Radar Detector

BMW F22 · 02-11-2006, 11:12 PM

hey guys, just a quick question here. Are radar/laser detectors legal in CA??? For example, if a cop sees it in your car, will you get in trouble for it? Im planning to get one real soon. Thanks

Oh Im planning to get the Beltronics Radar/Laser Detector (Vector 995). Let me know what you think.

jimf15e · 02-11-2006, 11:18 PM

The only state they're illegal in is VA. Different municipalities may have other rules, but VA is the only place with a statewide ban (and parts of DC I think). I personally use a Passport 8500 X50 and it hasn't let me down (it let my wife down, but I think that was "operator error"). I think the two most common are the Valentine and the 8500, with the Valentine having the rep as the "best," but also the most expensive.

barrett9699 · 02-11-2006, 11:19 PM

I've had more tickets with a radar detector than without. And the falsing drives me crazy.

sdorn · 02-11-2006, 11:30 PM

I suggest getting a Valentine 1. They are by far the best out there. I have been using them for 10 years and wouldn't use anything else.

What is the deal with that sticker on the windshield that says using radar detectors (among other things) can cause extensive damage to the car?

Oz · 02-11-2006, 11:30 PM

I also want to get a Valentine One here in NJ/NY but I'm scared that it would give me more of a reason to speed....

aapriadi · 02-11-2006, 11:36 PM

i think valentine1 is legal in CA, thats what my friend told me..he lives in cupertino, CA! i dont live in CA so i dont know how is the cops there lol

BMW F22 · 02-11-2006, 11:39 PM

man Valentine1 is hella expensive. I was gonna get the Bel one cus I can get it for like 50% off. Valentine1 isnt sold in many stores.

bTW I used to go to school in Cupertino. I live about 15 mins from there.

Oz · 02-11-2006, 11:39 PM

I'm just curious why a radar detector should be legal in any state since most people I know use it so they don't get a ticket & speed..

sfbmw · 02-11-2006, 11:57 PM

It's not illegal in CA but if you are pulled over for whatever reason, they might give you some trouble (and most likely a guaranteed ticket with no slack if the reason is speeding.) I wonder if they might confiscate it under those circumstances... I don't think they will apprehend you on the basis of simply seeing one attached to your windshield.

aapriadi · 02-12-2006, 12:34 AM

hey bmwe90!! do u go to deanza college?? coz my sister and my friends study in deanza lol

BMW F22 · 02-12-2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aapriadi

hey bmwe90!! do u go to deanza college?? coz my sister and my friends study in deanza lol

yup. Wonder if I know them.

Romulus · 02-12-2006, 01:34 AM

the good thing about V1's are their resale value.. I bought mine new for 400, and sold it 1.5 yrs later for 375 on ebay. I sped alot more back then (I was 20 and had a 01 SS camaro). It saved me a few times I guess, but it can't help you when cops use instant on...

I finally decided going the speed limit versus 10mph over is worth 400 bucks to me (price of a detector) and no chance of getting a ticket..

D.D. · 02-12-2006, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romulus

I finally decided going the speed limit versus 10mph over is worth 400 bucks to me (price of a detector) and no chance of getting a ticket..

:rocks:

ben1364 · 02-12-2006, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimf15e

The only state they're illegal in is VA. Different municipalities may have other rules, but VA is the only place with a statewide ban (and parts of DC I think). I personally use a Passport 8500 X50 and it hasn't let me down (it let my wife down, but I think that was "operator error"). I think the two most common are the Valentine and the 8500, with the Valentine having the rep as the "best," but also the most expensive.

Correct. Radar detectors are illegal in the Commonwealth of VA and in the District of Colombia (all of it). Before someone sks, they are also illegal in several Canadian Provinces, mostly to the East as I recall.

ben1364 · 02-12-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWE90

man Valentine1 is hella expensive. I was gonna get the Bel one cus I can get it for like 50% off. Valentine1 isnt sold in many stores.

bTW I used to go to school in Cupertino. I live about 15 mins from there.

The old saying is that you get what you pay for. One of these days some other company will build units that meet or exceed Valentine's product but it hasn't happened yet! Unless things have changed very recently, Valentine units are available new only by mail.

As an asside, if you register the V-1 and it is stolen, you can report it to Valentine. If the unit subsequently is returned for service or updates, it will be confiscated. I'm not sure this is still company policy but it was a few years ago.

