are any radar detectors useful anymore in California? laser jammer?

[onlyaudis]

the CHP and local police here in the SF Bay Area are using radar less and less and going to the newest laser units instead. (I got a laser ticket even in a small town like El Cerrito a few years back) Love to have some real protection against annoying "quota tickets", but don't want to spend close to $1000 for one of the laser jammers that actually work. May have to at some point though. I have a newer escort detector, but think any of them are probably just false security at this point around here. I read insurance companies are actually supplying the police forces with the laser units so that they can raise their rates when you get nailed! from what I hear, it is just dumb luck if your laser detector happens to give you an alert because the guy right in front of you just got tagged by laser. otherwise, they don't give any warning until they already have your speed recorded.

the other issue is new higher end cars (apparently Audi is the biggest offender) set off the detectors with their new active safety features that use the same bandwidth as police radar. this will only get worse as it won't be long until every Accord and Camry sets them off.

Curious if anyone here has used this unit

http://www.radarbusters.com/AntiLase...p-priority.htm

video on laser jammers, and a review of the one above that seems to show that it works

http://radarandlaserforum.com/conten...view-by-Mirage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgFhZ1Rlq8Y

[The Fat Kid]

You do know they are illegal in CA, right? I recall reading that getting caught with a laser jammer is much worse than pretty much any speeding ticket. Just an FYI.

[colby7]

You do know they are illegal in CA, right? I recall reading that getting caught with a laser jammer is much worse than pretty much any speeding ticket. Just an FYI.

Using radar detectors is legal in CA. Mounting them on your windshield is illegal.

[LINDW4LL]

OP, many here are using the ALP setup you linked. It is the best jammer setup available and definitely worth the money. The only reason I'm not running it is because I got my Laser Interceptor setup for a ridiculously good deal, but I'd still do ALP if buying again.

You do know they are illegal in CA, right?

I recall reading that getting caught with a laser jammer is much worse than pretty much any speeding ticket. Just an FYI.

I can't speak for every single state, but it's almost always a simple equipment violation with no points attached, and thus is far better than a speeding ticket. For this reason, I always leave mine on when going through MN, IL, VA, etc...

Second, LEOs don't suspect jammers if you use them properly (turn off after slowing down). I assume it's quite rare that someone gets cited for them.

Using radar detectors is legal in CA. Mounting them on your windshield is illegal.

He was referring to laser jammers.

[The Fat Kid]

Using radar detectors is legal in CA. Mounting them on your windshield is illegal.

I was referring to laser jammers, which are illegal in CA.

[The Fat Kid]

OP, many here are using the ALP setup you linked. It is the best jammer setup available and definitely worth the money. The only reason I'm not running it is because I got my Laser Interceptor setup for a ridiculously good deal, but I'd still do ALP if buying again.


I can't speak for every single state, but it's almost always a simple equipment violation with no points attached, and thus is far better than a speeding ticket. For this reason, I always leave mine on when going through MN, IL, VA, etc...

Second, LEOs don't suspect jammers if you use them properly (turn off after slowing down). I assume it's quite rare that someone gets cited for them.


He was referring to laser jammers.

You are probably correct. I just remembered reading an article about laser jammers (something about the number of sensors too?) and the potentially large fine for getting caught with one. Again, it was just an FYI in case the OP was not aware.

[Stubek]

Not sure your driving style or what part of the bay area you are living in, but I've never owned a detector or jammer and I've not had a speeding ticket in 15 years and never in California. I credit this with two things. First, doing the speed limit in neighborhoods and schools and the rest of the time not going more than 10ish over and not weaving, just going the flow of traffic. If you're not the fastest car out there, you aren't going to get pulled over.
Second, my commute, even on the damn interstates around here is normally capped at about 30MPH in a 65 zone...

[LINDW4LL]

I can't speak for OP, but I'm not concerned about getting a ticket when I'm on city/neighborhood streets or in traffic. It's when I'm on a back road or open highway that's concerning.

While a ticket may be unlikely, it's bound to happen eventually if you speed, and a quality radar detector generally pays for itself with only one save.

