This is proabably one of those really dumb *** questions and possibly belongs in the off topic forum but since no one is ever there here goes...

Has anyone ever gotten pulled over with a radar detector, especially a bel 980? I'm just wondering...

 

I have the Bel980 radar detector and works great. Going down I-15 in Temecula there are at least 3-4 CHP cops hanging out with their radar/laser guns and it goes off at least 3/4-1 mile ahead of time and saves my a$$ big time. Out here it seems their radar guns are on all the time so it detects it a good distance away. It might be different elsewhere to where a cop may turn the radar gun to "on" and hit you with a laser hit. Get one!!

Maximadave

 

I got stopped right after I got mine.
Wasn't paying any attention.

 

i sold mine about 6 months after I got it ... two huge tickets .. one was laser .. no chance ... other was instant on .. again no chance ...

 

I have the Passport 8500. What I have seen is that most Cops are basically lazy and leave then radar guns on all the time. This give you plenty of advance warning...

I think a tip would be to only exceed the speed limit in areas that you know. It's easier to tell if something is amiss....

 

It would be simple here, radar detectors are illegal. Most cops don't know what to look for.

I would have to hide it deep into the car and it would have to be a non-detectable detector.

But so far I have driven as I wanted with 0 tickets.


(guess what I am going to get tomorow morning!!!!)

 

I had the top of the line Bell 755sti and when I got it, got two tickets within 12hrs because I was thinking this **** is the best. But you know what, aint nothing can detect instant on and laser, no matter what

You screwed, save the money on the radar and use it for MODS

Dixit

 

jeez the more people that reply to this thread the more you guys make me convinced not to get a detector. im a 16 yo and im scared of getting stopped cause insurance will go up. so now im thinking of getting a yakima rack instead...lol...and i dont race yet anyway :-( but mostly im afraid of those killer side roads, i mean like limit is 25 when u can go 40-50 easy

 

seriously ... don't both .. just drive wisely ... there is no radar detector good enuff 2 prevent instant on or laser ...

 

Hey, it's a blast to drive fast. Everyone
knows that - even though many people won't
say it out loud. You've got to learn
to develop your 6th sense. Whenever I've
gotten a ticket, it's because I was spacing
out, getting into whatever was on the
radio, etc. and forgetting about the business
at hand. You've got to learn the where the
hidey holes are, where the 25 mph zones are,
etc.

It's all a calculated risk, right? You either
drive the limit *all the time* - or you accept
that you might get a ticket if you're not careful.

Be safe, enjoy the road.

 

I'm with Scooter, between your 6th sense and a detector, tickets will be very few and very far between...

 

So true!

I got a ticket for not realizing the speed limit dropped from 65-to-55(clocked at 71mph), also because it was a new car and I wasn't used to how easily and smoothly it rode around the curves(D!CK cop even said that, but still gave me a ticket). First speeding ticket ever and I'm 23! Then I bought a Valentine One and it's SAVED my A$$ several times.

It's already paid for itself! It's not 100% going to save you, but even if it saves you one serious ticket, it's worth it.

 

I got 3 tickets with 3 months of getting my license at 16(cost me around 900 getting em all fixed) and then I got a radar detector, bel 870. It saved me 27 times (i counted and every time it did i thanked it and gave it a kiss). Then, it got stolen and I got a cobra 9200, it sucked, got lucky i didn't get any tickets. So, I got a escort passport 7500 and it's saved me once. Haven't had a ticket since I've owned a radar detector.

Come close once or twice but you have to learn the strategies for speeding, there's many ways to avoid getting pulled over (many illegal so I won't discuss them here).

 

i just got a Passport 6800 and only had a real alert once. Unmarked Pig, uh cop, in a black crown vic. After i drove by, he caught someone. It was obvious to see he was a cop, but in slightly different conditions, it def saved me. Anyone have a Passport 6800 or would like to comment on it? Thanks.

 

First of all there is absolutely no way to get around Instant-ON, absolutely no way. My friend is a police officer and he showed me his radar gun, and it is exactly what it does. INSTANT-ON. Your radar detector will never work.

