Virginia to Legalize Radar Detectors?
 

Looking good for you guys...rare instance of big business doing some good out there :)

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/09/917.asp


Virginia Mulls Repeal of Radar Detector Ban
A member of Virginia's House of Delegates is pushing for a repeal of the state's ban on the possession of a radar detector.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/pix/joemay.jpgVirginia Delegate Joe T. May, (R-Leesburg) is working to repeal the state's law making it a crime to possess a radar detector in an automobile. Earlier this month May introduced HB 1120 which would eliminate the $96 ticket police currently issue to those caught with the device -- whether it was in use or not.

"Is your objective to keep people in the speed limit, or is your objective to issue citations?" May asked in the Winchester Star newspaper. He explained the ban provides a "rude welcome" to visitors from the forty-nine states that have no such law and are among its most frequent recipients.

The tendency for the law to target outsiders and discourage commerce is one reason why the Virginia Retail Merchants Association, an influential organization that has represented local business in the state for a century, has recently added its weight behind the repeal effort. It's also a priority for the National Motorists Association which has set up a website providing background and updates on the legislative effort at stoptheban.org.

"Virginia is the only state that still bans the sale and use of these otherwise commonplace devices," said Eric Skrum, the group's spokesman. "There is no research that suggests that by doing so, Virginia has improved its highway safety. On the contrary, Virginia's ban prohibits innovative safety programs that use radar pulses to warn motorists with detectors about road hazards. Several states are utilizing this technology to save lives and prevent accidents."

Article Excerpt:Source: May Introduces Legislation to Repeal Radar Ban (Winchester Star (VA), 1/23/2006)

well that would be nice

that would be real nice since I just installed a passport srx

About time!

but the thing is though, how will radar detectors help you against cops just hiding in blind spots ready to pounce on people that are wayyy faster than everyone else

and has anyone actually avoided getting ticketed because they had a radar detector?

LOL! You're no longer a criminal. :hahano:

I like how the delegate is thinking! I have a friend who was ticketed when we first moved to VA (we because we went through our training at the same time and showed up at our new assignment in VA within weeks of each other). We just went there from Tech School and he went to Alabama where he was from to get his car. On his way up he had put his radar detector in the trunk (unplugged). Well needless to say he got pulled over and for some reason they checked the trunk and he was ticketed for the radar detector that was not even in use. This change has been a long time coming especially if it's not even in use!

I've always thought it was stupid to ban a radio receiver. If they are broadcasting a signal, then i should be able to receive it if I want to.

I wish I had time to fully explain this as it shows you how Radar Detecting/Laser Jamming is really for the enthusiast/hobbyist for it to be fully effective.

I couldn't tell you how many I specifically have avoided :), but I can tell you a friend of mine has been using detectors for 15 years and it has saved his ass well over 500 times and could easily be over a thousdand (his work has him on the road everyday). His first ticket in all that time came five years ago when he got a Laser ticket...he immediately bought an Escort Laser Shifter...then a year ago he ditched the Laser shifter for a Blinder Extreme.

Essentially it works like this...Radar is a Radio Frequency that when transmitted it spreads out wildly...and it is highly reflective off other objects...

most cops use a radar gun in the traditional way...always on...this is like a powerful homing beacon that radar detectors pick up...better the detector...better the detection (farther pickup)...that is why I can be driving and the detector goes off and the cop is 2 miles down the road...so you slow down until the signal is gone (again there is more to this but whatever).

a more deadly gun which is gaining popularity is 'Instant-On' radar...there is a standby mode with almost zero RF leak, then when then when in transmitt mode the burst is very powerful. If you are the only car coming up on a speed trap for miles you are screwed...you will have no warning unless you are a vigilent driver and have a bit of luck too. BUT most times the cop is using instant on...he fires...to someone ahead of you and you get the warning by the RF leak to your detector.

Instant-On RF leak has the distinct characteristic of you are driving along and BAM the detector is on full alert instantly instead of the signal building up with traditional Radar Guns.

One thing that is key to any speed acquistion defense measures is an active driver...constantly on alert/constantly scanning...this is a self trained art that is compromised by distractions in the car...those partaking in the art will slow down to proper speed and complete whatever diversionary chore they must before resuming their prior speed (ie adjusting the radio, changing the temperature settings).

Laser jamming is for another day...I probably have work to do :)

Now the question is how long before the bill is voted on, passed, and put into work.

i can't wait

Don't quote me on this, but if I heard correctively from an outside source, the communications act which is a federal law has a clause within it that has something to do with "right to know" thus making a radar detector legal in all 50 states, regardless of what some candy ass statesman makes up. I am not positive on this and am far from being a lawyer, maybe someone with with a better understanding of the law could either back me up or completely shoot me down.

The Communications Act of 1934 allows you to recieve all transmissions as long as they are not used for illegal purposes. In the late 20's and early 30's, gangsters would listen to police transmissions to warn them about upcomming raids. The purpose of a radar detector could be considered being used to avoid being arrested while speeding. Many states have forbid the use of radar detectors by truck drivers.
I'm not only a computer geek, I'm a radio geek also.

I got a ticket in virginia driving from New York to Atlanta. I was 10 miles from the border to the next state when an unmarked police car pulled me over for passing him going 5 mph over the speed limit. I guess he saw my radar which was off. I have since never forgiven Virginia since.

BTW, the bill was shot down.

:(

that stinks

fortunately the Bel STI just released is a zero leak detector that is not picked up by Radar Detector Detectors :), even the Spectre!!!!!

only one in the industry, check it out :)

http://www.radarbusters.com/products...sti_driver.asp