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Radar Detectors Worth it or Not?
- Thread starter AoWolf
- Start date
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againt the lazer they are pretty much worthless. All it really tells you is that you have been clock and prepare to pull over. The one I used to run in my car saved me from a few but did not save me from getting a ticket from the lazer.
Did tell me that I might as well pull over and wait.♦
Did tell me that I might as well pull over and wait.♦
Only if you're being pedantic...
Yep, quite clear.
No.
You disregarded his request to NOT make this a discussion about the morals of what he's doing. You can't listen to him, and yet you expect him to listen to you. Why? It's not your place to teach him anything if he didn't ask to be taught. It's not like you're being effective, anyway.
I say go ahead and buy one - the cost savings you'll receive in the short term will be offset in the long run by speed-related accidents, lawsuits resulting from speed-related accidents, and hospital bills.
Go for it! And if the cops nail you anyway, try not to remember that they *throw the book* at people with detectors.
Glad I could help.
Go for it! And if the cops nail you anyway, try not to remember that they *throw the book* at people with detectors.
Glad I could help.
Get a radar detector. I have the Passport 8500 and it works as advertised. $300 is a small price to pay considering the fine for ONE speeding ticket, plus court costs, plus your time wasted on the ticket far exceeds $300. At 19 years old, the increase in your insurance premium for each speeding ticket you get could be huge!
I've been driving with a detector for 4 years and have never had any accidents, lawsuits or hospital bills as a result of my driving
I don't have a radar detector to be the jackass going 120 miles an hour on a crowded highway, I have a radar detector so I can exceed the limit by 10, maybe 15 miles an hour on a relatively empty highway where the only one in danger is myself. And frankly, whether I lose control of my car at the speed limit, 70 and crash, or while speeding at 85 and crash, I'm still f**ked.
My step dad drives a lot so for him its was worth it, as 20mph can really cut down his commute. Helped him quite a few times, he had a cobra i believe, just got stolen though so that really sucks.
and nice first car dude.
I also prescribe in the after 40 I'm basically toast anyways philosophy.
and nice first car dude.
I also prescribe in the after 40 I'm basically toast anyways philosophy.
I think that it is worth it, and if you are going to invest in one I would suggest to V1 which I had a friend who has one and he has never gotten a ticket but speeds more than me. I have one but it was given to me, it is an older 9 band cobra, even with it I still have close calls but since I have gotten it I haven't gotten a ticket. The only ticket I have ever gotten was because I was stupid and was speeding in town.
I suggest only speeding on the interstate/highway and watching out for cops as you go along. I don't speed that much at night either because I can't see that far ahead of me or that far behind me. I drive a van though so I am less of a target, be careful in that sports car. You don't want your insurance going up because of your age. Defensive driving though is always a good choice (at least in Texas, don't know about the state you are in) if you get a ticket.
I suggest only speeding on the interstate/highway and watching out for cops as you go along. I don't speed that much at night either because I can't see that far ahead of me or that far behind me. I drive a van though so I am less of a target, be careful in that sports car. You don't want your insurance going up because of your age. Defensive driving though is always a good choice (at least in Texas, don't know about the state you are in) if you get a ticket.
another vote for V1. it's expensive, but imho it's the only one that's gonna worth your money.
while using a RD/LD may not be legal in some states, it may be legal to have it in your car as long as it's not on (i pull the plug when i get pulled over). you can also rewire a V1 and buy the smaller display if you wanna go stealth.
while using a RD/LD may not be legal in some states, it may be legal to have it in your car as long as it's not on (i pull the plug when i get pulled over
). you can also rewire a V1 and buy the smaller display if you wanna go stealth.Radar detectors promote safe driving
There is no doubt the best way to avoid a speeding ticket is to obey the law. Radar detectors were once thought of as a way to avoid the police, just as CB radios were once thought as a means of knowing where the police were. So cell phones must be the new means of communicating police locations from person to person? Because you own a firearm are you more likely to do something illegal? No, not at all. However, old thinking and misunderstanding as to the benefits of radar detectors are still held as facts. Here are the facts:
1. Radar detectors are not sold as a means to avoid the police.
2. Radar detectors also sound when some emergency vehicles are on the move, are stationary, or when signals are transmitted in construction or school zones, where fines for speeding can be doubled.
