• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Radar/Laser Detector Ban in FL??

V

Vettephysician

New member
Hello guys. Just a quick question about the legality of radar/laser detectors here in Florida. I know they are still legal, but there have been rumblings about the legislature banning them. If so, and if the ban goes through, are there any detectors that are "invisible" to the cops, should one choose to keep on using one? Thanks!
 
They've been yacking about that for years. As far as I'm concerned, if the detector goes off and one slows down, then the purpose of traffic enforcement has been fulfilled, that being compliance, safety and awareness:thumbsup:

I'd even go as far as hiding emitters at various locations along the highways and let the people with detectors figure out which ones are real and which ones are memorex:rofl1:

As for your question, if they become illegal, then you're going to be on your own finding a place to conceal it. There are several on the market that claim various degrees of concealability. The big thing is hiding the wiring and the receiver in such a fashion that it still picks up the signal.

Oh, and :welcome:to the site. How did you find us? It's a great place to hang out and the best Florida based site on the internet bar none!

Rich, our administrator is from your neck of the woods.

Post some pics of your car and give a little :wavey:in the intro section.
 
Probably most of the legislators carry one in their own vehicles, LOL! What I was wondering, was not so much the concealment of the unit, but the cop's ability to detect them, ie. a detector-detector if you will. Thanks for the reply.
 
I will post some pics soon, Shadow. I found the site purely by accident, surfing around corvette sites. I have an '03 coupe (torch red). Love that car! Paid about 4.15/gal for premium (Chevron) here in Tally today (just topped off the tank). Toyed with the idea of topping her off with 89 octane, but decided not to (owner's manual says premium only). Oh well, it's worth it driving a machine like a vette. Thanks for the welcome Shadow. I look forward to visiting here often.
 
Beltronics STi Driver

Vettephysician said:
Hello guys. Just a quick question about the legality of radar/laser detectors here in Florida. I know they are still legal, but there have been rumblings about the legislature banning them. If so, and if the ban goes through, are there any detectors that are "invisible" to the cops, should one choose to keep on using one? Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is the unit I'm using Beltronics STi Driver = Exclusive TotalShield™ Technology = Complete VG-2 Immunity



Beltronics STi Driver Review
 
Yeah, I heard the same rumblings which is why I got my Valentine recently. Might be difficult to get one if Florida went onto a "do not sell to" list. Plus there could be the possibility that currently owned units may be grandfathered in if the issue of an ex post facto law gets raised.

As for concealability, the Valentine has an optional remote display that I put down in the cigarette tray recess so that the lighted display is not visible from the rear. Also, I mount the main unit from the sun visor and ran the cables underneath the inside moulding so it is rather difficult to see under casual inspection.

I can't really say it has saved me from any tickets, as I don't normally push the speed limits much. But it does help to keep me alert to my surroundings moreso than before I had a detector. Which certainly can't be a bad thing.

Anyway, welcome to the site. If you see a LOUD blue C5 Z06 cruising around town with bold lettering CORVETTEFLORIDA.COM across the windshield and rear window, that's me.
 
Vettephysician said:
Probably most of the legislators carry one in their own vehicles, LOL! What I was wondering, was not so much the concealment of the unit, but the cop's ability to detect them, ie. a detector-detector if you will. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...

I don't know of any agencies that have a "detector-detector", but in all honesty, it's usually quite easy for LEO's that are experienced with radar to know when a vehicle has a detector in use. We have a visual screen that monitors your numeric speed as well as a doppler tone that signifys speed by audio pitch. A well tuned radar unit, under optimum conditions, has an effective range of up to a mile, though most units I have used are closer to 1/2-3/4. Obviously it would be difficult to visually identify a traffic unit at that distance, especially at night, or if the unit is unmarked or hidden from view. When the LEO monitors your speed (remember, we don't all leave the unit on, I leave mine on standby until I see the vehicle approaching) it will give the speed you are traveling at before you can physically react to slow down. (the radar beam travels at the speed of light) When you hit the brakes, the doppler tone drops significantly, and the numeric display drops in the same manner, but the unit already has your speed locked on the display. The newer units even "talk" to you, identifying where your vehicle is in relationship to the traffic unit and which direction you're traveling! By being cognizant of your vehicle slowing down to the speed limit quickly, before you have the opportunity to identify the traffic unit (we pretty well know when we're hidden from view), we can tell who has the radar detectors.

