Between the unregulated free use and the total prohibition there are interesting variations in the United States and in Canada. (We review the situation in Europe and in Asia in another article.)

Driving in the United States

In the United States, the law varies from state to state, and there is a distinction of the use in private vehicles and in commercial ones. Referring back to the Communications Act of 1934, detectors are generally legal in private vehicles and illegal in all commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs under US federal law. To see some exceptions: the legal use was repealed in Connecticut in 1998, and radar detectors are illegal in Virginia, Washington D.C. and in the U.S. military bases. Referring to "obstructing vision", radar detector is indirectly illegal in Minnesota, California and New York. Confiscation of the detector was once a common practice.

Radar Detectors in Canada

Driving through Canada from North to South or from East to West with a radar detector in a car is a dangerous task. The states have different restrictions, so its use is legal in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Regardless of whether they are used or not, police confiscate the device and impose heavy fines in countries where radar detector is illegal, that is, in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northern Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and in the Yukon Territory.

The regulations may suddenly change so before you start a trip to the neighbor state in the United States or organize your trip across different states of Canada, it is advised to do due diligence and collect official information.

This article will cover the basics of radar detectors and hopefully by the end you will have some idea of why a radar detector can mean the difference between a speeding ticket and getting to keep your money and your insurance rates low.

What is a radar detector?

A radar detector is a device that measures the radio waves bounced off your vehicle. Police officers use a radar gun that gives off radio waves. When the waves hit your vehicle they are returned to the gun to determine how fast you are going. The radar detector measures these waves and alerts you to the presence of someone using a radar gun to detect your speed.

What is a radar jammer?

A radar jammer is a device that will scramble the radar waves and the LIDAR that are aimed at the vehicle. It is important to know that radar jamming is illegal in the United States and if you get caught with a radar jammer you are facing a fine and possible felony conviction for using one. It is definitely not worth the risk to own one.

What are some brands of radar detectors?

There are several different brands of radar detectors on the market currently. You can choose from a Beltronics BEL RX54 radar detector or you can go with the Whistler XTR-690 Radar/Laser Detector. The choice is up to you and it may come down to what guarantees the company offers along with the price.

Is there a guarantee that I won’t get a speeding ticket if I use a radar detector from a certain company?

There are companies that will guarantee that if you purchase their radar detector and still receive a ticket within a year, they will pay for the cost of the ticket. This guarantee is not offered by every company so you will need to check the fine print before you purchase one if this is something that you are looking for in a radar detection company. The company may also have some fine print about paying for the ticket so read, read, read the instructions and guarantee before purchasing.

Last week for example, I was cruising at a respectable 200mph through a school zone, when I heard the inevitable sirens…the fuzz was after me! I argued passionately with the po-po, explaining how I had to rush my pregnant wife to the hospital—until he pointed out that I was the only one in the vehicle…

The day before, I was stuck in traffic. Not wanting to sit around like a chump, I drove over the divider and into the opposite lane where, to save time, I proceeded to drive in the wrong direction at 250mph (I drive a Bugatti Veyron). Needless to say, the bacon was soon hot on my tail and I was fined yet again.

I figured the time for action had come. There was no way I would change my lifestyle of speed and thrills; that would be too difficult and would require me to obey the law. But still, there had to be a way for me to legally dodge the coppers… Then suddenly the answer hit me—a radar detector!

I researched several online and learned much about this helpful device, the friend to speed demons and the bane of federales. Many radar detectors on the market today offer state of the art features including laser shifting and voice alerts. Others eliminate radio frequency emissions which allow the unit to be undetectable to other radar detectors.

I ordered one for a reasonable price and installed it quickly. In the first week, I got the knack of the device’s workings and soon was using it like a pro. A feeling of security like nothing I have ever felt suffused my soul and made its home in my bosom.

1. Find out if a detector is legal in your state. Before you start your radar detector research, find out if a detector is legal in your state. It is important to know your local and state laws regarding radar detectors before you buy. You could be facing fines for an illegal detector. You also could get your detector confiscated. Radar detectors are illegal in the District of Columbia and Virginia. Radar detectors are also illegal in most provinces in Canada and U.S military bases. Radar detectors are illegal in commercial vehicles in most areas. The best way to know if radar detectors are legal in your area is to go to your state’s department of motor vehicle website or call your local law enforcement.

2. Determine your budget. There are a lot of radar detectors now on the market with a lot features. They range in price from $50 to more than $400. Figure out what you can reasonably afford for a radar detector. Remember, the most expensive detector is not always the best radar detector.

3. Determine the type of radar detector you want to buy. There are three types of radar detectors: corded radar detectors, cordless radar detectors, and remote-mount radar detectors. Corded radar detectors are usually mounted on the windshield in the vicinity of your rear view mirror, and offer the best range of detection. Cordless radar detectors are easily more transportable and are easier to install than corded radar detectors. Remote-mounted radar detectors are permanently mounted to your vehicle and are virtually undetectable to thieves.