3. A radar detector does not pose a morality issue, speeding does.
4. While obeying speed limits is the key to avoiding tickets, there are plenty of locations where local speed limits are not posted. " I didn't know I was speeding " is a common response to a law enforcement officer, but may be the truth. Exceeding the speed limit can take place at all speeds, and if the limits are not posted, ignorance is no excuse. the radar detector can keep you reminded to keep your speed in check.
5. Some very honest and speed limit abiding drivers have been caught speeding in unposted areas, as well in areas where the speed limit has been lowered on purpose as a means to generate city and state revenues....and yes, this has happened, although not common.
6. A radar detector that helps you get into the habit of watching your speed and the nearby police who may be tending to an accident is good for everyone. Some police will turn their radar guns on when in accident, school zone or construction areas.
7. Some people say " save your money, don't speed." How ridiculous this is when a good driver gets caught speeding when they had no intention of doing so. How ridiculous this is when the average cost of a radar detector is dramatically lower than the cost of a speeding ticket, speed school costs, and insurance hikes. Points on a license can even keep you from renting a car on vacation. Too many points and you can lose the means to your livelyhood.
It is not the radar detector that causes the problems, it is the people who choose to abuse their intent. Grow up and stop hiding behind things you cannot control, such as the unposted speed limits or where an officer hides to purposely catch you off guard.
7.
There is no doubt the best way to avoid a speeding ticket is to obey the law. Radar detectors were once thought of as a way to avoid the police, just as CB radios were once thought as a means of knowing where the police were. So cell phones must be the new means of communicating police locations from person to person? Because you own a firearm are you more likely to do something illegal? No, not at all. However, old thinking and misunderstanding as to the benefits of radar detectors are still held as facts. Here are the facts:
1. Radar detectors are not sold as a means to avoid the police.
2. Radar detectors also sound when some emergency vehicles are on the move, are stationary, or when signals are transmitted in construction or school zones, where fines for speeding can be doubled.
3. A radar detector does not pose a morality issue, speeding does.
4. While obeying speed limits is the key to avoiding tickets, there are plenty of locations where local speed limits are not posted. " I didn't know I was speeding " is a common response to a law enforcement officer, but may be the truth. Exceeding the speed limit can take place at all speeds, and if the limits are not posted, ignorance is no excuse. the radar detector can keep you reminded to keep your speed in check.
5. Some very honest and speed limit abiding drivers have been caught speeding in unposted areas, as well in areas where the speed limit has been lowered on purpose as a means to generate city and state revenues....and yes, this has happened, although not common.
6. A radar detector that helps you get into the habit of watching your speed and the nearby police who may be tending to an accident is good for everyone. Some police will turn their radar guns on when in accident, school zone or construction areas.
7. Some people say " save your money, don't speed." How ridiculous this is when a good driver gets caught speeding when they had no intention of doing so. How ridiculous this is when the average cost of a radar detector is dramatically lower than the cost of a speeding ticket, speed school costs, and insurance hikes. Points on a license can even keep you from renting a car on vacation. Too many points and you can lose the means to your livelyhood.
It is not the radar detector that causes the problems, it is the people who choose to abuse their intent. Grow up and stop hiding behind things you cannot control, such as the unposted speed limits or where an officer hides to purposely catch you off guard.
7.
Waste of money, why buy a device that helps you circumvent the law. The best approach is to obey the law.
I love the driving smart while speeding comment, that's quite the opposite. I've known too many people who think that way but are extremely reckless zipping in and out of traffic, or buzzing down the highway going 100mph. You cannot be driving 100mph and be a smart driver.
Anyways the cops knows the tricks and most of the time radar detectors will fail to work. The range for which they work and how cops now use their radar guns pretty much guarantee the detector will not save you. The cop only has to fire off one time to get your speed, not completely paint the area and he does that, you don't have the time to hit your brakes, and if you do, you'll probably cause an accident as you try to slow down in time.
