WA Radar Detector Law?

EZ Rider · 03-08-2004, 02:57 AM

Tried searching around on this and couldn't find anything. Does anyone know what the law says about radar detectors?

Microbomb · 03-08-2004, 03:07 AM

Its legal in WA unless you are driving a big rig. I have a Passport 8500 hardwired and mounted up above my rv mirror. It has saved my butt many times so far. Unless you drive a 18 wheeler you are okay in WA. For some reason quite a few people in WA think that its illegal. Do you think they would be allowed to sell them at your local Best Buy if that were the case? Here is what I could find on the net.

http://www.rdrop.com/users/tedpet/radar.htm

mmmprza · 03-08-2004, 03:07 AM

nothing... i've got pulled over because of laser.... had mine sitting there and the cop said. "That $250 was well spent on that detector"

now i don't really know if there is a law, but i have been pulled over many times... nothing has been done.

Aaron'sWRX · 03-08-2004, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mmmprza
nothing... i've got pulled over because of laser.... had mine sitting there and the cop said. "That $250 was well spent on that detector"
now i don't really know if there is a law, but i have been pulled over many times... nothing has been done.

IF you have been pulled over "many of times" and you have a radar detector, you need to throw it away and buy a new one, or quit speeding.

In WA, it is legal to have a RD. It is illegal to have a scrambler. If you get pulled over, and have a radar detector in the car, you are most likely going to get a ticket.

SLIGHTLY · 03-08-2004, 04:42 AM

That is why window tinting is a good idea.....remove from window as you are pulling over and just stash under seat, best to remove the suction cups as well.

awd4ever · 03-08-2004, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Microbomb
... For some reason quite a few people in WA think that its illegal. Do you think they would be allowed to sell them at your local Best Buy if that were the case? Here is what I could find on the net.

http://www.rdrop.com/users/tedpet/radar.htm

People get confused because it's NOT legal in WA DC. And they would still be sold everywhere. It's not illegal to sell something that's legal to possess. Example: radar jammer, gun silencer.

chipster · 03-08-2004, 10:08 AM

and as a side note, as I entered Ft. Lewis yesterday, a MP looked inside the car and asked me to remove the radar detector from my window. Guess it is only 'mostly' legal in washington. =)

Microbomb · 03-08-2004, 11:05 AM

Oh yeah, you can't use them on military bases. That is a federal law not a state law.

Lendog · 03-08-2004, 11:16 AM

"That is why window tinting is a good idea.....remove from window as you are pulling over and just stash under seat, best to remove the suction cups as well."

I wouldn't want to do that and make the cop crazy, he'll either...
A: Think you're stashing some weed under the seat, and ask to search.
or
B: Think you are grabbing a gun.

Why else would someone suddenly grab something off their dash and hide it real quick?

ErikAnderson · 03-08-2004, 12:03 PM

yeah, your best bet is to keep your hands where the cop can see them, and take your 50 lashes like a grownup.

Polica officers dont like it very much when you are rooting all around the interior of your car as they make their approach.
Something about getting shot multiple times in the chest kinda turns them off from the whole subject.

HoratioCaine · 03-08-2004, 02:03 PM

Check your insurance company's policy as well. I've heard that some won't cover your car if you are found to be using a detector.

EZ Rider · 03-08-2004, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the replies folks.

Lawndart · 03-08-2004, 07:29 PM

A. The only device worth buying is a http://www.valentine1.com/
B. If you get pulled over don't expect EVER getting a warning if you have a radar detector, most cops consider your radar detector the only warning you get.

I cannot stress A enough. The valentine one is the only detector on the market worth having in your car. Anything else is like bying a parrakeet and let it fly around inside your car can chirp randomly.

Microbomb · 03-08-2004, 07:46 PM

Im going to have to disagree about the V1. I think it is a great product and a fine radar detector, however I feel that the Passport 8500 is as good. You will find conflicting evidence about the two and it seems everyone has an opinion. I did a ton of research before I bought my 8500 and I personally feel that it suits my needs perfectly. Saying anything else is like having a parakeet randomly chirping in your car is a little off. My 8500 has proven to me many times it can perform.

cky211 · 03-09-2004, 02:38 AM

Just picked up a ZR3 today. Hopefully I will install it tomorrow and get out on the road and blank out some laser guns ASAP!