And for LASER, $hit..... The thing can hit your car so fast that the radar detector dont even have time to know what hit it. I got hit with LASER in Ohio on the turnpike and I had the most expensive Radar detector, the Bell 855Sti at the time 3yrs ago. That joint never even went off.

Dixit

 

I didn't mean there are ways to avoid getting clocked. I meant there are strategies for avoiding getting ticketed. If you get my drift...

PS. My dad's a cop, trust me, I know the level of tech they have...

 

Mine definitely worked. Yes, it won't save you if your the first person he hits with the instant on, but most of the time I pick up the hits on vehicles ahead of me. Plus, he MUST be sitting still(doesn't work while moving, one friend is a cop and another is a sheriff) and it's very limited in the area it can read. Also, in my area very few cops have/use laser/instant-on guns, they mostly use KA-band. Your not "bullet-proof", just decreasing the odds you are caught.

I learned in driving school, the average driver(NOT me, I'm much worse) commits 400+ infractions before EVER being cited ONCE. The problem is, most drivers(myself especially), tend to speed/race/etc.. MUCH more often if they have confidence in their radar detector. So, people who have a sense of security in driving with radar detectors are more prone/likely to get a ticket no matter if their detector works or not.

 

what is instant on? is that where he sits there aiming his gun? The only radar i picked up so far was a stationary pig and I got x band. which is the radar where he caaan just drive around and get your speed?

 

Well in my area in the DC metro area, anything goes. You can get hit with Instant On and Laser while the damn cop is going the other way on a two way road. I know this because I got hit that way with Laser.

Instant on is where the new guns stay off and only turn on to grab a vehicle's speed. Therefore, your radar will only pick up when he grabs your speed, but by then he got your A$$. If he is following you, he can get you also because he can pace you and most cop car's speedometer is ALWAYS calibrated every so often.

Dixit

 

"Instant on" is a radar gun that is basically point and shoot, which then activates/turns-on and is noticeable by detectors. No warning. Other radar guns, have to be turned on and cops tend to leave them on, so you get lots of warning ahead of time.

X-band is one of the oldest and most common false alerts I get. Pretty much, most building alarm systems, automatic door openers, and older "FUZZ buster detectors" set radar detectors off with X-band alerts. That's why most detectors come with a city and highway mode to ignore most of the X-band alerts around town. The Valentine One has 3-levels of logic(sensitivity) to alerts and it does a great job of eliminating false alerts. Plus, the directional arrows help you pic out those sneeky cops who hide behind banks, grocery stores, and gas stations.

 

It wasn't laser then. Laser physical capabilites are determined by a stationary reference point. You may have picked up a laser reading, but it is "currently" impossible for a cop to laser tag your A$$ while he is moving. Yes, cops can pace you, but unless they're unmarked or driving something with a new headlight pattern, I can pick them up before they get close enough. I hate it when they switch to new lines of cop cars. I went to Michigan and they had Camaro Z28s, Chevy Impalas(new V6 POS), and a sheriff with a white unmarked(except shield on his door) Chevy Tahoe. So, I just did the speed limit after I passed the Tahoe, noticed the star on the door, he pulled up next to me, saw it was a government vehicle, and then motioned for me to slow it down. Some cops are even certified to VISUALLY clock your speed. Now that's something you can't beat!

 

a radar detector is well worth the investment, but don't think it will save you from speeding

some of you are saying you hate radar detectors because they give you a false sense of security, but that is for YOU...YOU just need to learn how to use a radar detector properly...

do not depend on the detector...keep your eyes wide open and always check your mirrors...if you notice a car that has been behind you for awhile or that is trying to speed up in order to get behind you, try changing lanes...if he changes also, most likely, he is trying to tail you and pace you to get your speed

most people with radar detectors blame them if they get a ticket...the truth is, you most likely will still get tickets if you have a radar detector...there is no way around instant on or laser...however, the number of tickets you get with a radar detector is quite a bit fewer than without if you learn how to use it properly

the problem w/ detectors is that if a cop pulls you over and sees that you have one, he will most likely give you a ticket since it looks like you speed all the time...radar detectors aren't illegal in most places, but are in a few states (check your own state)

last thing i want to say...when you have a radar detector, drive THE EXACT same way you drove before you got your detector...don't let it give you a false sense of security...keep your eyes open...a radar detector is defenitely worth the investment

 

Mr. Burner is absolutely correct.

