

Hey all figured I'd give some more info.

I just bought a radar detector Beltronics STI-Magnum. Brand new it just came out supposedly best one ever made for the windshield but I'll be sure to test it against my V-1, 9500i and previous STI-driver.

But it's 100% undetectable and I will see how it works in VA since I live here lol but I will also be taking a trip up to NY (400 miles) we will see how it performs on the open road then.

If anyone wants the link I bought it for $400 off of ebay and it is $500 from bel.

 

It is only undetectable if a cop doesn't see the unit hanging on your windshield - in which case you are toast even without even having a radar gun within miles.

 

I dont't know how a copy could distinguish between a radar detector and something like a GPS, I could tell the cop it's a red light camera database which isn't a radar detector.

I don't know I thought about it but any advice?

 

IIRC, this is a primary offense in VA, meaning that the mere presence of a radar detector is sufficient probable cause to pull you over. GPS based units would not be mounted that high up on your windshield and telling a cop that it is a "red light" unit will just get you into further trouble. While you don't need to say anything at all, a lie will get you into trouble.

Here are your choices:

Don't use a radar detector in VA.

Be mentally prepared to pay a fine if you get caught. If you get done for speeding AND you have a radar detector, then be ready to pay that full fine and accept the points - you won't get a reduction in court.

"Undetectable" is a great advertising gimmick but doesn't work in real life unless it is also invisible.

 

There are remote displays for radar detectors that make them nearly invisible to someone outside the car. And if you have an imagination, you could hide the detector. While it does work best with a high, clear view of the road, you can hide it in a headrest and mount a remote display low. You lose laser warnings - but what good are they anyway?

Theoretically, if you get caught with a radar detector, its less then $100 including court costs, and the detector should keep you from getting caught for speeding (unless its laser). Regardless of what people say online, the state cannot confiscate and destroy your detector. They can confiscate it as evidence, however you have three months after the court date to claim it.

 

About half of all written speeding tickets in VA are written using Lidar or pacing so a radar detector will theoretically "save" you from half of the tickets - that doesn't take into consideration those pop tickets. If a cop zaps you and sees you slowing down then that's sufficient probable cause to search your vehicle for a detector.

 

Yes, if youre hit with lidar, theres nothing you can do about it. But if youre caught by a cop thats pacing you, quite frankly you deserve the ticket. Next time be more aware of your surroundings (or dont speed).

Now, POP mode is inaccurate, and MPH Industries (the company that came up with it) even admits it. The faster the POP, the less accurate it is (16ms is the fastest now IIRC). The only reason they use it is to monitor speeds without setting off detectors, but most new detectors have a POP mode. Instant On radar is a completely different story - as that operates on all bands, unlike POP which is only on K and Ka bands.

That's a moot point however, as police vehicles in VA don't use radar/lidar guns made by MPH, but instead use Kustom Signals guns.

Obviously, a radar detector is just another tool, you can't rely on it. Your best bet is to be aware of your surroundings and don't do anything stupid.

 

Right. Keep looking up at the sky.

The bottom line is (as I've said before) that radar detectors are illegal in VA. If you're caught with one then you pay the fine.

There are many ways that you can get caught - by a radar detector detector, a visual of the actual device or by your actions once your detector goes off.

Quite frankly, what do you do when your detector alerts? You slow down rapidly hoping the cop didn't get a lock. That's a visual cue for the cop that you might have a detector.

I don' need to stinkin' detector, I just need to be aware of my surroundings and my actions.

 

Here is a little bit of info just googled...
I think you refer to keep looking up , I wouldnt bother...

The Virginia State Police launched an aggressive aerial speed enforcement program in 2000 but largely abandoned regular patrols after 2007. Last year, it flew only one such mission, which resulted in tickets being given to 20 drivers, the department said. It flew four missions the year before, none in 2009 and only one in 2008.

"Due to economic conditions and mandated budget cuts ... we've had to look at cost savings," said department spokeswoman Corinne Geller.

Geller said the cost of aerial speed monitoring by plane costs about $150 per hour -- a figure that includes fuel and maintenance but not manpower. In the past, she said, the speed enforcement flights were paid for with federal grants. But with less federal money coming in lately, resources have been focused on keeping troopers on the road.

Oh and FYI if it hasn't been mentioned yet these are illegal in the wonderful state of VA...

 

I assume you're referring to those big, scary signs saying "SPEED LIMIT ENFORCED BY AIRCRAFT"?

Do you know how many times they've actually had a plane up there since 2007? I'll give you a hint. It's six. Six times total. Why? Its too expensive for the state. They have to have units on the ground to pull speeders over, they have to pay an officer to sit in the plane, they have to pay a pilot to fly the plane, and they have to rent the plane itself.

That's not the case (with me at least). You have to know how to use a radar detector and how to react in the event that you get an alert. First, dont speed by an irrational amount. I typically drive 5-10mph over on the interstates. If I get an alert, I dont slam on the brakes. I let off the gas. If the cop comes out, they typically pace me. I dont do less then the speed limit. Thats telling the cop that you know you were in the wrong. I stay at 2-3mph over the limit.

Just because you get an alert doesnt mean that you were targeted (unless its lidar). Radar emits in a continuous cone from the gun. I typically pick up bogies from about 1/2 mile away, even around curves and over hills. That gives me plenty of time to slow down to a reasonable speed.

That right there is the #1 technique for not getting pulled over.

 

I only know of two instances where aircraft was used but the possibility remains.

It is funny actually, I regularly drive rt 7 between Winchester and Leesburg and know that the area between the two Purcellville exits will have at least one cop. I set my cruise for a few miles over and laugh when I see the speeders falling all over themselves to slow down when they spot the cop. I've run into several of those guys at the Sheetz in L'burg so they didn't gain all that much time.

 

I know exactly what you mean. Those people crack me up.

 

Still running my radar detector with no problems

 

Still no problems I have it hard wired now so its next to my rearview mirror and right below the tint line on the front windshield so it's nearly invisible from the outside.

 

I might have to invest as you did man! Thanks...

 

Good for you. If you drive like a fool then your time will come. If not, then you don't need a detector.

 

I don't drive look a fool, that's not why I bought it personal opinion time (I know everyone here hates that) doing 55mph on a highway is beyond stupid I typically cruise around 70 on the highway and through towns where its 35mph I will do 35mph.

 

I follow the 10% rule, unless in a school or construction zone.