this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2023
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Virginia: The Old Dominion

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WHY??? Had a radar detector in other states I've lived in and think this made me an overall more mindful driver about speeding. There's also evidence that the ban of these devices have no impact on speeding in general. More arguments in the link... What's everyone's thoughts on this? Are Virginia and Mississippi the two states that got it right?

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[–] dan1101 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It's quite ridiculous. I don't care about radar detectors but the police can emit concentrated radio waves or lasers at our vehicles, but we aren't allowed to use devices that detect them? I'm surprised this hasn't been defeated in court, maybe no one cares enough. A radar detector in practice doesn't seem very different from Waze spotting speed traps or people talking about them online, it's just using technology to be informed.

[–] Bakachu 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Agree with that point as well. Radar detectors are passive systems and radio waves propagate broadly. With Waze I have heard that some LEOs do false reporting on that app...but haven't seen anything concrete.

I think that the main point is that most drivers will slow down if given the information that speed detection is being enforced. And the information is already available so what is the point of the ban to begin with.

[–] overzeetop 2 points 1 year ago

Iirc, there is a legal workaround but no manufacturer has exploited it. The reason it’s held up in court is because its sole purpose is to avoid law detection, but a device which has more than that as it’s only function (iirc an FM radio was an example, but today a dashcam would probably be a better dual use) would be legal.

I don’t have any reference or cite for this…it’s been decades since I was involved with the detector cat and mouse game.

[–] darganon -4 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I need the liar liar gif, but stop breaking the law.

There is zero legitimate purpose for a radar detector other than breaking the law. Stop breaking the law and you don't have to worry about the repercussions of breaking the law. If you break the law you need to accept the risk of consequences. Consequences are there to discourage you from breaking the law, so please stop breaking the law.

[–] Bakachu 3 points 1 year ago

Going to go with the argument that everyone speeds at some point in Virginia. For reference:

Virginia is an absolute speed limit state, which is what the majority of the states are. In Virginia, the speed limit is whatever is posted. If you're driving ten miles per hour over or 10% plus 2 miles per hour over the speed limit then this is a ticketable offense.

I think most ppl agree, myself included, with wanting to enforce excessive speeding. I think theres belief that not having a radar detector will make you less likely to excessively speed. But this activity still exists with our radar detector bans. 10+ mph over speeding is very evident on ANY major interstate highway in Virginia. So I don't believe the consequences for that are discouraging the majority of drivers here. I think this law possibly adds undue burden on police forces for no real community gain (other than revenue).

[–] fosiacat 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

overly simplified understanding.

did you miss the part where op specifically said the exact opposite happened, and that there is no relationship to speeding and having a detector? or do facts not matter, you just go with your gut, and opinion you formed already?

[–] darganon 0 points 1 year ago

It takes more effort to speed. Just do not speed.

I really need this bong so I don't smoke weed.

That is how stupid this sounds.

[–] fosiacat 0 points 1 year ago

overly simplified understanding.

did you miss the part where op specifically said the exact opposite happened, and that there is no relationship to speeding and having a detector? or do facts not matter, you just go with your gut, and opinion you formed already?

[–] fosiacat 0 points 1 year ago

overly simplified understanding.

did you miss the part where op specifically said the exact opposite happened, and that there is no relationship to speeding and having a detector? or do facts not matter, you just go with your gut, and opinion you formed already?