is it true that cops really look out for red cars? cuz my new 8 is red and it would be sin (well not exactly but you all know what i mean) for me to drive it within the speed limit.

picture taken from my phone camera, this picture doesn;t do my baby justice

I don't know if that's true or not. Cops don't seem to care what kind or what color car I'm in. I've gotten a ticket in every one of them, except the '8' so far.

Silver Accord coupe - 2 tickets
Blue Miata - 1 ticket
Black Fiero - 1 ticket

The most common colored car to be pulled over is white, but likely because there are so much of them. Unless you are speeding or doing something illegal, most cops cut red cars some slack, knowing that we know we are cop-bait. Most arrest-me-red car drivers don't bring attention to themselves and would be foolish to do so.

Moving thread to lounge.

I think what you're getting at is whether or not cops stereotype the type of vehicle you're driving and the colour as well. And in my opinion the answer is "YES!". In my area (Toronto, Canada) i've noticed the majority of cars are some variation silver (nice-looking, don't have to wash your car as often) :) Colours like red and especially yellow stand out like a sore thumb and I definitely think in our non-ideal world that the probability of your red 8 being stopped by a cop is much greater than if you were driving a silver one.

I don't have a red RX8, but have a red EVO (pretty big cop bait). Honestly, I think you are best off with a Valentine One or other quality radar detector. What's a few hundred bucks compared to thousands (tickets, insurance and state surcharges) or not enjoying the car (religiously following the speed limit/constantly looking for cops) that is deceptively fast?

A radar detector would definitely be an option. Clearly not legal here (toronto, canada) though so I wouldn't want to be caught with one. I'm probably guessing it's not legal there either!

Do cops have radar-radar detectors? :D


Originally posted by revhappy
I don't have a red RX8, but have a red EVO (pretty big cop bait). Honestly, I think you are best off with a Valentine One or other quality radar detector. What's a few hundred bucks compared to thousands (tickets, insurance and state surcharges) or not enjoying the car (religiously following the speed limit/constantly looking for cops) that is deceptively fast?

I have a red RX8 and a Valentine 1.

You need this as standard equipment.

Also remember, red cars have higher insurance rates (Don't asked me why, my insurance agent said so).

The red looks cool...:p

I have vowed to never own another red car for just this reason. In my opinion/anecdotal evidence if you do the same speed in a red car past a speedtrap and in a metallic green one with a trunk mounted luggage rack, the red car gets pulled over. Both were Miatas. Red one looked like a sports car, green one looked like a retro cruiser.

Cops seem to tolerate cruisers in my experience (sample size of one).

I used to average a ticket a year, so actually have some reasonable body of past history on this.

If you're serious about speeding, get the Valentine-1 and join the National Highway Motorists Association. They've got a great body of information, including a rentable ticket fighting kit. They will help you beat a ticket in most cases. If you do want to join, PM me and I'll give you my personal info so I get 3 extra months free!

whats valentine-1? forgive me for my ignorance, at first i thought it was a color

Its a radar detector.

A radar detector would definitely be an option. Clearly not legal here (toronto, canada) though so I wouldn't want to be caught with one. I'm probably guessing it's not legal there either!

Do cops have radar-radar detectors?


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Yes, cops have radar detector detectors called VG2. Valentine One (In My Red RX8 )is superior and has VG2 protection, it also has an optional complete stealth mode with all of the lights at the level of the power outlet. Cops can't see it at night and other motorists don't use you as thier front runner. My escort in my X5 is also very good but the stealth mode changes the light from solid green to blinking which isnt really stealth (mine is older and may be different on new models). Detectors are illegal in Virginia (my home state),Wash DC, and Connecticut. I have always used a VG2 detector in Virginia and just completed a trip through with my detector. You need a US contact to accept shipment from a company (Valentine One $400+ USD) and then mail it to you (kind of like a Cuban cigar shipped this way). When I lived in Virginia, I had my Escort shipped to my brother in Tennesee who mailed it to me. Daytime is only a problem in the city(should'nt speed anyway) where a cop in the next lane will see it. It otherwise is not visible, check for yourself, have your wife/friend hold a small black item where you might place a detector, you cant see it from across the street, opposite traffic, front or rear view. Red light, open window, slight rear side view and you are nailed. What are the penalties. In Virginia they take your detector, ?fine.

Velocity red,r/b,6spd,GT, 6disc, Happy owner since 8/11

is it legal in california?

I've had a total of 17 sportscars in my life, and I can tell you the one that was RED got a lot more attention than any of the others. It was so bad, it's one of the reasons I got rid of it. I would see cops racing thru traffic just to catch up to me, then they would pull in behind me and stay there. It was so bad, that I actually felt harassed. And no, it wasn't because of my driving. I probably drove a lot faster in some of my other cars. BTW, it was a 944 Turbo. I've had 2 other Porsches (white and black) and never had this problem, so it wasn't the marque either.