Brunotheboxer · 02-12-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

Correct. Radar detectors are illegal in the Commonwealth of VA and in the District of Colombia (all of it). Before someone sks, they are also illegal in several Canadian Provinces, mostly to the East as I recall.

maybe try a cordless one. they work well and are easier to hide. i think they have a stealth mode (no lights just audio alerts).

ben1364 · 02-12-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

maybe try a cordless one. they work well and are easier to hide. i think they have a stealth mode (no lights just audio alerts).

Mike Valentine (Valentine Research)is currently the premier radar detector engineer on the planet. He recently said in effect that while the concept of a cordless detector is highly appealing, he didn't know how to build one that would provide continuing protection as the batteries discharged. In other words, some might work just fine for an hour or so.

Steve P. · 02-12-2006, 08:57 AM

Escort Passports are ver y good Radar detectors as well, I havnt had a ticket in three years since I got it. Saves me every time I drive.

cntlaw · 02-12-2006, 09:31 AM

I am using X50 but will get a Valentine1 as I heard too many positive user feedbacks!

ben1364 · 02-12-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cntlaw

I am using X50 but will get a Valentine1 as I heard too many positive user feedbacks!

I have two V-1, one is 12 years old and has been updated to 2005 standards. I have never heard of a disappointed V-1 user. Customer service has been excellent as well.

ACZakka325i · 02-12-2006, 10:30 AM

If your not going to get the Valentine 1, then you must at least get the Passport. I have really enjoyed my passport, but i plan to get the valentine very soon.

Other great features of the valentine is that they will never become obsolete (SP?). You can send them in to be updated. I think the ability to update them would offset much of the larger price tag. Everyone i know that has a Valentine 1 raves about it.

I heard something, true of not, that many of the companies that make radar detectors also manufacture the radar guns used by the police. Thus, making the detectors always one step behind the gun. Anyone hear of this also?

hotsand5 · 02-12-2006, 10:48 AM

Motor Trend did a comparison between like a dozen different radar detectors last year ( I'll try to find the magazine), but becuae of the price difference, they awarded the passport x50 8500 #1, valentine #2. They stated that the valentine 1 was better at detecting laser, but since laser is more rare now and the v.1 is so much more expensive, that is the only reason why it was #2 in this comparison. I have had the passport 8500 for almost three years now, and have never gotten a ticket (compared to getting one almost every 6 mo. w/ a cobra detector). Both the V1 and X50 are awsome detectors, and if you are in the market for a radar detector, choose one of these or none at all!

