Laser/Radar question

rayzzr · 05-22-2008, 10:53 AM

I have a question about laser/radar that LEOs are using these days. I got a ticket recently and a guy in front of me got pulled over at the same time. He said his detector did not go off either time the officer clocked the two vehicles, but that he knew it worked because it had gone off earlier when another radar unit lit him up.

We were both ticketed, and I know I was speeding but the officer stated I was going faster than I agreed with, so I called the courthouse and got them to reduce the charge (he said I was 14 over, I think it was more like 6) - they changed it to 9, which changes the points deducted from my license. According to the clerk, it would not affect my insurance - is that possible? It is an out of state ticket.

Either way I'll pay the ticket (my first in 14 years...), but I wonder how he could have clocked two vehicles and the guy's detector never went off. Also odd was the fact he stated we were both doing the exact same speed, although I was slowing down because the officer was pulling out with his lights on. The display on his 'gun' showed 69 (it was a 55 zone), but I we don't know if that was from the first vehicle, my vehicle or some vehicle he stopped earlier.

Lest this turn into a FTP thread, let me say that the officer was very professional and had zero attitude. He did not even ask us to get off the bikes or take off our helmets, but of course we did since it took some time for him to put in all the info. We were hoping to get off on good behavior, but that didn't work out. Better luck next time I guess

shadows090 · 05-22-2008, 05:37 PM

In Florida, which may be different from where you received the ticket, the police officer does not need a radar, laser, or timer for your speed. They are trained to estimate, and their word is all the proof the court system needs. If they do use a radar or laser gun, they are not required by law to show you. Many people think otherwise, but I read police forums often, and spoke to my lawyer a couple days ago out of curiosity. I would say that there is not too much you can do about it, although it probably isn't what you would like to hear.

snakesht · 05-22-2008, 05:39 PM

If he was using a laser, then it is quite possible the detector didn't pick it up because it's a focused beam, not a series of radio waves.

rayzzr · 05-23-2008, 10:22 PM

Hmm. I am aware that a laser beam is going to be much more focused than the radar waves that scatter, but if a cop can hit a car with laser and a detector never go off, are laser detectors even worth the money? Some of those devices are very expensive.

Xtremjeepn · 05-23-2008, 10:35 PM

What kind of detector? There is some real JUNK on the market. People buy cheap detectors and wonder why they don't work well.

There are several bands (X, K, KA and laser) and several frequencies in each band. So unless it is a good detector in good working order it might simply miss that particular radar.

CMantis · 05-23-2008, 10:41 PM

I was thinking of adding a radar detector. I am not a speed demon but figure it can't hurt: Radar Detector