[s4buckeye]

I can't speak for OP, but I'm not concerned about getting a ticket when I'm on city/neighborhood streets or in traffic. It's when I'm on a back road or open highway that's concerning.

While a ticket may be unlikely, it's bound to happen eventually if you speed, and a quality radar detector generally pays for itself with only one save.

this.

[jamesj2k]

This +2

this.

[colby7]

I was referring to laser jammers, which are illegal in CA.

My humble apologies.

[colby7]

Not sure your driving style or what part of the bay area you are living in, but I've never owned a detector or jammer and I've not had a speeding ticket in 15 years and never in California. I credit this with two things. First, doing the speed limit in neighborhoods and schools and the rest of the time not going more than 10ish over and not weaving, just going the flow of traffic. If you're not the fastest car out there, you aren't going to get pulled over.
Second, my commute, even on the damn interstates around here is normally capped at about 30MPH in a 65 zone...

5 over in town, 10 over on the freeway. That formula has kept me from getting any tickets in CA in the last 10 years.

[onlyaudis]

I have been pretty careful and haven't gotten a ticket in about 8 years either, but this S4 has me worried some. Its quite a bit faster than anything i have driven before, and its speed just sneaks up on you sometime--I look down and I am going faster than I expected on a lot of occasions.. one good thing is its a dark color and doesn't look too fancy compared to something like an R8 or new Corvette. it is pretty stealthy in that regard.
I don't street race or go over 100MPH, but do like to get on it once and a while on on ramps and such. its also really fun to nail it in second gear going up hills.

I can't speak for OP, but I'm not concerned about getting a ticket when I'm on city/neighborhood streets or in traffic. It's when I'm on a back road or open highway that's concerning.

While a ticket may be unlikely, it's bound to happen eventually if you speed, and a quality radar detector generally pays for itself with only one save.

this too--planning on some road trips coming up. you get out into the more rural areas, and that is where you run into speed traps and a likely 1 on 1 encounter. It is also takes you into open areas that are tempting to go a bit faster than the law would like you to.

Just look at how much they have gone to laser in the chart attached though. The odds are not in your favor at this point, even if you have the latest greatest radar and so called "laser detectors" . Guess I will just have to keep the speed down like I have in the past, even if the car wants to go. still can enjoy the great handling, right?

this is why in the past I have always like smaller sports cars and sedans with only moderate power--the old driving a slow car fast thing. you can not really open up a tuned S4 on the public streets and highways too many times without likely ending up with a very bad ticket.

does look like many areas near where I live do still use radar. like San Jose, and Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and up towards Tahoe. . Laser has totally taken over socal though.

http://www.rdforum.org/wiki/index.ph...y_-_California

[infinkc]

in CA a laser jammer is an infraction if you get caught with 2 heads, if there are more than 2 heads it is a misdemeanor. So having one with 2 or less heads its more of a slap on the wrist, so i wouldnt call it "illegal" same with dash cams, you arent suppose to have audio recording on.

I have thought on many occasions to buy a jammer for myself. The last time i had got a ticket has to be over 5 years now, and i say i do drive with a lead foot daily. I have a v1 in the car and it has been great to me. My last ticket they actually hit me with laser on the side of my car since i was going so fast, in this case the jammer would have done crap. I knew i was speeding, and why fight it, they know i was going over the limit. I figure the cost of the system is roughly 2 tickets, not worth it in my opinion unless you are super careless while driving.

[cchoi83]

I can't speak for OP, but I'm not concerned about getting a ticket when I'm on city/neighborhood streets or in traffic. It's when I'm on a back road or open highway that's concerning.

While a ticket may be unlikely, it's bound to happen eventually if you speed, and a quality radar detector generally pays for itself with only one save.

this.

This +2

This +1000000000000

[onlyaudis]

While a ticket may be unlikely, it's bound to happen eventually if you speed, and a quality radar detector generally pays for itself with only one save.

again, i totally agree, that is if they are actually using radar, which seems to be less and less of what you will be up against depending where you drive. Does look like for now the majority of my driving takes place in areas that still use mostly KA band radar -( that link to that chart was very helpful--if it is still accurate). I will use my Escort detector with some confidence in these areas for now. But if I am down in Socal,(almost 100% laser now) will have to really watch my speed.