Yes, the 8500 is great and will work together with the ZR3. Escort also makes other units that install into the car so no one knows you have it. I mount the 8500 in the window where I can easily reach it. It comes down if I get stopped.

-Scott

radar test.com

Escort Inc.

STI_Jaguar · 05-28-2004, 02:38 AM

"In WA, it is legal to have a RD. It is illegal to have a scrambler. If you get pulled over, and have a radar detector in the car, you are most likely going to get a ticket."

??????
12 replies and I am not sure if this thing is legal or illegal??

SLIGHTLY · 05-28-2004, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by STI_Jaguar
"In WA, it is legal to have a RD. It is illegal to have a scrambler. If you get pulled over, and have a radar detector in the car, you are most likely going to get a ticket."

??????
12 replies and I am not sure if this thing is legal or illegal??

if this thing, you mean a detector then yes its legal, if thats not what you mean than i am confused.

Silver04WRX · 05-28-2004, 02:49 AM

Radar detectors are LEGAL
Radar jammers are ILLEGAL
Laser jammers are LEGAL in most states <-- edit: it's legal in WA, just to let people know

I just bought a Passport 8500 x50

Ferg · 05-28-2004, 03:08 AM

I can't seem to find anything specific in the RCW about detectors or jammers...bugger

srf · 05-28-2004, 02:05 PM

I think that's because the only laws that affect radar/laser in WA are federal. IIRC, the law regarding detectors in big rigs is federal and radar/laser jamming is controlled by the FCC not the states. It's stupid to think that only one detector is acceptable, all of them have flaws and benefits.

Yeah, cops never think about the possibility that they don't get a lot of people with detectors... but if they were objective they wouldn't be cops. =)

awd4ever · 06-01-2004, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackie Onassis
I can't seem to find anything specific in the RCW about detectors or jammers...bugger

It's FCC laws, and it does not specifically say jammers are illegal. It is illegal to have a non-FCC compliant device that transmits. Now laser jammer is not really a jammer, more of a spunge

srf · 06-01-2004, 10:28 AM

From what I've seen laser jammers are really are jammers (they certainly transmit), but the FCC can't control that wavelengths that high.

awd4ever · 06-02-2004, 03:24 AM

after some research it seems that Blinder X-treme M40 is pretty good. and i got either this or m20 in my garage

have not had time to install on this car yet...

Kraziken · 06-02-2004, 01:19 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but anything that is a Laser detector or scrambler I would think is worthless.

By the time a laser detector detects the beam your done aren't you?

As far as scrambler how would that work?

For laser defense I would think you would want to;

1) remove the front license plate since it is reflective and I believe its what they are aiming for with a laser.

2) Possibly find some sort of license plate diffuser. where it appears clear, but defracts light in different directions.

3) Possibly a dull black bra on the hood of the car?

4) Find someone at boeing to paint the nose of your car with a the same stuff they put on the stealth fighters.

I've read either Car and Driver or Motortrend reviews of radar detectors in the past and Valentine1 always appears to be the best. I've also read a review of radar jammers, and they didn't work so well.

If anyone has seen anything on Laser detectors/jammers I'd be very intersted on a hands on test.

srf · 06-02-2004, 01:25 PM

I've seen several tests that show a decent laser jammers can work okay, including http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=8502.

Valentine vs. Escort has been discussed to death on other parts of the board... I've owned both and selling the Valentine made me very happy.

Motortrend articles can be bought by any corporation. The magazine only exists so it can be cited in advertisements.

03-08-2004, 02:57 AM	#1
EZ Rider Scooby Specialist Member#: 38224 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2004 WRX White	WA Radar Detector Law? Tried searching around on this and couldn't find anything. Does anyone know what the law says about radar detectors?

03-08-2004, 11:16 AM	#9
Lendog Scooby Newbie Member#: 27416 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Now supporting the troops in the sand Vehicle: 2002 Impreza WRX Silver	You are crazy "That is why window tinting is a good idea.....remove from window as you are pulling over and just stash under seat, best to remove the suction cups as well." I wouldn't want to do that and make the cop crazy, he'll either... A: Think you're stashing some weed under the seat, and ask to search. or B: Think you are grabbing a gun. Why else would someone suddenly grab something off their dash and hide it real quick?

