variable

Does anyone know the legality of radar detectors in California? Is it a situation where they are legal to own but illegal to use? Thinking of investing in a Valentine 1 buat have always wondered about this. What happens if you are pulled over and the officer sees it? Any input appreciated, cheers.

Viken

As of right now, radar detectors are still legal in CA. I have used a V1 for about three years now without any problems with the law.

variable

Thanks Viken,
Is the V1 the way to go? The Escort 8500 seems good too and is $100 less. I've read somewhere that the 8500's superiority in the ads (done by radartest.com) is rather dubious. Something about the owner of Escort having it in for Mike Valentine.

Viken

I prefer to have a unit that tells me where the radar is. The V1 is the only one that does this and is just as sensitive as the Escort.

STLPCA

variable
Legal all over the US except, AFAIK, in VA & DC. (Believe now legal in passenger cars in CT).

IMO, higher likelihood of a ticket (i.e., lower likelihood of getting a break) if stopped & cop sees a detector. Of course, lower likelihood of getting pulled over in the first place.

Search the "new" board archives and "old board" archives for "V1" & you'll find long threads discussing specific units. Think you'll find the consensus favorite is the V1.

Tabor

Aren't they illegal in Florida as well?

Curtis - '97 Targa

Nope, they are perfectly legal in Florida.

As far as models, I think the performance between the V1 and Escort 8500 is pretty similiar. The V1 has the direction indicator but comes in a bigger chunkier package and is $100 more.

Curtis

amfp

As info, radar detectors are illegal in Virginia and DC. Connecticut was outlawed until about '94, but has been legal since.

Valentine has a newer model that is about 1/4 inch thinner than older models and to me all are very effective, especially with indicator feature technology that has been around since the inception of the product.

styx

mo:
where can i find the 'new' valentine ?

amfp

Styx,

Unaware of any distributors and as recently stated you can order direct over the Web, or call one of the Valentine sales people. Some stereo shops sell a Valentine only if they take one apart to provide remote capabilities, like K-40. I found it takes aware from overall range it was designed for and believe Valentine does not recommend its effectiveness either.

I installed a remote display for my cab, so it hides the unit a bit when place next to rear view mirror and then put sunshade down.

I am not affilated at all with Valentine, but been a satisfied customer for years, and found their product to be better than Escorts/Passports I had in the past.

styx

mo,

yes, i know. but if you go to the Valentine One Webpage there is only the 'old' one. I allready have 3 V1. I thought there is a new one, perhaps i couldn't find it.

cu

styx

Jack

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Silver Bullet:
<STRONG>styx (The Grand Illusion

You might also want to see if they'll upgrade your current units. I know they'll do the firmware upgrade, maybe they'll do the case...</STRONG>[/QUOTE

If you send your unit in for an upgrade--you'll get a new V1 with the latest software, including all new accessories.

styx

Or from the Greek mythology.;-)
Be honest, as i started with computer it was common to have a nickname. Besides, the most English speaking people have problems to pronunciate my real name : Rüdiger.

Thx for the info, jack. Tomorrow i will call them.


cu

styx

pig4bill

Whatever you get, don't rely on it too much. In my experience, very few cops in California have radar. I think in a year of use in the bay area mine only went off a handful of times. The Highway Patrol seldom had it up and down Interstate 5 either.

Contrast that to Arizona, where every Barney Fife and dog catcher has instant-on radar, laser, and maybe even Vascar.

styx

Silver Bullet,

no, never heard about this board.

cu

styx