I stopped a guy in a Porshe on highway 98 a few years ago in the manner mentioned above. When I asked him if he had a radar detector he told me, "No". I was pretty sure he was lying to me. I had a trainee with me. I told him to wait until I got back up to the driver and to hit the radar on button. An electronic chime started eminating from his console area. I asked him what that was? He said it was his phone. I said, "Aren't you going to answer it?" He said "No, it's just my wife". I said "It's a shame she didn't call you BEFORE you came around that curve" and gave him the citation. He just grimaced. I guess he didn't think to turn it off. :reddevil:
 
I stopped a guy in a Porshe on highway 98 a few years ago in the manner mentioned above. When I asked him if he had a radar detector he told me, "No". I was pretty sure he was lying to me. I had a trainee with me. I told him to wait until I got back up to the driver and to hit the radar on button. An electronic chime started eminating from his console area. I asked him what that was? He said it was his phone. I said, "Aren't you going to answer it?" He said "No, it's just my wife". I said "It's a shame she didn't call you BEFORE you came around that curve" and gave him the citation
Click to expand...

:rofl1::rofl1::rofl1::rofl1:
 
85vette said:
I don't know of any agencies that have a "detector-detector", but in all honesty, it's usually quite easy for LEO's that are experienced with radar to know when a vehicle has a detector in use. We have a visual screen that monitors your numeric speed as well as a doppler tone that signifys speed by audio pitch. A well tuned radar unit, under optimum conditions, has an effective range of up to a mile, though most units I have used are closer to 1/2-3/4. Obviously it would be difficult to visually identify a traffic unit at that distance, especially at night, or if the unit is unmarked or hidden from view. When the LEO monitors your speed (remember, we don't all leave the unit on, I leave mine on standby until I see the vehicle approaching) it will give the speed you are traveling at before you can physically react to slow down. (the radar beam travels at the speed of light) When you hit the brakes, the doppler tone drops significantly, and the numeric display drops in the same manner, but the unit already has your speed locked on the display. The newer units even "talk" to you, identifying where your vehicle is in relationship to the traffic unit and which direction you're traveling! By being cognizant of your vehicle slowing down to the speed limit quickly, before you have the opportunity to identify the traffic unit (we pretty well know when we're hidden from view), we can tell who has the radar detectors.

I stopped a guy in a Porshe on highway 98 a few years ago in the manner mentioned above. When I asked him if he had a radar detector he told me, "No". I was pretty sure he was lying to me. I had a trainee with me. I told him to wait until I got back up to the driver and to hit the radar on button. An electronic chime started eminating from his console area. I asked him what that was? He said it was his phone. I said, "Aren't you going to answer it?" He said "No, it's just my wife". I said "It's a shame she didn't call you BEFORE you came around that curve" and gave him the citation. He just grimaced. I guess he didn't think to turn it off. :reddevil:
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:
 
85vette said:
I don't know of any agencies that have a "detector-detector", but in all honesty, it's usually quite easy for LEO's that are experienced with radar to know when a vehicle has a detector in use. We have a visual screen that monitors your numeric speed as well as a doppler tone that signifys speed by audio pitch. A well tuned radar unit, under optimum conditions, has an effective range of up to a mile, though most units I have used are closer to 1/2-3/4. Obviously it would be difficult to visually identify a traffic unit at that distance, especially at night, or if the unit is unmarked or hidden from view. When the LEO monitors your speed (remember, we don't all leave the unit on, I leave mine on standby until I see the vehicle approaching) it will give the speed you are traveling at before you can physically react to slow down. (the radar beam travels at the speed of light) When you hit the brakes, the doppler tone drops significantly, and the numeric display drops in the same manner, but the unit already has your speed locked on the display. The newer units even "talk" to you, identifying where your vehicle is in relationship to the traffic unit and which direction you're traveling! By being cognizant of your vehicle slowing down to the speed limit quickly, before you have the opportunity to identify the traffic unit (we pretty well know when we're hidden from view), we can tell who has the radar detectors.