Thanks for the info, I should probably find out what the penalties are for getting caught with a radar detector here in Toronto. Anyone know? Auto insurance is up the nuts and not being able to enjoy a nice car you bought with your hard-earned cash is frustrating. All this because of the inevitable sports car stereotype :(


Mark,

Haha, when you were describing your Valentine-1 with stealth mode I had a picture of Knight Rider going through my head :D

if you are from another state where radar detectors are legal and get caught in a state that radar detectors are illegal, can they take them?

if you are from another state where radar detectors are legal and get caught in a state that radar detectors are illegal, can they take them?

:confused:

Ack, such bad news, maybe I'll drop the red (coming in about 1-2 weeks) and go for the Titanium that I initially ordered (probably be next year till I get it).

Know the colour-bias exists dammit, but I want the 8 pretty bad :D



Originally posted by RX22
I've had a total of 17 sportscars in my life, and I can tell you the one that was RED got a lot more attention than any of the others. It was so bad, it's one of the reasons I got rid of it. I would see cops racing thru traffic just to catch up to me, then they would pull in behind me and stay there. It was so bad, that I actually felt harassed. And no, it wasn't because of my driving. I probably drove a lot faster in some of my other cars. BTW, it was a 944 Turbo. I've had 2 other Porsches (white and black) and never had this problem, so it wasn't the marque either.

You know, the Titanium owners have complained also, some of them stated they would have gone with the light silver one instead.

You may need to talk to them also.

I like the Titanium. Looks T-3ish.

i originally wanted blue knowing all the bias that comes with the red. what it really came down to was whatever was available. red was the only 6-spd base manual i could find and once i knew it was available i couldn't resist.

Originally posted by myrx8
Also remember, red cars have higher insurance rates (Don't asked me why, my insurance agent said so).

Did s/he (insurance agent) kiss you before the screwing?

I've insured 3 cars in the last 2 months (including my new 8) and have asked my agent about colors and he said it was b/s about red. Just to prove it, he went to the inventory loactor and found a car with same options as mine but in red and punched in the VIN, and the quote... same price.

My agent actually told me lower rates because of Red :) She said, they are move visible! Could be true, since so many cars are silver / white now.

It use to be years ago red was THE colour and there was more accidents with red.

It seems like I have been followed twice by cops, could be the red car, I don't know. I was NEVER followed in my previous car, and I sped ALL the time. Now I'm afraid to speed :(

Originally posted by myrx8
if you are from another state where radar detectors are legal and get caught in a state that radar detectors are illegal, can they take them?


As far as I know, the answer to this is YES. It is the same as if you live in a state where you can carry a concealed weapon and travel to another state and get busted for it. It is YOUR responsibility to know the laws for the state you are in at that time....Sucks, but I think that's how it works.

www.radarbusters.com nuff said.Buy the package with the bell and laser blocking unit for 600ish and you wont regret it.I have 2 of these packages and an older model.I average 80 to 90 on beltway everyday and drive about 20k a year and havent got a ticket in over 3 years.

I have a Valentine 1, has been pretty good for me.


It sounds like different insurance companies handle the color of a car differently.

And I hope he isn't screwing me over, I'm trying to lease part of his building for him.

if you are from another state where radar detectors are legal and get caught in a state that radar detectors are illegal, can they take them?


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YES, when you cross the VA state line, there is a sign "radar detectors are illegal". Presumably this is for non residents since natives are already aware of this law (which violates the communications act of 1934 and 2000). I lived in California in 87 and at that time detectors were legal as far as I know. I was ticketed by the old fashioned "clocking" method and the officer did not say a word about my detector on the dash. For our Canadian friends, make sure if you have a detector shipped from a US connection you have it SHIPPED (Fedex, UPS). DO NOT HAVE IT SENT VIA US MAIL, YOU COULD FACE FEDERAL MAIL FRAUD, RACKETEERING OR SOME OTHER IDIOTIC CHARGE. I am not an attorney but I did stay at Holiday Inn Express. If the contraband is found on a Fedex truck you may expect the usual and customary fines (hopefully). Really, what are the odds of that happening?

Velocity Red, R/B,GT, 6spd, 6disc
And the watchman told, for the driving is like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi for he driveth furously -- II Kings 9:20

Does this mean to save my detector I need to place it in a hidden compartment like a drug dealer? (HA, HA, HA)


:D :D

www.radarbusters.com nuff said.Buy the package with the bell and laser blocking unit for 600ish and you wont regret it.I have 2 of these packages and an older model.I average 80 to 90 on beltway everyday and drive about 20k a year and havent got a ticket in over 3 years.
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I have a Valentine One which is excellent, I am always on the lookout for even better. A good use of the $500 gift horse from Mazda. I always read that the various blockers, jammers etc are a hoax and don't really work. I will visit the website to learn more, thanks. p.s. Just completed a 1300 mile trip (BMW X5) from central Ohio to Philly to Virginia(illegal Valentine One) and back 80-85 with occasional squirts above 90 even on the notorious PA turnpike (it helps when everyone else is also doing 80-85)-No tickets in over ten years.