02-11-2006, 11:12 PM	#1
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Radar Detector hey guys, just a quick question here. Are radar/laser detectors legal in CA??? For example, if a cop sees it in your car, will you get in trouble for it? Im planning to get one real soon. Thanks Oh Im planning to get the Beltronics Radar/Laser Detector (Vector 995). Let me know what you think.
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02-11-2006, 11:18 PM	#2
jimf15e First Lieutenant 44 Rep 345 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC iTrader: (1)	The only state they're illegal in is VA. Different municipalities may have other rules, but VA is the only place with a statewide ban (and parts of DC I think). I personally use a Passport 8500 X50 and it hasn't let me down (it let my wife down, but I think that was "operator error"). I think the two most common are the Valentine and the 8500, with the Valentine having the rep as the "best," but also the most expensive. __________________ 2012 X5: BSM/Black/Sport Activity/STi-R+ (Sold) 2013 BMW M3: JZB/Black/ZCP/M-DCT (Sold) 2010 Audi S4: Deep Sea Blue/Black/Prestige/S-Tronic (Sold) 2006 BMW 330i/Jet Black/Black (Sold) 2005 Audi S4/Moro Blue/Black
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02-11-2006, 11:19 PM	#3
barrett9699 Private 0 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 99 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I've had more tickets with a radar detector than without. And the falsing drives me crazy.
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02-11-2006, 11:30 PM	#4
sdorn Lieutenant 26 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 2006 Jet Black 325i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	I suggest getting a Valentine 1. They are by far the best out there. I have been using them for 10 years and wouldn't use anything else. What is the deal with that sticker on the windshield that says using radar detectors (among other things) can cause extensive damage to the car? __________________ 2008 Sparkling Graphite 535i 2009 Land Rover LR2 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo (SOLD) 2006 Jet Black 325i (SOLD) 2001 Bullitt Mustang (450rwhp - SOLD)
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02-11-2006, 11:30 PM	#5
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I also want to get a Valentine One here in NJ/NY but I'm scared that it would give me more of a reason to speed.... __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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02-11-2006, 11:36 PM	#6
aapriadi Colonel 189 Rep 2,068 Posts Drives: '13 F30 AW 320i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia iTrader: (10)	i think valentine1 is legal in CA, thats what my friend told me..he lives in cupertino, CA! i dont live in CA so i dont know how is the cops there lol
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02-11-2006, 11:39 PM	#7
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	man Valentine1 is hella expensive. I was gonna get the Bel one cus I can get it for like 50% off. Valentine1 isnt sold in many stores. bTW I used to go to school in Cupertino. I live about 15 mins from there.
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02-11-2006, 11:57 PM	#9
sfbmw New Member 1 Rep 20 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	It's not illegal in CA but if you are pulled over for whatever reason, they might give you some trouble (and most likely a guaranteed ticket with no slack if the reason is speeding.) I wonder if they might confiscate it under those circumstances... I don't think they will apprehend you on the basis of simply seeing one attached to your windshield. __________________ 2006 E90 330i BlkSapph/BlkLeather/Alum/6spdMT/SP/PP/CA/Nav/Shades/Folding Rear Seats
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02-12-2006, 12:34 AM	#10
aapriadi Colonel 189 Rep 2,068 Posts Drives: '13 F30 AW 320i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia iTrader: (10)	hey bmwe90!! do u go to deanza college?? coz my sister and my friends study in deanza lol
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02-12-2006, 01:34 AM	#12
Romulus Private First Class 15 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 05 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	the good thing about V1's are their resale value.. I bought mine new for 400, and sold it 1.5 yrs later for 375 on ebay. I sped alot more back then (I was 20 and had a 01 SS camaro). It saved me a few times I guess, but it can't help you when cops use instant on... I finally decided going the speed limit versus 10mph over is worth 400 bucks to me (price of a detector) and no chance of getting a ticket..
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02-12-2006, 08:57 AM	#18
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Escort Passports are ver y good Radar detectors as well, I havnt had a ticket in three years since I got it. Saves me every time I drive.
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02-12-2006, 09:31 AM	#19
cntlaw Major General 235 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	I am using X50 but will get a Valentine1 as I heard too many positive user feedbacks! __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
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02-12-2006, 10:30 AM	#21
ACZakka325i Colonel 277 Rep 2,008 Posts Drives: 2 stroke Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (2)	If your not going to get the Valentine 1, then you must at least get the Passport. I have really enjoyed my passport, but i plan to get the valentine very soon. Other great features of the valentine is that they will never become obsolete (SP?). You can send them in to be updated. I think the ability to update them would offset much of the larger price tag. Everyone i know that has a Valentine 1 raves about it. I heard something, true of not, that many of the companies that make radar detectors also manufacture the radar guns used by the police. Thus, making the detectors always one step behind the gun. Anyone hear of this also? __________________ (Waitlist): #1 M2CSL (Current): 2016 F15 X5 3.5xdrive - 2010 997.2 C4S Coupe (Past): 2016 F30 340xi M-Sport -2013 535i xdrive 2008 E92 M3 - 2006 E90 325i 2002 E46 325xi - 1991 E30 325i
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02-12-2006, 10:48 AM	#22
hotsand5 hotsand5 49 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i 6spd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Motor Trend did a comparison between like a dozen different radar detectors last year ( I'll try to find the magazine), but becuae of the price difference, they awarded the passport x50 8500 #1, valentine #2. They stated that the valentine 1 was better at detecting laser, but since laser is more rare now and the v.1 is so much more expensive, that is the only reason why it was #2 in this comparison. I have had the passport 8500 for almost three years now, and have never gotten a ticket (compared to getting one almost every 6 mo. w/ a cobra detector). Both the V1 and X50 are awsome detectors, and if you are in the market for a radar detector, choose one of these or none at all! __________________ -2006 BMW 330i-Sapphire Black- Tera Leather-Aluminum trim- 6spd manual- Sport- Premium- Cold- Navigation- Euro. delivery -2005 Yamaha Warrior 1700 102cu"
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