Radar Detector: Radar Detectors - Answers To Common Questions

Radar Detectors - Answers To Common Questions

By Automotive Editor

In this article we cover the basics of radar detectors and why a radar detector can mean the difference between a speeding ticket and getting to keep your money and your insurance rates low ...

If you have ever been pulled over for traveling above the speed limit then you know how important a radar detector can be. These tiny devices can greatly reduce your chance of getting pulled over for speeding but do you know how they work? It is one of the technological advances that we seem to take for granted. Most of us have no clue beyond plugging them into the cigarette lighter and mounting them on the dashboard. But are they legal? How do they work? Those are just a few of the questions that you should have when it comes to radar detectors.

This is your lucky day! 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 LIDAR?

LIDAR is a new speed detection method used by police officers. It is a pulsed laser light that can target a vehicle up to 3000 feet away and specifically target one vehicle out of several. It does not have the broad range of feet that a radar gun has as it only expands up to six feet. A radar detector may not be able to pick up the LIDAR beam due to the fact that police officers will target the grill or center mass of the moving vehicle. Radar detectors are mounted on the dash board and may not pick up the focused energy beam.

LIDAR detectors are not used as much as radar detectors because of their cost and their inability to catch all beams directed at them.

Why would I use a radar detector?

Most people use radar detectors so that they do not get speeding tickets. But you should keep in mind that a radar detector is not a guarantee that you will not receive a speeding ticket. This is especially true with the new technology being developed for police officers to aid in catching those that speed. It is always the best bet to go the speed limit and avoid the need to use a radar detector all together.

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.

Can a police officer tell if I'm using a radar detector?

Unless the police officer sees the radar detector on your dashboard then chances are good that he or she will not know if you are using a radar detector unless they pull you over for speeding. Then of course they will see the radar detector in your vehicle. Hopefully you do not live in or are traveling in a state that forbids the use of radar detectors.

Next article: Radar Laser Detector - How It Works

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