4. Identify the model and features you want. There are a lot of radar detector models on the market. Stick with the major brand name radar detector manufacturers such as Beltronics, Cobra, Escort, PNI, Rocky Mountain Radar, Valentine and Whistler.

There are a lot of radar detectors on the market with a lot features. You’ve got range, sensitivity, visual alerts, audio alerts, false alarm control, etc. With all these different features on the market, which one is best for you? The amount of features you get will depend on how much your budget is that you determined in Step 1. No matter what you budget is, you should look at radar detectors that have these basic features:

> Select a radar detector with a wideband. The radar detector should be able to pick up the entire X, K, and Ka band. You want different indicators for each one of these bands that include a separate flash or beep for each band.

> When shopping for radar detectors, look for radar detectors that have at least 110 dB.

> Pay close attention to the display. Make sure you can see it clearly.

> Also look for a mute feature with an adjustable volume control.

5. Research your radar detector. You know your budget, what bands you need to detect, the model brand names and the basic features. You now are ready to research your radar detector. There are many different websites that will allow you to compare different radar detector models, features, reviews, and prices. The trick is to find the best radar detector with the best features at the your price. Obviously, if you’re spending 400 bucks for a radar detector, you are likely going to get more features and a better range that your radar detector can detect to than if you spend 100 bucks.

After a quick look you’ll find that Beltronics STi, Escort 9500i, & Valentine One lead the way when it comes to pure performance. So now that we know who the top performers are, let’s take a look at the features these modern detectors offer. Carl Fors who runs Speed Measurement Labs2 performed one of the most comprehensive feature tests in the summer of 2007.

When the detectors ran a course to simulate false alert suppression, we find that the Escort 9500i & Beltronics STi which where two of the most sensitive radar detectors the Guys of Lidar tested, also proved to be the best at suppressing unwanted alerts.

What if your area is progressively pushing the new automated speed enforcement, or red light safety cameras? Thanks to Speed Measurement Labs we find that while the Escort 9500i is the only dash mount detector that allows you to mark those locations with it’s advanced GPS features. We find that a replacement for your rearview mirror would provide the best solution.

Further more this rear view mirror could be incorporated to work with any Beltronics, Escort or Valentine One radar detector. In 2007 Speed Cheetah3 launched their rear view mirror replacement with rave reviews. This mirror comes preloaded with thousands of red light & speed camera locations. It also offers a real time display of your current speed. If you have noticed a common theme the Guys of Lidar & Speed Measurement Labs both test on a closed course, in a controlled environment. Fortunately the creator of Speed Trap Hunter Bob Rosanina takes to the open road for his radar detector tests. To date it’s estimated that Bob has traveled over 20,000 miles, coast-to-coast, and even overseas. This would definitely qualify him as a driving enthusiast. Bob has written many radar detector reviews,radar detector buying guides, and performance tests. Over his many miles and years of experience Bob offers this advice. "Placing your trust into a radar detector takes time and requires a lot of driving time behind the wheel and a proven historical track-record with a variety of different speed trap encounters."

While we are on the topic of enthusiasts who hit the road, who better to review radar detectors than Radar Roy a retired Lieutenant from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. Roy served 20 years, retired as a certified police traffic radar instructor, managed to certify hundreds of officers, and is now a offers a free radar detector buyers gudei at www.radarroysbuyersguide.com Radar Roy offers new radar detector owners with a very easy to use buyer’s guide, if you’re still confused there is a great section dedicated to choosing a radar detector that is right for you. You will also find a handy guide for after you receive your radar detector. How do you mount it? Where do you mount it? How do you maximize all the features? Radar Roy’s handy guide makes it easy to understand. Among other things you will find Radar Roy’s manuals for all the products they sale, traffic laws for your state, and Product Reviews. Check out Roy’s site for his top picks!

Last week for example, I was cruising at a respectable 200mph through a school zone, when I heard the inevitable sirens…the fuzz was after me! I argued passionately with the po-po, explaining how I had to rush my pregnant wife to the hospital—until he pointed out that I was the only one in the vehicle…

The day before, I was stuck in traffic. Not wanting to sit around like a chump, I drove over the divider and into the opposite lane where, to save time, I proceeded to drive in the wrong direction at 250mph (I drive a Bugatti Veyron). Needless to say, the bacon was soon hot on my tail and I was fined yet again.

I figured the time for action had come. There was no way I would change my lifestyle of speed and thrills; that would be too difficult and would require me to obey the law. But still, there had to be a way for me to legally dodge the coppers… Then suddenly the answer hit me—a radar detector!

I researched several online and learned much about this helpful device, the friend to speed demons and the bane of federales. Many radar detectors on the market today offer state of the art features including laser shifting and voice alerts. Others eliminate radio

I ordered one for a reasonable price and installed it quickly. In the first week, I got the knack of the device’s workings and soon was using it like a pro. A feeling of security like nothing I have ever felt suffused my soul and made its home in my bosom.

No longer would I be hassled by the man! No longer would I pay the fines that I so clearly owe to society! Viva La Revolucion!