I stopped a guy in a Porshe on highway 98 a few years ago in the manner mentioned above. When I asked him if he had a radar detector he told me, "No". I was pretty sure he was lying to me. I had a trainee with me. I told him to wait until I got back up to the driver and to hit the radar on button. An electronic chime started eminating from his console area. I asked him what that was? He said it was his phone. I said, "Aren't you going to answer it?" He said "No, it's just my wife". I said "It's a shame she didn't call you BEFORE you came around that curve" and gave him the citation. He just grimaced. I guess he didn't think to turn it off. :reddevil:
Click to expand...

Interesting observations there, 85 "vette. However, if there are other vehicles ahead of the "target" and you hit one of them, and providing the "target" vehicle has a "high-end" (and stealthy) detector, the "target" vehicle will receive a warning well before you will be able to get a lock on him, and he will slow down accordingly. If the "target" vehicle is the lead vehicle, then your argument holds up. He's "locked on" before he can physically react to the radar source. Luckily, there are usually plenty of other vehicles around to provide an advance warning. Interestingly, the troopers around here are now setting up in neighborhoods shooting laser, which of course has to be shot from a stationary vehicle, with a range of about 100 feet. Laser is much harder to "beat" than radar, I might add. I personally don't think detectors should be banned, as we pay enough in taxes as it is and gas prices, along with everything else. The use of the detector just evens the "playing field" a bit, IMHO. :reddevil:
 
Hello Xtreme....I believe I've heard of your place, and did check out your website. I know you all do tunes and such, and power boosts, etc. Do you do any routine corvette manintenance? Brakes, engine, AC, etc.? I'd rather go that route than take mine to a "stealership." Thanks for the welcome from you and others on here. Nice forum. To quote the Terminator: "I'll be back!"
 
Vettephysician said:
Hello Xtreme....I believe I've heard of your place, and did check out your website. I know you all do tunes and such, and power boosts, etc. Do you do any routine corvette manintenance? Brakes, engine, AC, etc.? I'd rather go that route than take mine to a "stealership." Thanks for the welcome from you and others on here. Nice forum. To quote the Terminator: "I'll be back!"
Click to expand...

Not really wanting to speak for Chris, but I don't think he saw this post. He told me he can and will do just about anything on a vette that needs to be done. He's changed my oil for me and put some little bling doodads underneath my hood. Last time I was out there I asked him about replacing my front turn signal assemblies and he indicated it would be no problem to do so.

You may want to PM him direct, though...
 
Vettephysician said:
Hello Xtreme....I believe I've heard of your place, and did check out your website. I know you all do tunes and such, and power boosts, etc. Do you do any routine corvette manintenance? Brakes, engine, AC, etc.? I'd rather go that route than take mine to a "stealership." Thanks for the welcome from you and others on here. Nice forum. To quote the Terminator: "I'll be back!"
Click to expand...

Yep , Rich is right ! I will and can do anything on a vette you need done.
My range is broad I can change your oil all the way up to building a corvette from the ground up ( which I have done , the C5R on my website took me about 2 years to complete).
You let me know if you need anything and if you can't or dont have the time to drive out there I can meet you and take your car there and bring it back.
I have a couple customers in Tallahassee I do that for , saves them a trip and from taking off of work. But you of course are welcome to come out anytime!!

Thanks again Rich!! :hehehe:
 
xtrememotorsports said:
Yep , Rich is right ! I will and can do anything on a vette you need done.
My range is broad I can change your oil all the way up to building a corvette from the ground up ( which I have done , the C5R on my website took me about 2 years to complete).
You let me know if you need anything and if you can't or dont have the time to drive out there I can meet you and take your car there and bring it back.
I have a couple customers in Tallahassee I do that for , saves them a trip and from taking off of work. But you of course are welcome to come out anytime!!