[ICU2]

in CA a laser jammer is an infraction if you get caught with 2 heads, if there are more than 2 heads it is a misdemeanor. So having one with 2 or less heads its more of a slap on the wrist, so i wouldnt call it "illegal" [B] same with dash cams, you arent suppose to have audio recording on.
I have thought on many occasions to buy a jammer for myself. The last time i had got a ticket has to be over 5 years now, and i say i do drive with a lead foot daily. I have a v1 in the car and it has been great to me. My last ticket they actually hit me with laser on the side of my car since i was going so fast, in this case the jammer would have done crap. I knew i was speeding, and why fight it, they know i was going over the limit. I figure the cost of the system is roughly 2 tickets, not worth it in my opinion unless you are super careless while driving.

So in your PRIVATELY owned automobile, while traveling around in PUBLIC, for non-commercial purposes, if your are recording/audio of your auto for your protection, it is considered "Illegal" & you can be fined/arrested for doing so? This is a law passed by the California State Legislators & signed by the Governor? And I thought IL was bad.

[u2nelson]

Yes they are def still useful. I run an Escort 9500ix, hard wired in, works great against KA band radar in CA. I ran a remote mute switch down to the vertical panel just under the temp control panel. For laser attacks I have LI units, with a kill switch in the thin pocket next to the cup holder. The LI is very stealthy in the grill, and the cockpit switch is completely out of sight but falls naturally to your hand. I also run a camera to record the lies. This set up pays for it self many times over, and I don't particularly speed much, its just that the CHP in So Cal are very aggressive and some of them really don't care about the law.
Escort mounted up high in windshield, cannot really see it from outside at all. The foam is to kill vibration and makes it even harder to see from out side.



LI units hiding in grill...they are just about invisible.


Before this set up, I had two speeding tickets, both from radar, both basically with made up radar evidence, (One of them I was even below the PSL!) Took them both to court and won them both. No issues since this set up.

[brianc21]

Can anyone that has the ALP throw out some suggestions or pics of where you mounted the sensors, specifically in the rear? Contemplating picking up the ALP system and a STIR plus to go along with it.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[b8audis4]

Yes they are def still useful. I run an Escort 9500ix, hard wired in, works great against KA band radar in CA. I ran a remote mute switch down to the vertical panel just under the temp control panel. For laser attacks I have LI units, with a kill switch in the thin pocket next to the cup holder. The LI is very stealthy in the grill, and the cockpit switch is completely out of sight but falls naturally to your hand. I also run a camera to record the lies. This set up pays for it self many times over, and I don't particularly speed much, its just that the CHP in So Cal are very aggressive and some of them really don't care about the law.
Escort mounted up high in windshield, cannot really see it from outside at all. The foam is to kill vibration and makes it even harder to see from out side.



LI units hiding in grill...they are just about invisible.


Before this set up, I had two speeding tickets, both from radar, both basically with made up radar evidence, (One of them I was even below the PSL!) Took them both to court and won them both. No issues since this set up.

Beautiful S5! And great setup.

[b8audis4]

Can anyone that has the ALP throw out some suggestions or pics of where you mounted the sensors, specifically in the rear? Contemplating picking up the ALP system and a STIR plus to go along with it.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

I have them on my car. I only have them in the front however. I didn't want to deal with drilling into the rear even though some people seem to have success with running them either through the taillight or through the license plate light somehow. I am not quite sure. If you have a stock S4 grill, they fit perfect in the slats on the front and I have mine mounted as far apart as possible so as close to the headlights, then I have a third one mounted low on the aluminum panel almost near the ground for a center shot.

I also run a STIR Plus and it is amazing. I mounted it in the mirror actually. Check out radar-mirror.com. I didn't use him though due to the cost. I did send him the display only to lengthen the cord, then I installed it into the mirror itself so you can't see it when the car is off. It is really the best system combination money can buy on the market. Laser-Interceptor USA went out of business and the owner is now running a new company.

