My very first radar detector! ?'s for people in CA

[djrams80]

I have my V1 hardwired high and suctioned to the windshield. Although it is technically illegal, I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for having a RD attached to the windshield. I wouldn't worry about it.

[OpenRoad]

I live in the Bay Area.

Forget about worrying with the location of the detector, it's one of those laws in California that cops don't enforce, unless you flipped him the bird as he drove by..

Also disable BOTH X and K bands. CHP uses only Ka. Also CHP enforces not just freeways but rural roads as well. Expressways and unincorporated rural areas are CHP jurisdiction. I live in Santa Cruz County, the local Sheriff cars have NO radar gear of any kind. They can pull you over if they follow you for a 1/4 mile, but that's what the rearview mirror is for.

You do have to watch for LIDAR once in awhile, but not very often. I think they break out that gear on special occasions. For instance, once spot they love using LIDAR is I-280 about 3 miles South of 92. They also run LIDAR on Hwy 101 around Gilroy. But in reality, you have a 99% better chance of a ticket with Radar.
( Some of our SoCal buddies here will tell you horror stories about LIDAR - but it is not a big presence in NorCal - at least not yet)

Anyway - good choice in gear.

[tjbender]

I have my V1 hardwired high and suctioned to the windshield. Although it is technically illegal, I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for having a RD attached to the windshield. I wouldn't worry about it.

I tend to think of worst-case scenarios with traffic stops. If an officer's going to see my V1, I'm screwed anyway, but if they're in a really bad mood (or have it in for detector users) and they see it suctioned to the windshield or hanging from the mirror, it's one more thing they could write you for.

In reality, yeah, it's probably not a big deal as long as you don't have it mounted dead-center of the windshield (basically giving the finger to the officer behind you). I prefer to be as legal as possible so that, if I am pulled over, the officer has as few things as possible to get me for.

[OpenRoad]

I have my V1 hardwired high and suctioned to the windshield. Although it is technically illegal, I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for having a RD attached to the windshield. I wouldn't worry about it.

I tend to think of worst-case scenarios with traffic stops. If an officer's going to see my V1, I'm screwed anyway, but if they're in a really bad mood (or have it in for detector users) and they see it suctioned to the windshield or hanging from the mirror, it's one more thing they could write you for.

In reality, yeah, it's probably not a big deal as long as you don't have it mounted dead-center of the windshield (basically giving the finger to the officer behind you). I prefer to be as legal as possible so that, if I am pulled over, the officer has as few things as possible to get me for.

I remember in the 1970's when cops would give out tickets (in California) for having anything hanging from your rear view mirror.

I think they may start enforcing the rule more as time goes on, not because of radar detectors, but the ever-increasing size of GPS systems, which are REALLY noticeable.

[tjbender]

I think they may start enforcing the rule more as time goes on, not because of radar detectors, but the ever-increasing size of GPS systems, which are REALLY noticeable.

Actually, once the GPS exception to the windshield law was written, any GPS display was ok to windshield mount so long as it is in one of the four corners of the windshield (i.e., not dead center of the driver's eyesight). There's no mention of dimensions in the law.

[OpenRoad]

Good point - but I think we're taking this guy's thread a little sideways.

Bottom line is:

1) V1 = good choice
2) Mount it in reasonable place - high on windshield next to mirror - no problemo.
3) Have fun racking up saves

[djrams80]

I'd be leery turning off K band. CHP doesn't use it, but it is definitely not extinct in Cali.

[tjbender]

I'd be leery turning off K band. CHP doesn't use it, but it is definitely not extinct in Cali.

Ditto this. Lots of local PD's and Sherriff Dept.'s here still run K band, but Ka and laser will definitely be your main threats.

[JunZ]

I want to thank all you guys for responses and input. This is what I think I'm going to do. When I receive the v1, use it for a week or so straight out of the box to get familiar with it. As I learn how to mess with the settings, I will probably be turning X band off and probably do K band automute. I don't really speed that much in the city anyways.

[mattcam3]

Undercover Radar Detector Sun Visor Holder - Radar Detector Accessories at Radar Busters

That holder has what looks like a Vector series Beltronics in it, will it fit a V1?