Thanks again Rich!! :hehehe:
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's good to know. Haven't had any issues with her yet, she just turned 35K on the odometer, but she's been very reliable (knock wood!). I"ll let you know if anything comes up. Thanks again, and thanks for the welcoming comments. :D
 
Vettephysician said:
Interesting observations there, 85 "vette. However, if there are other vehicles ahead of the "target" and you hit one of them, and providing the "target" vehicle has a "high-end" (and stealthy) detector, the "target" vehicle will receive a warning well before you will be able to get a lock on him, and he will slow down accordingly. If the "target" vehicle is the lead vehicle, then your argument holds up. He's "locked on" before he can physically react to the radar source. Luckily, there are usually plenty of other vehicles around to provide an advance warning. Interestingly, the troopers around here are now setting up in neighborhoods shooting laser, which of course has to be shot from a stationary vehicle, with a range of about 100 feet. Laser is much harder to "beat" than radar, I might add. I personally don't think detectors should be banned, as we pay enough in taxes as it is and gas prices, along with everything else. The use of the detector just evens the "playing field" a bit, IMHO. :reddevil:
Click to expand...

I agree, there is no need to outlaw detectors. As Shadow stated, the ones we don't get slow down, so in essence they help us accomplish our job. Be aware that your range information for the laser is incorrect. 4000 (four thousand) feet is the max.
 
85vette said:
I agree, there is no need to outlaw detectors. As Shadow stated, the ones we don't get slow down, so in essence they help us accomplish our job. Be aware that your range information for the laser is incorrect. 4000 (four thousand) feet is the max.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, what is the diameter of the laser beam at 4,000 ft?
 
Try this of some answers to your RADAR and LIDAR questions:

LIDAR:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question396.htm

A laser speed gun measures the round-trip time for light to reach a car and reflect back. Light from a laser speed gun moves a lot faster than sound -- about 984,000,000 feet per second (300,000,000 meters), or roughly 1 foot (30 cm) per nanosecond. A laser speed gun shoots a very short burst of infrared laser light and then waits for it to reflect off the vehicle. The gun counts the number of nanoseconds it takes for the round trip, and by dividing by 2 it can calculate the distance to the car. If the gun takes 1,000 samples per second, it can compare the change in distance between samples and calculate the speed of the car. By taking several hundred samples over the course of a third of a second or so, the accuracy can be very high.
The advantage of a laser speed gun (for the police anyway) is that the size of the "cone" of light that the gun emits is very small, even at a range like 1,000 feet (300 meters). The cone at this distance might be 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. This allows the gun to target a specific vehicle. A laser speed gun is also very accurate. The disadvantage is that the officer has to aim a laser speed gun -- normal police radar with a broad radar beam can detect doppler shift without aiming.
Click to expand...

RADAR:
http://www.copradar.com/index.html

Rules governing use:

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=15B-2
 
85vette said:
I agree, there is no need to outlaw detectors. As Shadow stated, the ones we don't get slow down, so in essence they help us accomplish our job. Be aware that your range information for the laser is incorrect. 4000 (four thousand) feet is the max.
Click to expand...

Thanks 85vette, didn't realize laser had that kind of range. I try to be careful out there, but do admit to speeding "now and then." I think anyone who drives a vette is guilty of this at times, but I also realize public safety is paramount. I assume you are an LEO, and you sound like an expert on the subject. Thanks for weighing in and setting us laymen straight.:D FYI: my last moving violation was in 1985, when I tried to make it through a traffic light on the yellow. I thought I'd made it, but unfortunately for me, the LEO disagreed, LOL! Everybody here have a great Memorial Day, and as Ahhhnold would say: "I'll be back!"
 
85vette said:
I agree, there is no need to outlaw detectors. As Shadow stated, the ones we don't get slow down, so in essence they help us accomplish our job. Be aware that your range information for the laser is incorrect. 4000 (four thousand) feet is the max.
Click to expand...

I was going to say the same thing, but the usual max effective range I've seen myself is 900 to 1,000 ft, at least here,,,,, I normally clock them in the 100 to 800 ft ranges....
 
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