We are leaving PA and heading down to southern Virginia for a few days R&R in a few weeks. I have come to rely on my Valentine V1 to keep me legal when I need to be, and driving without it would certainly make me lighten up on the go pedal and increase travel time.

I know radar detectors are illegal in VA, but how hard-a$$ed are the cops on this issue really ? Do they stop you if they see a detector ? Would they confiscate my V1 ? How about if I just put it in the trunk when we cross the state line ? Better to leave it home altogether ?

Anybody have any experience or advice ?

 

In Va, it's illegal to have a radar detector near a power source. So if it's in your trunk, you're fine. Now if it's displayed, police officers can stop you and take it from you. Your best bet is to just put it in the trunk. Southern Virginia officers are strict on that stuff. FYI.. don't go over 80 mph on the higway and 20 mph over the posted speed limit if you don't want a reckless driving ticket.

 

Not sure how true this is but I have heard stories.

Officer pulls you over sees a radar detector in your car. Officer places the radar detector in front of your tire and says, "Drive away now or I write you a ticket". No win situation.

 

They changed the law so cops can't confiscate it anymore (maybe State Troopers can, I heard this from a local cop). They can have you put it in your trunk and give you a ticket.

Think about it like this: When you get caught speeding with a radar detector in any state cops are generally harsher on you. Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia, so wouldn't you imagine the VA police are going to be even harsher on you?

 

Ive ran a radar non stop for the past 6 years. Ive been pulled over a few times and I just take it down before they get to my car. One time i left it in the window during a wreck. The cop asked what it was and asked me to take it down. Maybe I have just been lucky, but IMO its better to risk the radar ticket then the speeding ticket.

 

i know the state troopers have radar detector detectors...

sounds like that movie "the big hit", but its true.

 

Here's the thing, you say you've been stopped WITH the detector. So why risk running it (in VA) if you're gettimg stopped even while using it? I ran a V1 from '95 to 2000, but took it out once for an autocross and never put it back. No tickets. I drive ALOT and my GPS has a nice triple digit number in the top speed bracket to show that I don't granny it either.

Avoiding tickets is more about learning where and how to speed, than detectors. Detectors on the other hand can teach you alot about speed enforcement, including the fact that the best troopers ONLY use radar after they've established that you're a kill, and only use it to certify. By the time you get the hit on the detector, that good Trooper is at six oclock and you're heading for the shoulder.

Best detector is your eyes and understanding of the surrounding conditions.

 

:knocksonwood:

Knowing what to do and more importantly, what NOT to do when you do get pulled over is priceless.

 

Thanks for all the good advice. I am actually a pretty conservative driver in traffic and populated areas. Most of my extra-legal velocity is out in the unpopulated boonies in PA and MD where the landscape is hilly and there's always a curve you can't see around. I think the V1 has paid for itself during the year that I have had it. by alerting me to troopers around the bend.

I think I will exercise some discretion and put the V1 in the trunk at the VA state line and just cool it on this trip.

 

I'll agree with the learning part, but down here troopers either sit on the side of the interstate or they pace you (without running the radar). Local police have radar on almost all the time.

A radar detector is well worth having in Southern VA.