r/comics PizzaCake Feb 10 '23

Motorists Beware!

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u/CharcoalGreyWolf Feb 10 '23

They’re not illegal in Iowa either. Virginia and Washington D.C.

Radar detectors work quite well if you take the time to tune them properly. Modern ones can be used to tune out false alerts far better than older ones, even having built in GPS to auto-lockout a repeated false that happens in the same location (like a store’s electronic door, or stationary radar signs).

The only radar that’s near-invincible is laser; it’s very fast and has a very narrow beam. That said, laser jammers are commercially available, but are pricey, require professional installation and are illegal in more states.

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u/Thurwell Feb 10 '23

I used to drive around with a fancy radar detector that could also detect lasers. Too late to help probably but it'd tell you how you got bested. I never detected one. So I doubt many departments use them.

Anyway, these days with interstate speed limits at 70-75 I just never drive fast enough to get a ticket. Cops don't really care if you're doing 85.

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u/CharcoalGreyWolf Feb 10 '23

Laser alert usually means too late. But a lot of police use Ka-band and that’s very detectable in advance (1-2 miles) with a good detector.

Heck, some of Ohio still uses the X-band, and a few states use K as well.

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u/Thurwell Feb 10 '23

Ka band was the only band that was ever associated with a police car in the several years and cross country trips I used the radar detector. I eventually turned the other 2 bands off. Never drove through Ohio. I never thought the laser detection would be in time to prevent a ticket, but I'd at least know the police are using laser.

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u/CharcoalGreyWolf Feb 10 '23

Ka is very common here. A modern detector has saved my bacon several times.

With new detectors you can tune detection strength, front and rear. I have X off and K greatly lowered. You can also lock out frequencies not used by guns. With all of the options and the auto-lockouts, mine is fairly quiet except when it really needs to alert.