The quality of your radar detector can help you avoid instant-on tickets. Those detectors with better range will pick up blips ahead where the instant-on has targeted another driver. So the better the detector in your car, the longer in between instant-on tags that the cop must wait to avoid detection.

Of course, that means you have to pay attention to your radar detector. I have the Bel 950 and when I get a Ka band alert - even if level 1, I slow down until I determine if it is anything.

The way I look at radar is this: Assuming I am speeding without a detector, I can "gather" certain information and take certain steps to avoid a ticket.

I can look for cop cars, look for planes, look for places they may hide. I can watch the behavior of other vehicles ahead of me in my lanes as well as vehicles coming the other way (cars always bunch up behind cops), I can slow down as I go over hills and around corners, etc.

With radar, I've added additional info . I WILL pick up the cop that sits with his radar on. I MAY pick up the cop who sits with instant-on if he uses it too frequently. I combine that info with the things I do without a detector to further reduce the chances of getting a ticket. Radar used without the human component is almost useless.

To answer the question: of course I've gotten tickets with my detectors. :smile:

 

See in Connecticut I see cops in there cars so those can't be guns right? But with a gun by the time the cop gathers his **** don't I have enough time to hide behind a rig or take the closest exit and park in somoeones driveway. lol if you guys see a national man hunt for a 16 year old in a maxima you know it'll be me

 

I've had a V1 for a few months now, and I can say it is no substitute for being aware that there is a radar/laser gun out there looking for you.

I got nailed by a laser a few weeks ago driving home one night on the LIE. It was an instant on and there was no warning. I was driving slow at the time so I didn't get a ticket. But what I did notice, is that cops like the same hiding spots... and they like to pick off cars leading groups or people that are driving alone. It kind of makes sense... if you are driving alone, you are an easy target.

I've never got a ticket driving in a group... I've only got one leading and one where I was alone.

I still remember this one time a few weeks ago I slowed from 105 to 55 in front of a cop. I was in the right lane and he never tagged me. But if I was in the middle of left lane, I think he would have nailed me. He was hiding behind an overpass.

...and no, I've never got stopped with my radar detector... yet.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on the Valentine One vs. others such as Passport 8500, etc? I'm in the market for one and those 2 seem to be the best out currently....Someone break the tie!

 

Valentine One
---------------
I like and USE the directional arrows to help the "human factor" out. Especially, if you get MULTIPLE bogey counts(it tells you how many signals there are), it picks the biggest threat and that arrow flashes. This helps if you are driving through an intersection with banks, automatic door openers, and a cop, so you can know where you need to be looking. Saved me once already!

The 3-levels of logic(amount of discrimination) it has are GREAT if you use it 100% of the time. Probably not a big deal if you just need it for the highway.

The concealed display is nice.

The mounting and power options are flexible.

I belive it's also the most expensive though.

I've used probably 8-10 different radar detectors and I haven't liked any as much as I do the Valentine One. The convienience options, ajustable sound levels, bogey counts, directional arrows, and particular band X/K/Ka/laser that's being used is why I recommend the Valentine One.

 

I got BEL 980 about last November. My drive is long ( 45miles ) on highway where I do anywhere from 0 to 120, and usually cruse at 90.
Now I would not probably spend my money on radar detector. Even this is the top of the line one, lately it gives me lot’s of false alarms, and some days I wonder if there is something wrong with it because it goes off all the time.
But it works. For example driving on I90 in NY it got off twice when the cop was driving at the opposite direction just in time to realize that it’s not a false alarm and slow down. One of those times cop made a U turn, but not for me thanks for my BEL
But you can’t rely 100% on the radar detector. Even 50%. Use it only as a secondary tool. You have to rely only on yourself. Don’t speed very high in areas that you don’t know. And constantly scan the road and mirrors with your eyes, look also at the drivers in front of you. In other words – be very careful and pay all your attention to the road. That’s it.

