laser'd in Charlottesville, Va on Sunday | FerrariChat
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laser'd in Charlottesville, Va on Sunday

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic Region - USA (PA, DE, MD, DC, VA)' started by CyclingPeaks, Jan 13, 2009.

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  1. CyclingPeaks

    CyclingPeaks Formula Junior

    Jun 11, 2006
    361
    Big Island, Virginia
    Full Name:
    Hunter Allen
    #1 CyclingPeaks, Jan 13, 2009
    On South 29, going south before the 64 interchange. One of C-ville's finest standing in front of his car, in the median, lasering folks.
    My laser detector went bonkers(good thing they aren't illegal and only radar detectors are! ;-) ). Luckily I wasn't speeding, but just thought everyone here ought to know that the C-ville police have one of these units at least and are starting to play with it.
     
  2. powerpig

    powerpig F1 World Champ

    Oct 12, 2008
    11,078
    Huntsville, AL
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #2 powerpig, Jan 13, 2009
    Are you sure the laser detectors are legal in VA? I just found out I have a multi band built in my Maserati and would like to keep it.
     
  3. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2003
    43,698
    26.806311,-81.755805
    Full Name:
    Dave M.
    #3 dm_n_stuff, Jan 14, 2009
    Here's the code from the Commonwealth

    No radar or laser detection allowed.
     
  4. gcthree

    gcthree Formula Junior

    Jul 18, 2008
    323
    Williamsburg, Va.
    #4 gcthree, Jan 15, 2009
    So, help me out here.

    As a new resident here in Va., how does the state get away with the ban on detectors when they are legal in 48 states? I've got a Beltronics STI (made by Escort) that is an undetectable unit, and it works wonderfully.

    It seems that with all the GPS units glued to just about everyone's windshield these days, having a detector in that position doesn't arouse as much suspicion.

    Now, what Escort needs to do for us here in Va. is put the STI guts into a bogus GPS unit.....
     
  5. anthem

    anthem Karting

    Jan 12, 2009
    195
    Williamsburg
    Full Name:
    Ed
    #5 anthem, Jan 16, 2009

    It's actually legal in 49 states - just not Virginia (and DC). Virginia gets away with it supposedly in that its just a $50 fine. You can appeal that if you bother to go. I've heard if the appeal goes a certain distance (if you can handle the procedural court system), that the DA will then just dismiss it rather than it risk a Virginia constitutional decision. So yes, I don't think it'll stand but no one has taken it far enough and doubt anyone ever will.

    From a radar perspective - yes its illegal. However, its a $50 fine with no confiscation of radar (they record the serial number to have proof that you did have radar). If you are regularly in "need" of the radar - I would recommend a remote unit and just use it inconspicuously. The $50 fine is peanuts compared to the actual ticket and insurance adjustment you are likely to get. . .

    The problem I have is that regardless of radar, driving a nice high performance car will frequently get you pulled anyway. . .

    Also, I see you are in Williamsburg. Be careful as York County has just started using Laser. I'm sure there are other jurisdictions, but I've seen the (and my valentine has alerted to them) motorcycle cops using Laser on the Coleman bridge (York County Side as Gloucester does not have them). If they have them in York County, I'm sure they are using them elsewhere in the county as well.
     
  6. amslb182

    amslb182 Formula Junior

    Oct 3, 2004
    590
    Ct
    Full Name:
    Andrew LeGrant
    #6 amslb182, Jan 16, 2009
    The only time Ive ever gotten a ticket was on that exact stretch of road, theyre vicious there.
     
  7. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2003
    43,698
    26.806311,-81.755805
    Full Name:
    Dave M.
    #7 dm_n_stuff, Jan 16, 2009
    According to the VA DMV, they use radar detector detectors. Your detector broadcasts and that can be picked up, and they do.

    They can confiscate your radar as evidence, but must return it to you once you're convicted.

    DM
     
  8. anthem

    anthem Karting

    Jan 12, 2009
    195
    Williamsburg
    Full Name:
    Ed
    #8 anthem, Jan 16, 2009
    They have spectre which will detect radar detectors. However I believe all of them are in the Nova area with a few being used along I95/I85 near the border with NC (read: Emporia and South Hill). I have never heard of or encountered anyone who said they were picked up for use of radar anywhere outside of those areas (for instance Hampton Roads, Richmond, etc).

    Also, they cannot and will not confiscate radar detectors. They will record the serial number, issue you a ticket and move on.

    Honestly, I think its great that radar detectors are illegal in Virginia. Until recently, it made using a radar that much more effective as LEO were less likely to use instant-on, etc.
     
  9. CyclingPeaks

    CyclingPeaks Formula Junior

    Jun 11, 2006
    361
    Big Island, Virginia
    Full Name:
    Hunter Allen
    #9 CyclingPeaks, Jan 17, 2009

    My thoughts exactly. Hopefully no one will challenge it constitutionally. Because all the police just run their radar all the time, instead of instant on. So radar detectors are most effective in the grand police state of virginia.

    Hunter
     

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