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Yes they work for some radar units used by the cops. If they drive with it on all the time, a good detector should notify you in advance that there is a cop with radar up ahead. If they are using instant on, where they hit you when they see you, the detector might just be telling you a ticket is in your future.
My experiences in the west are the cop on the road leaves it on (basically locals), the cop sitting in the center of the interstate is using instant on (basically the state, sometimes the county).
But that is ok with me since I'm more likely to speed on the 35 mph highway by 5-10 mph; whereas, I'm comfortable doing 80 on the interstate and that is legal here.
The govn't figures out a new way to check speed. The private sector then figures out a way to check it (radar detectors). The govn't then figures out a new means then the private sector follows. It's an ongoing process but to stay fully protected, you need to keep your detector relatively current.
Then you have the cat-and-mouse game when actually driving. They're going to want to catch you but you don't want caught so you have to stay ever diligent with eyes and ears open. New, quality detectors are pretty smart and don't give the false warnings the old models did. When you hear it go off, heed its warning.
All they need to do is save you once or twice and they've pretty much paid for themselves.
I remember when radar detectors first came out and most everyone had one but the trouble was the police kept upgrading their equipment which meant the olde detectors were useless.
I was never much of a speeder but something about just knowing "the man" had his eye on me when the detector beeped was comforting. It was like I caught you watching me.
Today I don't care since I don't speed. The cost of even one ticket is huge so why chance it.
Save your money and just don't speed.
I used one back in the 80's & 90's but haven't had one since then.
Some of the modern ones have hi tech features such as GPS databases built in, so when you come across the same signal repeatedly at the same location it flags it so it doesn't fire off as a false positive.
There are also other ways for the police to capture your speed besides radar such as using laser. So if you want to defeat that as well you'll need a more expensive model that also does 'laser shifting', which basically scrambles their attempt to lock onto you for a reading. Be aware that some states have laws against these types of laser jammers. And I think VA also prohibits basic radar detectors.
I think the most sophisticated model on the market right now is the Escort 9500ci which runs around 2k and must be professionally installed.
It depends. When traffic is sparse and the cops are using instant on you likely won't get any warning. The cop gets your speed at the same time your detector alerts you to the radar.
In heavier traffic the cop will be checking cars that are ahead of you and your radar detector will pick up the splash of RF perhaps half a mile or more before you get to the cop.
Laser detectors just let you know your about to get a ticket, they're nearly useless, but higher end units tend to include them.
Units with GPS are nice because they allow you to lock-out places that produce false alarms. Examples are Grocery stores and strip malls with radar based automatic doors.
Yes they work for some radar units used by the cops. If they drive with it on all the time, a good detector should notify you in advance that there is a cop with radar up ahead. If they are using instant on, where they hit you when they see you, the detector might just be telling you a ticket is in your future.
My experiences in the west are the cop on the road leaves it on (basically locals), the cop sitting in the center of the interstate is using instant on (basically the state, sometimes the county).
But that is ok with me since I'm more likely to speed on the 35 mph highway by 5-10 mph; whereas, I'm comfortable doing 80 on the interstate and that is legal here.
I am the same way about speeding. I have become the senior citizen type and don't go much beyond 70 mph on the freeways even though you can go faster. My MPG goes down when you are going 80 or higher. However, surface streets are something I have to watch out for as cops like to snag people speeding over 5-10 mph.
Units with GPS are nice because they allow you to lock-out places that produce false alarms.
A couple other nice things about the ones with GPS.
- They can access a database of known speed cameras, red light cameras and known speed traps. They'll give you a warning when approaching these areas.
- They can measure your speed and adjust their sensitivity accordingly. E.g. if you're in town doing 30, it'll back off its strength but then crank it back up when you get to highway speeds.
I personally do not think they are typically worth it.... but thats just my own preference.
In practice, they are most useful when an officer is leaving a radar on, so your detecting it in advance. If the officer is turning it on or off, which is more likely when stationary than when moving, then the detector is going to be far less effective and more than likely will be giving you a false sense of security.
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