 

EXACTLY!!!

A radar detector is NOT a free pass to drive like a maniac with no fear of getting caught - they're NOT foolproof.

Radar detectors have an envelope of protection that they provide you with, but that envelope does not encompass everything. They have only limited protection against instant-on radar and laser, but will still work pretty well against always-on radars.

IN TRAFFIC
This is where a radar detector will work the best!! You'll have plenty of warning for normal always-on radar like usual, but if a cop is using instant-on radar then changes are good that you'll pick up the burst in front of you. Also, if there's a cop up ahead you'll see a TON of brake lights that will give you warning as well. When there's a good bit of traffic, most cops just leave the radar in always-on mode because if they hit the button every 2 seconds they'll end up wearing out the relays in the radar a ton quicker, plus they're lazy anyways...

So if you're in traffic and there are people in front of you, you can speed pretty safely. This past weekend I was cruising at about 95 mph 1/4 mile behind a Ford Expedition for about 20 miles. If there was a cop up ahead he'd get the Ford, not me, and if he did get beamed I'd have plenty of time to get back down to legal by the time I went by the cop to avoid a double pull-over.

So in traffic you're pretty safe, but avoid the lane closest to where cops usually sit if you can.

IN THE CLEAR
This is where a radar detector won't help you - so you can't speed. If the only radar that cops had was always-on then it would be okay, but even the best radar detector won't protect you against instant-on or laser when there's no other traffic around.

In situations like this I keep my speed to within 10mph of the limit.

===============

I have a Bel 880 and it's saved my butt a few times already, but I did learn the hard way about its limits of protection. I got nailed by a PA State Trooper doing 78/65 (big whoop! ) a few months ago. There was no other traffic around and the cop had instant-on radar so I was nailed just as my detector went off. DAMMIT!! Anyways, I went to court and got it reduced to 5-over/no points, and now whenever there's no other traffic around I'm alway sure to keep my speed down because you simply have almost no protection (for instant-on and laser) but it's almost impossible to know what the cops in your area have.

This is for more densely populated regions, however, like where I am in Maryland. Out west where there's no civilization for hundreds of miles around and no cops to speak of I know you guys can get away with massive speeding, but out here on the east coast (D.C., Philly, NYC corridor) it's difficult if not impossible to do stuff like that safely.

 

I got all of my many tickets when I had a radar detector. I guess you could call it user error -- it made me quit paying attention. I haven't gotten a single speeding ticket in over 10 years since I got rid of it, and if anything I drive faster now than ever. I just pay more attention, which is good for my overall driving too.

 

Gentlemen (and Ladies)
Radar detectors sure do work (Get a good one!) -- You just have to speed responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. Take advantage of "fast packs" of drivers and never be the 'point' man/woman. A good detector will pick up a cop 'gunning' out there w/ instant on miles ahead. My personal Highway techniques include speeding like hell between major cities then following the above rules 25 miles or so before & after hitting a city. The east coast crowd can follow the above rules all the time due to the congestion. And never, never speed like hell as the lone vehicle on secondary highway in the Alabama night -- They ARE waiting for you. Another tip -- If you are running close to someone else when "instant on" strikes, Brake (no 'lock up') with the emergency brake to slow you down w/o brake lights. This make the vehicle next to you pull ahead (and pull the ticket). Hey! Someone has to lose.

Credentials:
Career speeder w/ Valentine One (and common sense) as the current weapon of choice. Last ticket (that stuck) in 1973 and having a helluva time since.

 

Do you pull that e-brake all the way up?!?

 

That is correct, sir. I don't own a radar. The best radar is your attention. It also helps your racing and manuvering performance. Always watch traffic patterns to determine how fast you can safely go.

