Three Questions about Radar Detectors in VA & DC

[BMW Guy]

I did a quick search and couldn't find any answers, so I wanted to ask the following. I live in NJ where my Radar Detector is legal like most other states and my question is:

1. If I drive through states that are illegal to have radar detectors, can I turn the device off ( still have it mounted on the window ) until I reach a state that allows detectors?

2. Or do I need to unplug it and put the unit + the mount in the glove box and hide all cords?

3. Also If I happen to be stopped by a state police in these states and they ask if I have a detector in possesion and I tell them "yes its unplugged and in the glovebox" will / can they confiscate it and still give me a fine?

Thanks for your answers!

[Progress]

I think the law is meant to read that it's illegal to use the RD. Though you may tell the LEO that your RD was not plugged in and operating, just simply above your dash (thus not in violation with the law), you're running the risk of getting on his bad side.

So, legally, you're probably fine with it being unplugged and mounted. Practically, you should stow it away to avoid any problems.

Does that make sense to you?

As to your last question, I think you could tell the LEO that you have a RD in your possession and not risk confiscation. As noted above, the law disallows use, not possession.

I could be wrong, though. That's just my thought. I'm sure others can chime in with actual experience.

[snoopyc4]

If you are driving through a state where RDs are illegal, then you will need to turn your RD off until you reach a state where RDs are legal. LEOs use radar detector detectors (RDDs) in states where RDs are illegal so they will pick up the RF signals coming from your RD if you have one on; they will probably confiscate it. My advice is get a Bel STi Driver if you commute in states where RDs are illegal because it is immune to RDDs and cannot be detected.

[category4]

I think the VA law says if it's within reach it can be considered in use. If you store it in the trunk you are good. If you turn it off and keep it out of sight you should be OK as well. Unless it is on they have no way to detect it, if you leave it mounted you run the small risk they may see it.

Not sure about DC but VA does not confiscate.

[BMW Guy]

If you are driving through a state where RDs are illegal, then you will need to turn your RD off until you reach a state where RDs are legal. LEOs use radar detector detectors (RDDs) in states where RDs are illegal so they will pick up the RF signals coming from your RD if you have one on; they will probably confiscate it. My advice is get a Bel STi Driver if you commute in states where RDs are illegal because it is immune to RDDs and cannot be detected.

I don't think you understand what I wrote.
I realize that there are detectors that detect radar detectors and cops will use them.. I don't want a Radar detector that is stealth aka Bel STi.. since I don't LIVE in DC or VA. Please re-read my questions. Thanks.

[Progress]

I think the VA law says if it's within reach it can be considered in use.

This makes sense. I think the wise decision is to put it away.

Note: I'm not at all referring to an undetectable RD, BTW.

[BMW Guy]

I think the VA law says if it's within reach it can be considered in use.

This makes sense. I think the wise decision is to put it away.

Note: I'm not at all referring to an undetectable RD, BTW.

So I guess I will just unplug everything and put it in my trunk and when I pass the state go back and plug everything back up.

Thanks.

[category4]

I think the VA law says if it's within reach it can be considered in use.

This makes sense. I think the wise decision is to put it away.

Note: I'm not at all referring to an undetectable RD, BTW.

So I guess I will just unplug everything and put it in my trunk and when I pass the state go back and plug everything back up.

Thanks.

I always just put it in the center console, there would be no reason for them to suspect it's there and no reason to search should I get stopped.

Now it's only a fine, I think like $90 and no points so I would just leave it on, it's better than a speeding ticket.

[v1user]

They can usually tell if you are using it or not by feeling the unit for heat.

[rockets713]

i just drove from nj through Virgina couple days ago and i just turned it off and left it on my windshield. if your passing through Virginia be careful they have good hiding spots.

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?

[djrams80]

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?Yep.

Spectre IV In Virginia - Guys of LIDAR (http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html)

[jerry540i]

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?Yep.

Spectre IV In Virginia - Guys of LIDAR (http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html)

I doubt that "all" (as in every single one) of the Virgina State Police cars are equipped with RDDs.

J/

[djrams80]

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?Yep.

Spectre IV In Virginia - Guys of LIDAR (http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html)

I doubt that "all" (as in every single one) of the Virgina State Police cars are equipped with RDDs.

J/Thanks. I missed the word "all". Is "Virgina" a slip of the keyboard? :D

[bart99gt]

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?Yep.

Spectre IV In Virginia - Guys of LIDAR (http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html)

I doubt that "all" (as in every single one) of the Virgina State Police cars are equipped with RDDs.

J/

If things are still the same as the last time I drove through Virginia, then that is probably an accurate statement. I'm not 100% certain what they would have been using back in '03, but I drove through the state from NC to MD with a V1 running and never even got so much as a second look from the cops I passed running radar. Of course if they were just running VG-1, then the V1 is invisible to those anyway.

[Doc What, son?]

Does any one know if all virgina state police have RDD's?Yep.

Spectre IV In Virginia - Guys of LIDAR (http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html)

I doubt that "all" (as in every single one) of the Virgina State Police cars are equipped with RDDs.

J/Thanks. I missed the word "all". Is "Virgina" a slip of the keyboard? :D

I met a girl in Virgina once, a long time ago.

[Asleeper]

Most state police do not have spectre's. Its been my understanding that the majority of them are used by the CVE division. If your sticking to the main highways, I wouldn't worry about it.

Its officer's discretion in choosing to confiscate your RD as evidence. It will be returned to you after court. Most officer's aren't going to bother confiscating since its more work for them.