Velocity Red,r/b,gt,6spd,6disc. Happy owner since 8/11
Even a fool is thought wise when he is silent-- Prov 17:28

Does this mean to save my detector I need to place it in a hidden compartment like a drug dealer? (HA, HA, HA)
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Yes, when I have been pulled over in VA or when I see a cop from the rear I yank it off the windshield and put it under the seat. Short of a hidden built in, this is a good second option. To avoid suspicion , while yanking the detector, I fumble with my cell phone (the old bait and switch). Everything is swift, gentle and smooth. The first priority with instant on is to stand on the brakes. Saved my behind on July 4 in the X5. I was caught doing 80 in a 65 on I 64 in western VA and the detector removal cell phone switch was like ballet. I even avoided the ticket by saying "I would really appreciate it if you did'nt give me a ticket" --true story, he may have given me a warning anyway without my asking--but it never hurts. I also removed my front license plate bracket and keep the front license under the seat to throw on the dash if ever needed. The front plate spoils the look of the car, blocks some airflow, and it is THE preferred target of the laser.(I have never done this on my other cars but the 8 looks more like a concept car than any other.) Time will tell re: the front plate

Vel Red, r/b gt, 6spd, 6disc
Last night I got home at 2 with a 10 and woke up with a 10 with a 2.--Willy Nelson

Wanna avoid the silver since it's so common in my area. I agree, the titanium has a solid, futuristic look. Like T3 :)

I'm in pretty much the same shoes as sup3rbad is, the titanium was my first choice, but the red is available really shortly (~1-2 weeks according to my dealer) whereas I have to wait till next year probably for the Ti.

heck, what am I gonna do with this car in the winter anyway. I don't think my rational side is gonna win this one :D

Originally posted by myrx8
You know, the Titanium owners have complained also, some of them stated they would have gone with the light silver one instead.

You may need to talk to them also.

I like the Titanium. Looks T-3ish.

I'm not too familiar with radars, but don't they have any that makes a sound upon detection of a cop's radar? Then you could put it in the glove compartment or wherever it's not visible. The only problem now is whether or not the radio waves emitted by the cop radar are able to penetrate the metal of your car so they can be detected

well i have a yellow one, and almost got run off the road today by someone staring at the car and not paying attention where they were going, i can only imagine red would be as bad if not worse...then there's the highway patrol...

I wish somebody would take this crap to the Federal Courts. FCC guarantees my right to receive any damn frequency I want! A RADAR detector is just that, a receiver. I really don't understand how those states that declare them illegal can continue to get away with it.

Once upon a time truckers made up black cardboard boxes and put them on their dashes to cause some trouble with extreme efforts to control RADAR detectors.

RADAR detectors are line of sight, the higher in the car the better. Metal will affect reception (including metalicized tinting doh!).

Has anyone noticed our radiators appear to be angled? That may help deflect RADAR upwards instead of back to the cops.

maybe they could manufacture a pokemon-disguised radar detector with the bouncy spring/air-freshener combo that you stick to the dash. Now that's an idea :D

I'm not too familiar with radars, but don't they have any that makes a sound upon detection of a cop's radar? Then you could put it in the glove compartment or wherever it's not visible. The only problem now is whether or not the radio waves emitted by the cop radar are able to penetrate the metal of your car so they can be detected
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Useless in the glove box. Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emitted Radiation) must be seen by the detector. In Virginia I usually leave mine on the windshield, occasionaly placing it on the console(doing the speed limit at that time) for use in the city where I don't speed---too much risk for hitting a child where 5-10mph can make a big difference in many lives ruined including mine. You may pick up some radar signals in the glove box but plan on getting a ticket quickly. An alternative is a permanent under bumper mount front and rear. There different sounds for various bands and laser- bottom line is to stand on the brakes if the signal is real. An extra second of braking WILL make a difference in your trap speed and potential ticket.

Velocity red,r/b.GT,6spd
Boast not about tomorrow for you know not what a day may bring forth Prov 27:1

The main problem I've had with red on a sports car is that it's a dickhead magnet. I seriously used to dread driving down some streets in town late at night because I knew if I get a red light, I'm going to be surrounded by wankers. Same model car, same streets, different colour and all of a sudden there's no drama.

Extra police attention I could always live with. At least they're polite.

-pete

Are you calling the drivers a dickhead magnet? Like a red RX8 will attract the dickheads of the streets. I think no matter what car color you get, you have the right car, some wanker (as you call it) will want to prove something.

Nope I'm saying RED + SPORTS CAR = expect to be hassled.

When I had my RED FD I used to get hassled by people on the side of the road etc etc. Now that I had a Montego Blue FD I can drive through the same places hassle free.

It has nothing to do withthe driver.

-pete

What do you think about yellow?

I have never had a red car, but I like it. I will admit, you do get more attention then other cars. That is my opinion.

Originally posted by sup3rbad
is it true that cops really look out for red cars? cuz my new 8 is red and it would be sin (well not exactly but you all know what i mean) for me to drive it within the speed limit.

picture taken from my phone camera, this picture doesn;t do my baby justice

I've been driving my red baby for almost a month already. Been passed, followed and admired by cops. Howver, never been stopped.

I've had a red 8 for a month too. no tickets, one cop did park next to me at the bank and I explained the car to him for about 15 minutes