Just remember to take your radar out at Maxus. Them shiits is illegal in DC. But apparently fireworks aren't.

 

Also remember to not use them in the Virginia Area since they illegal also. I live in Maryland about 5mins from DC and these states are crazy about using a Radar, if you get caught with it, it is a fairly large fine.

Dixit

 

Certainly Not! A bootleg turn would attract way too much attention.
--- but truly, I have 'pulled' this off. Unfortunatly the guy I was passing got tagged with the ticket -- but Hey! We were both 25+ over on the N.Y. Thruway.

Word of warning -- Them NY cops are playing w/ laser guns now -- You crest a hill and it honestly looks like the cop is pointing a rifle at you, crouched in an open squad car door. O.K. for NY, I guess, but I'm not sure how well this will go over down south -- many, many, E-Z rider rifle racks in the local vehicles. I can't say I've ever seen one in a Max.

 

I am a bonafide member of the SSC (serious speeders club). I rarely get tickets, but usually hit 90 or 100 everyday going to work, here are my methods.

1. I have a radar detector, but I usually spot the cop before it goes off. Pay attention, look down the center median & the emergency lane. As you drive you should subconsciously be scanning from side to side.

2. If cars 1/4 mile ahead of you start to hit their brakes for no apparent reason, assume that they have seen the cop that you can't see yet. This has saved me countless times.

3. If you are on a desolate highway, with no traffic around you and you know cops frequent the road, don't speed. You'll get caught.

4. If at all possible, on long road trips, use a CB. It is still the hands down best way to know where the cops are. The truck drivers are amusing too.

5. If your detector beeps intermittently for several miles and you don't pass a cop. Pull it off the mount and spin the antenna out the back of your car, the cop may be coming up behind you.

Also, if you have a car like a black corvette or some other dark colorer hidden headlamp, no chrome or license plate on the front car, you are practically laser proof. I used to have a dark green 96 Probe GT that couldn't be lasered, it was fun driving past cops who were literally shaking their laser gun at me. Laser needs a reflective surface to bounce the beam back to the cop.

Good luck....Join the National Motorist Association.

 

I am so ****ed; my Passport 6800 doesn't pick up instant on! The cop would literally be right nex to me with the gun, and i wouldn't get any beeps. I don't understand.

 

instant on will only get you if youre the only car on the road. if the cop tries to get any car in front of you, you will see him. i got two tickets within 3 weeks, so i bought a passport8500. i can smell a pig from miles away now.

its worth the money, but dont rely on it and go 100 in a 25. cops dont always have their radars out, and for some things they dont need to get your exact speed to give you a ticket.

 

I agree. They have a new line-up of cars here in Arkansas which include the Camaro Z28, Chevy Impala, Dodge Dakota, Crown Victoria, and Pontiac Firebird. It's a b*tch to have one of those around. The only way I have learned them is that they all have the blue lines on the hood that meet at the middle front of the hood. Looks like a blue V if you look in the rear view mirror. If you see that and your speeding, give it up.

I do agree with most posts though that there is a 6th sense that kicks in when speeding. I drive 80 miles roundtrip per day and I have learned where the cops normally sit. You also can pick it up by the flow of traffic. If people in front of you are hitting their brakes, good chances there is traffic flow problems or a cop. (Everyone drives like 80 - 90 on the freeway here).

I also agree that there are ways out of a ticket when pulled over. Since my record is clean (thank goodness), I always pull the "It's my first ticket routine" and make my hands shake and all when handing over my license and stuff. Act like I am scared to death and all meek and crap. Typically, that works and they let me go with a warning. The last ticket I did get, I acted non-chalant and cocky and he busted me with a nice $180 buck ticket for speeding and a $135 ticket for illegally dark tint. Learned not to be cocky then, hehe.

 

Almost forgot one more speeding tip....

Radar & Laser are practically useless in the rain, the rain drops distrurb the laser beam & the radar picks up drops.

Speed safely !!!!