Any help would be GREATLY appreciated - thanks!

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I was traveling east on I696 on my way to a dentist appointment (late for it). Traffic was reasonably heavy, but was moving well with no stoppages. Most cars were traveling over 70mph and I wasn't going much faster than any of them. I had just changed lanes and just past an overpass, and saw Michigan State Police car in middle of road, drivers side facing south (toward my side of the road). Was maybe 200-300ft from me when he came into view. I was scanning for cops and he could NOT be seen before this.

I don't think he had any time to line me up, and importantly, my Valentine One did NOT alert me to any signal from his supposed laser device at any time. I also do not have a front license plate on my car. Importantly, there didn't appear to be any clear traffic b/w me and him for a clear line of sight. I pulled over immediately when he indicated to me and I was very polite. He was a young guy. Although I was polite, he spat four times in front of me on the side of the road (passenger side), and didn

 

I don't think"My detector didn't go off" is a valid defense. Sorry about your bad luck. Take defensive driving and you can get the ticket off your record and insurance.

 

Sime, I assume you've got a current version of the V1. The V1 is supposed to pick up laser at a 40 deg angle off of straight ahead; BUT, I don't know if it is worth a darn.

I believe that with a laser, they can "site" you, read off of the car front, and see what they are reading. I think it is likely to be more accurate than radar at picking out a fast moving car in a crowd.

I might well be wrong. Perhaps someone on the board knows more about laser speed measuring.

BTW, isn't laser the device of choice in NSW? Perhaps some AUS2000 knows what the scoop is on this.

Barry

 

How can you be sure the speed reading on his radar is the actual reading from you car?
As far as I know, if he was moving with the traffic, he could not have gotten you on laser. Laser requires standing still clocking for accurate reading where as K, X band can clock anything while the car is moving.

[Edited by asenna911 on 04-13-2001 at 02:30 PM]

 

Laser detection is very difficult at best. In a way it is similar to instant on radar where you must rely on another car being targeted for you to respond in time. I know that police sometimes will change the frequency of their K or Ka gun (which is against FCC regulations)and most radar detectors are not capable of picking up those signals. I don't know if this is possible with laser guns. A stupid question - are you sure your Valentine One has the optional laser detection circuitry?

 

Actually, there is a new laser that can move with vehicle. It'd fairly new, less than 1.5 years. I would set a trail by judge and explain the circumstances. Do not mention that your V1 did not go off. Ask what the error rate is; how long had the officer been using the equipment; how long was the office trained; last time trained; line of site...etc...you might get it reduced.

And one last suggestion...go get a Passport 8500!

Mark

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JPit
[B]I know that police sometimes will change the frequency of their K or Ka gun (which is against FCC regulations)and most radar detectors are not capable of picking up those signals.

 

Why not? If I were his lawyer, I'd argue that one to the bank, unless there's precedent that precludes that defense for public policy reasons. It's a totally valid argument. My radar detector is just as accurate as any cop's radar gun, unless proven otherwise in a proper trial.

 

Like I have said many times.. a cop can write a ticket for anything any time and there is nothing you can do about it. And worse than that there is little justice in traffic court as you are considered guilty and any benefit of doubt goes to the cop.

Find an attorney that specializes in traffic tickets in your area and look for an administrative dismissal, deferred adjudication, or driver education class dismissal. Be prepared to pay.. this is a revenue issue.

IMO revenue generation in many police departments is a high priority than crime prevention. It is more lucrative, easier to quantify, and harassing the general public is less dangerous than dealing with real criminals.

I am sorry you got caught, but deal with the reality of the situation and don

 

The reason laser is becoming so popular is it requires very little distance to lock on. Most models also have SIN Angle circuitry which allow the patrol unit to be at up to a 45 degree angle to the observed offender and still get an accurate reading. As for the V1...it is a fine unit but if installed with any metal or plastic between you and the laser it may not pick up the signal. Laser does not "pass through" as most other bands do. As for accuracy...the police radar has a built in test and is self calibrating. This is why the police radar costs thousands of dollars and our detectors only a few hundred. I wouldn't try to take it to the bank as a previous poster suggested....the cop will have a daily calibration log and you will have nothing. The reason you stood out was "I had just changed lanes". You can blend with fast traffic but if you move in and out it is a dead giveaway. If you really think you are innocent get a lawyer. If you were speeding as you admit you should chalk it up to experience and be more careful.