I love the driving smart while speeding comment, that's quite the opposite. I've known too many people who think that way but are extremely reckless zipping in and out of traffic, or buzzing down the highway going 100mph. You cannot be driving 100mph and be a smart driver.
Anyways the cops knows the tricks and most of the time radar detectors will fail to work. The range for which they work and how cops now use their radar guns pretty much guarantee the detector will not save you. The cop only has to fire off one time to get your speed, not completely paint the area and he does that, you don't have the time to hit your brakes, and if you do, you'll probably cause an accident as you try to slow down in time.
I was thinking the same thing! But let me answer the question. Is it worth it? To me, no. I don't drive interstates much and the other roads I am on are not suitable to run above 10 over.
Personally, I love my CB when I do long drives. The truckers know what's going on from where the cops are to which lane is open at the other end of the traffic jam. And when you need a good place to eat or get fuel, just ask!
I would say they are a waste of money. My driving habits now are not significantly different than they were 10 years ago when I had a detector. If you get pulled over and a cop sees one, you are immediately toast. I've been pulled over without out and the cop just tells me to slow down and be more careful.
Just drive smart and don't waste your money. Dont speed on city streets no matter the time, make sure your speedo is registering the correct speed, and dont drive like a jerkoff.
I'mm be sending a bill for 25.00, which is cheaper than any radar detector, and it comes with the same guarantee.
Just drive smart and don't waste your money. Dont speed on city streets no matter the time, make sure your speedo is registering the correct speed, and dont drive like a jerkoff.
I'mm be sending a bill for 25.00, which is cheaper than any radar detector, and it comes with the same guarantee.
A radar detector is not inherently for breaking the law, just because that is mainly how it is used is irrelevant. If I were to start a thread about Bit Torrent, it would not be closed either, even though that is a great way to pirate music/software etc.
I guarantee you if I started the thread "hey yall, I'm going drunk driving" it would be shut down... though more likely because of the stupidity, not the illegality of it.
So... Do we care? What about free speech?
A 1988 Porsche 924 and a 19 year old intent on speeding is a dangerous combination. Not only dangerous to himself, but to others.
I'm not going to pass judgement on the concept. People on both sides can rationalize their points of view. I used to have a Ram SRT/10, this had the V10, six speed, over 500 hp. Used to is the key. I had a radar detector, but the officer that got me just pulled in behind me and used his speedo for the ticket. No debate allowed with the judge, just pay the fine, son. The officer obviously did not like the look of the detector on the dashboard.
I have several neighbors on the force that I've since discussed this. The assumption that the officer makes is that you have probably been speeding many, many times if you have one. I don't agree, but that is the perception. A few tickets hurts the wallet. And after a while, the novelty of driving at speeds of 130 - 140 mph wore off for me. Never did find the top speed of that truck...
I have several neighbors on the force that I've since discussed this. The assumption that the officer makes is that you have probably been speeding many, many times if you have one. I don't agree, but that is the perception. A few tickets hurts the wallet. And after a while, the novelty of driving at speeds of 130 - 140 mph wore off for me. Never did find the top speed of that truck...
I just got a ticket for 72 in a 55 while using my radar detector...the cop was using laser.
I think that in most cases speed limits are unnecessarily low...on most roads you can perfectly safely go 10 over the limit and there's little reason to go 65 on a wide open, straight highway in good condition. Assuming the weather is good, your car is well maintained and there's little traffic going 80 on the interstate is reasonable. There's a road near my house that's in good condition, straight and not in a residential area: speed limit 35. Driving 35 down it is laughable, yet cops love it.
There's also a town near me that apparently writes the most tickets of anywhere in the country...in Mass the town is allowed to keep ticket revenue, so they put a 25 mph speed limit through the village and always have a cop posted there. People not from the area who are just passing through are ticketed all the time.
