Hi, I've read (and need to re-read) the multiple and extensive posts on radar detectors and laser jammers in this and other forums but I just wanted to get a sense of what folks in the DC area use, particularly given that such are illegal in both DC and Virginia. I live in Maryland so it still might make sense to get a detector. Thansk.

 

As you already know, they are illegal here. With that said, I haven’t seen a single friend/family of mine that was pulled over by a cop for having a radar detector. Maybe cops can tell if you have a “jammer” but I’m starting to think if they don’t use such thing as “radar detector detector” here.

Someone with experience in DMV area, correct me if I’m wrong.

 

I did get pulled over once on I-81 near VMI for "suspicion" of having a radar detector when I slammed on my brakes as I crested over a hill and the radar detector went crazy. State trooper was camped out at the bottom of the hill waiting for speeders.

 

So what happened? Did they find it/take it? I should look at the statute but is it illegal to merely possess a radar detector in VA, or is use what is prohibited? Thanks.

 

What do they do there about built in systems?

 

When I was frequently in Virginia visiting a friend I got pulled over twice going speed limit because of my radar detector (forgot to remove it twice). I wasn’t even driving a loud car (once in a Dodge Ram, the other time in a silver 3 series). First time chalked it up to wrong place at wrong time, second time I was like eh I’ll just make sure to remember. But of course YMMV

 

The Escort Redline 360c is a stealth radar that has anit detection technology built into it. You might have to be clever in how you mount it to keep it hidden, but the detector itself is invisible to RDD.

Escort Redline 360c

 

I believe it’s possession in the cabin. When I was pulled over I was told it needed to be in the trunk (I wasn’t a resident just there visiting from another state).

 

Once I saw the flashing lights I quickly yanked it from the dash and stuffed it under the driver's seat, so I got lucky and ended up not getting cited and having it confiscated for evidence.

 

So I've done some research and the consensus is clear: you can have one but it needs to be completely inaccessible by you or any passenger, so yes, in the trunk is safest. Re built-in units, I think you'd be screwed if caught as I don't see how to make that "inaccessible". Maybe unplug the power source and put it in the trunk?

 

I turn mine off the minute I enter VA or DC, I'm in MD....and also have a Uniden R3.

 

I just got my Uniden R3. Been driving around Northern VA the since last weekend.

My notes so far:
1. Received plenty of K bands (few every hour).
2. Have not seen Ka bands and i purposely drive by police stations few times
3. Drove by few police cruisers and receive no response (no K or Ka bands). I'm guessing their radar is not active?!? (not sure about this one)
And they did not get pull me over or get behind. They just casually drive by (maybe they do not detect what i have?? - also not sure)

 

Take a drive on the ICC and Ka should go off.

 

uniden R series works best to me.

 

Need to find one that’s Spectre Elite undetectable. All of the Uniden R models, Radenso Pro M, and Escort Redline 360 are like this.