[brianc21]

I have them on my car. I only have them in the front however. I didn't want to deal with drilling into the rear even though some people seem to have success with running them either through the taillight or through the license plate light somehow. I am not quite sure. If you have a stock S4 grill, they fit perfect in the slats on the front and I have mine mounted as far apart as possible so as close to the headlights, then I have a third one mounted low on the aluminum panel almost near the ground for a center shot.

I also run a STIR Plus and it is amazing. I mounted it in the mirror actually. Check out radar-mirror.com. I didn't use him though due to the cost. I did send him the display only to lengthen the cord, then I installed it into the mirror itself so you can't see it when the car is off. It is really the best system combination money can buy on the market. Laser-Interceptor USA went out of business and the owner is now running a new company.

Sounds good, thanks. Yea the front seems pretty straight forward, your getting by with just two sensors up front? The rear is what has been troubling me, maybe I'll just skip it and save some money.

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[b8audis4]

Sounds good, thanks. Yea the front seems pretty straight forward, your getting by with just two sensors up front? The rear is what has been troubling me, maybe I'll just skip it and save some money.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

I have 3 front. Only reason was I bought the ALP right when it came out and Best Radar Detectors who sells them was running some special and I think I got an insane deal or maybe it was free for the third head. I believe it was actually free. So for me there was no purpose not to get it, and I decided to just get it on the bottom of the grill. Right on the lowest aluminum strip in the center. In between the two fog lights on the grille. I would say 2 would be fine for an S4, but 3 is bulletproof. The only thing to remember is laser jammers operated based on light and having them perfectly level is super important. Also placement on the grill. I maybe got lasered on the rear once. For me it wasn't worth it to drill into the car, and with you being in MN with salt, you don't want any rusting issues.

[LINDW4LL]

Sounds good, thanks. Yea the front seems pretty straight forward, your getting by with just two sensors up front? The rear is what has been troubling me, maybe I'll just skip it and save some money.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Aren't you exempt from getting tickets? FWIW, I only have fronts as well. I just take it easy when passing under bridges/on-ramps since that's the only time laser from the rear is really a threat.

But most mount near the trunk handle, and route the wires up through the license plate light area, or on a special license plate frame with mounts.

[brianc21]

Aren't you exempt from getting tickets? FWIW, I only have fronts as well. I just take it easy when passing under bridges/on-ramps since that's the only time laser from the rear is really a threat.

But most mount near the trunk handle, and route the wires up through the license plate light area, or on a special license plate frame with mounts.

I wouldn't say exempt, just slightly less likely then most.

I'll probably just stick to the front if I go that route, thanks. Finding a solid installer is the next problem given this wonderful states laws.

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[xuandatou]

Yes they are def still useful. I run an Escort 9500ix, hard wired in, works great against KA band radar in CA. I ran a remote mute switch down to the vertical panel just under the temp control panel. For laser attacks I have LI units, with a kill switch in the thin pocket next to the cup holder. The LI is very stealthy in the grill, and the cockpit switch is completely out of sight but falls naturally to your hand. I also run a camera to record the lies. This set up pays for it self many times over, and I don't particularly speed much, its just that the CHP in So Cal are very aggressive and some of them really don't care about the law.
Escort mounted up high in windshield, cannot really see it from outside at all. The foam is to kill vibration and makes it even harder to see from out side.



LI units hiding in grill...they are just about invisible.


Before this set up, I had two speeding tickets, both from radar, both basically with made up radar evidence, (One of them I was even below the PSL!) Took them both to court and won them both. No issues since this set up.

Nice setup ! The jammer is pretty much invisible to me!

I'm running 9500ix and ZR4, and I have to say the ZR4 is trash as laser alert would be triggered every time horn is used, and I got very confused.

Is there any online vendor still selling Laser Interceptor today?

BTW, I'm just wondering if you could upload more pics about the mounting of your detector. I think the way you mounting it could eliminate all the noises from vibrations

[Pilfer]

I've only had one speeding ticket and I had my escort mounted and on at the time. In the Bay Area, I've seen people blow past me on 101 south near Burlingame after I slowed down because of a Ka band warning get pulled over. I just need to get a blend mount for the new car. And find a shop to hardware it for me. Any recommendations?