Unfortunately Americans can get their license with almost no training, all drive automatic cars, eat, talk on their phones and deal with their kids in the back seat while driving and therefore ruin it for people who want to pay attention to the road and drive a little bit faster. Either way it has been shown that speed limits have little effect on how fast people actually drive, and artificially low speed limits are simply a great way for states to make money
I think that in most cases speed limits are unnecessarily low...on most roads you can perfectly safely go 10 over the limit and there's little reason to go 65 on a wide open, straight highway in good condition. Assuming the weather is good, your car is well maintained and there's little traffic going 80 on the interstate is reasonable. There's a road near my house that's in good condition, straight and not in a residential area: speed limit 35. Driving 35 down it is laughable, yet cops love it.
There's also a town near me that apparently writes the most tickets of anywhere in the country...in Mass the town is allowed to keep ticket revenue, so they put a 25 mph speed limit through the village and always have a cop posted there. People not from the area who are just passing through are ticketed all the time.
Unfortunately Americans can get their license with almost no training, all drive automatic cars, eat, talk on their phones and deal with their kids in the back seat while driving and therefore ruin it for people who want to pay attention to the road and drive a little bit faster. Either way it has been shown that speed limits have little effect on how fast people actually drive, and artificially low speed limits are simply a great way for states to make money
The Law, The Law, The Law!!!
Oh come now people, surely some of you have gone over the speed limit. 66 in 65 zone is still "speeding" if you want to get technical.
Is it worth it? Depends on the person. I *USED* to have one and it saved me 2 times over a couple years and I decided to sell it because I realized that I didn't really speed that much (CA traffic) aside from potentially pissing off a cop and making me a target.
I say you can drive fast, just don't drive like an idiot.
Oh come now people, surely some of you have gone over the speed limit. 66 in 65 zone is still "speeding" if you want to get technical.
Is it worth it? Depends on the person. I *USED* to have one and it saved me 2 times over a couple years and I decided to sell it because I realized that I didn't really speed that much (CA traffic) aside from potentially pissing off a cop and making me a target.
I say you can drive fast, just don't drive like an idiot.
Hence why I have a detector, because some cops are big enough dicks to write a ticket for 66 in a 65, I'd rather hear my detector go off and slow down to 64. Sure, a 1 over ticket will get thrown out in court, but it's not a hassle I want to deal with. I don't have one because I expect to do 30 over and get away with it, I don't do that sort of thing. I have it so if I am going 5 or 10 over on a highway when it's safe to do so.
FWIW, I have a detector and have still been pulled over twice and received a ticket each time, so don't assume that those of us with them speed and get away with it. Both times they were laser and both times, by the time my detector went off, it was too late.
Cruise Control is Your Friend
Knowledge of the roads you are traveling and cruise control are your best defenses against a ticket. I'm sure there are exceptions but I found that setting your cruise control 8-9 MPH over the posted highway speed limit (when you can use cruise control) will not get you a ticket (does not apply to back roads). Like others have stated, also let faster cars pass you on multi-lane highways to avoid getting clocked by unmarked police cars.
Note - Your least chance of getting a speeding ticket is rush hour on a highway if you are not the fastest car in traffic.
Knowledge of the roads you are traveling and cruise control are your best defenses against a ticket. I'm sure there are exceptions but I found that setting your cruise control 8-9 MPH over the posted highway speed limit (when you can use cruise control) will not get you a ticket (does not apply to back roads). Like others have stated, also let faster cars pass you on multi-lane highways to avoid getting clocked by unmarked police cars.
Note - Your least chance of getting a speeding ticket is rush hour on a highway if you are not the fastest car in traffic.
If they see a detector when they pull you over, they will probably be less likely to let you go without a ticket (but then again, it's a revenue stream for the cash starved towns and cities so they probably would not let you go without a ticket in any case).
Wrong - we may not be able to convince you, but 19-year-old Americans are certainly capable of driving safely and obeying the laws.
I've been driving for 22 years, never used a radar detector, and never had a speeding ticket or warning. But then, I pretty much obey the law when I'm driving. So to answer your question, no, I don't think having a radar detector is worth it, or even useful.
I spent years paying insane insurance premiums because I would not slow down. Merely putting me in a car like that is giving a lush a drink. When you're pulled and the officer sees that gizmo on the dash of your cop magnet that's designed to help you skirt the law, there will be no warning. Add to all that the fact speeding tickets are easy money for any municipality and I would have to say, no, it's not worth it.