Rhode Island radar detector illegal or not?

MustangGTpower said:

Since the police are using a laser gun and no longer use the radar, radar detectors are really only good for telling you when you're passing a supermarket with electronic doors or a bank with a security system. The laser functions only tell you when youre being hit by laser... and by then its too late. Save your money to pay the speeding ticket rather than having a false sense of security.

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Static said:

Sorry, but there is a lot of wrong information in this post.

1. Radar is still used extensively, by many departments. This is esp. true for highway patrols, as you can't use lidar in a moving vehicle. When a cop pulls up behind you in an unmarked car and gets a speed reading, that is 100% radar.

If they don't flash it at anyone before you you will sill be screwed, as there will be nothing to detect. Usually they will use it on people behind you first and a good detector will still pick that up.

Even non rolling cops will often use instant-on radar as it can't (legally) be jammed, unlike lasers in many states. Once again, you have to pick up a bounce off another car to know it's there, as it isn't broadcasting between readings.

2. Laser jammers exist, and work, and are legal in most states. The models that work the best, however, can easily go for $1000 and up, and they are visible on the outside of your car. (Which often annoys police even though they are often technically legal.)

There are know known laws against them in RI that I can find.

Laser Interceptor is the highest rated brand.

3. Beltronics, Escort, and Whistler all have GPS integrated detectors that can warn you when you are about to enter a speed trap, go through a red light camera, or enter a school zone. The Bel and Escort versions have a more complete database, but are considerably more expensive.

4. For what it's worth any detector worth it's salt nowadays will know not to beep at a shopping mart door, anyway.

I would suggest doing your own research, though, as it can't hurt to get a better idea of what is out there and what really works.

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MustangGTpower said:

When I was in the Military Police Academy we were taught this.

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MustangGTpower said:

radar cannot be taken while moving unless using a moving radar, and 90% of radars that are still in use are stationary radars.

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MustangGTpower said:

it is estimated that there are over 50,000 police laser guns in use today in the USA.

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MustangGTpower said:

A laser jammer is very expensive and IS ILLEGAL in 11 states.

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Static said:

No offense, I know it's a job that needs to be done, but it's their job to maintain discipline. Being truthful, even to their own members, is a secondary consideration to that. You know this.



It's those moving radars that are used by highway patrols that will never be able to switch over to lidar. Ever. (Unless there is some huge advance in the field that allows for moving lidar.)



That's what, somewhere around half the number of radar detectors still in use? And, as I mentioned, the moving radars will not be switching.



That means they are LEGAL in 39 states. Including RI.

And even in the states where they are not legal to use, it is generally not illegal to have them as long as you don't use them, attempt to use them, or install them. (Read: It's legal to drive through with one deactivated as long as your plates are from a different state.)

It's true you can spend up to $1000 on a good one, but that has nothing to do with it's legality or usefulness.

And nothing you said even remotely touches the fact that many high end radar detectors are now GPS integrated to tell you when you are about to hit speed traps, traffic cameras, or school zones.

I never claimed a decent system was cheap, but you claimed they don't work. And that is propaganda. Whether you know it or not is beside the point.

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pilatti1 said:

If you need great info check out this site. it seems to be the most comprehensive.
Radar Detector Jammer Forum

I have had the Valentine for 2 years with great luck as it is programmable and provides directional view of the radar & laser. I believe it is one of the best out there. I have recieved a 2 mile detection on a radar trap. been hit with laser and so far so good (hopefully not jinxing myself).

But from what i have ssen radar/laser detectors are only illegal in Virginia & Wash DC

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Static said:

Sorry, but there is a lot of wrong information in this post.

1. Radar is still used extensively, by many departments. This is esp. true for highway patrols, as you can't use lidar in a moving vehicle. When a cop pulls up behind you in an unmarked car and gets a speed reading, that is 100% radar.

If they don't flash it at anyone before you you will sill be screwed, as there will be nothing to detect. Usually they will use it on people behind you first and a good detector will still pick that up.

Even non rolling cops will often use instant-on radar as it can't (legally) be jammed, unlike lasers in many states. Once again, you have to pick up a bounce off another car to know it's there, as it isn't broadcasting between readings.

2. Laser jammers exist, and work, and are legal in most states. The models that work the best, however, can easily go for $1000 and up, and they are visible on the outside of your car. (Which often annoys police even though they are often technically legal.)

There are know known laws against them in RI that I can find.

Laser Interceptor is the highest rated brand.

3. Beltronics, Escort, and Whistler all have GPS integrated detectors that can warn you when you are about to enter a speed trap, go through a red light camera, or enter a school zone. The Bel and Escort versions have a more complete database, but are considerably more expensive.

4. For what it's worth any detector worth it's salt nowadays will know not to beep at a shopping mart door, anyway.

I would suggest doing your own research, though, as it can't hurt to get a better idea of what is out there and what really works.

Click to expand...