[Bludool]

What is the camera that you are running? Would you go with the same brand or something different?

[u2nelson]

I wish I had taken some pictures of the mount..it is custom made. Basically its a T shape piece of .040 AL, and I bent the bottom of the T about 120 degrees to bring the detector to level. The top of the T is what slides under the roof liner, and to really nail it down the mount is also double sided taped to the windshield. The bottom of the T is what slides into the detector, just like the suction cup mount that escort provides, but I did not use their mount other than a pattern for mine. The whole thing was painted Mat black, and the black foam is carved to shape and just presses in. The camera is a Blackvue DR500. Wires for camera, Detector and mute, run along top of windshield, down the A pillar, and then down into fuse area on drivers side.

[AndrewSuliteanu]

I'm running a V1 in the Bay Area. Had it for about 8 months now. I'd say 90% of my alerts are false alerts (even with customized programming). A few days ago I saw a CHP parked and pointing the radar gun directly at the highway, and my V1 didn't go off. Now I'm a bit skeptical about how safe I should feel trusting the radar detector.

[14S4GWM]

I'm running a V1 in the Bay Area. Had it for about 8 months now. I'd say 90% of my alerts are false alerts (even with customized programming). A few days ago I saw a CHP parked and pointing the radar gun directly at the highway, and my V1 didn't go off. Now I'm a bit skeptical about how safe I should feel trusting the radar detector.

He was probably using instant on "IO". Might have been pointing it but not using it. I've seen it before. He was a waiting for "that guy". Or you might have missed something setting up your custom sweeps.

[u2nelson]

I'm running a V1 in the Bay Area. Had it for about 8 months now. I'd say 90% of my alerts are false alerts (even with customized programming). A few days ago I saw a CHP parked and pointing the radar gun directly at the highway, and my V1 didn't go off. Now I'm a bit skeptical about how safe I should feel trusting the radar detector.

He was probably shooting laser.

[Thurston]

I'm running a V1 in the Bay Area. Had it for about 8 months now. I'd say 90% of my alerts are false alerts (even with customized programming). A few days ago I saw a CHP parked and pointing the radar gun directly at the highway, and my V1 didn't go off. Now I'm a bit skeptical about how safe I should feel trusting the radar detector.

yessir i have v1 as well and the son of a ***** is going off like 75% of the time even w/ updated programming w mainly false alerts ... fortunately I know when it's for real and it does a great job picking up early when it is legit but at the same time it isn't something i am really going to rave about. I will install a laser jammer at some point.

U2nelson - you shut this post down, your car and setup if fabulous

[Bludool]

I run the waze app on my phone if I am driving a little aggressive. It, is in my opinion, a huge advantage...

[Silveravant]

+1 on Waze. Free and no worries about illegal jammers.

[Thurston]

+1 on Waze. Free and no worries about illegal jammers.

currently there are zero laws prohibiting the use of laser jammers in the state of Ohio. Waze is okay... The real state that's a biatch is virginia.. you can't even have a radar detector.. also .. florida utilizes helicopter laser spotting with extraordinary effectiveness.

In fact non of the states around you have prohibited them either .. closest is Illinois but I suspect you are thinking w/ the o.g. poster in mind in which case Waze would be a viable option and if not well waze is cheaper would be a legit argument.

[PerimeterJones]

I run the waze app on my phone if I am driving a little aggressive. It, is in my opinion, a huge advantage...

+1, the more participants then the better the database on where cops are

I use my V1 and WAZE but now find WAZE the most useful

[LINDW4LL]

Waze can be quite helpful but it's definitely no replacement for a RD, IMO.

[b8audis4]

I'm running a V1 in the Bay Area. Had it for about 8 months now. I'd say 90% of my alerts are false alerts (even with customized programming). A few days ago I saw a CHP parked and pointing the radar gun directly at the highway, and my V1 didn't go off. Now I'm a bit skeptical about how safe I should feel trusting the radar detector.

If you have 90% false alerts, then I would look into the Max 360 if you still want arrows. That way you cut down on your false alerts. And yes, probably using instant on like others have said.