05-28-2004, 02:49 AM	#18
Silver04WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 37644 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Washington Vehicle: 2004 WRX Sedan Silver	Radar detectors are LEGAL Radar jammers are ILLEGAL Laser jammers are LEGAL in most states <-- edit: it's legal in WA, just to let people know I just bought a Passport 8500 x50 Last edited by Silver04WRX; 05-28-2004 at 02:11 PM.

05-28-2004, 03:08 AM	#19
Ferg coma pony Moderator Member#: 14145 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle Portland TopScoob HQ Vehicle: '02 WRX '97 Tacoma Hitting big mit der Lama	I can't seem to find anything specific in the RCW about detectors or jammers...bugger Last edited by Ferg; 05-28-2004 at 03:13 AM.

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03-08-2004, 03:07 AM	#2
Microbomb Scooby Newbie Member#: 39245 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 02 Subaru WRX MBP	Its legal in WA unless you are driving a big rig. I have a Passport 8500 hardwired and mounted up above my rv mirror. It has saved my butt many times so far. Unless you drive a 18 wheeler you are okay in WA. For some reason quite a few people in WA think that its illegal. Do you think they would be allowed to sell them at your local Best Buy if that were the case? Here is what I could find on the net. http://www.rdrop.com/users/tedpet/radar.htm

03-08-2004, 03:07 AM	#3
mmmprza * Banned * Member#: 45778 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Renton In Good Ole Washington Vehicle: 2001 Aspen White GC8 Who made my hoodScoop	nothing... i've got pulled over because of laser.... had mine sitting there and the cop said. "That $250 was well spent on that detector" now i don't really know if there is a law, but i have been pulled over many times... nothing has been done.

03-08-2004, 04:42 AM	#5
SLIGHTLY Scooby Specialist Member#: 47909 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Vashon WA Vehicle: 2004 PSM WRX Wagon awd+corner, WEEEEEE!	That is why window tinting is a good idea.....remove from window as you are pulling over and just stash under seat, best to remove the suction cups as well.

03-08-2004, 10:08 AM	#7
chipster Scooby Newbie Member#: 13524 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: North Bend Vehicle: 2005 Outback XT The Red I always wanted!	and as a side note, as I entered Ft. Lewis yesterday, a MP looked inside the car and asked me to remove the radar detector from my window. Guess it is only 'mostly' legal in washington. =)

03-08-2004, 11:05 AM	#8
Microbomb Scooby Newbie Member#: 39245 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 02 Subaru WRX MBP	Oh yeah, you can't use them on military bases. That is a federal law not a state law.

03-08-2004, 12:03 PM	#10
ErikAnderson Scooby Specialist Member#: 26739 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC	yeah, your best bet is to keep your hands where the cop can see them, and take your 50 lashes like a grownup. Polica officers dont like it very much when you are rooting all around the interior of your car as they make their approach. Something about getting shot multiple times in the chest kinda turns them off from the whole subject.

03-08-2004, 02:03 PM	#11
HoratioCaine Booty Connoisseur Moderator Member#: 3409 Join Date: Jan 2001	Check your insurance company's policy as well. I've heard that some won't cover your car if you are found to be using a detector.

03-08-2004, 02:26 PM	#12
EZ Rider Scooby Specialist Member#: 38224 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2004 WRX White	Thanks for the replies folks.

03-08-2004, 07:29 PM	#13
Lawndart Scooby Newbie Member#: 14320 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver / Portland Area Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sport Wagon	A. The only device worth buying is a http://www.valentine1.com/ B. If you get pulled over don't expect EVER getting a warning if you have a radar detector, most cops consider your radar detector the only warning you get. I cannot stress A enough. The valentine one is the only detector on the market worth having in your car. Anything else is like bying a parrakeet and let it fly around inside your car can chirp randomly.

03-08-2004, 07:46 PM	#14
Microbomb Scooby Newbie Member#: 39245 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 02 Subaru WRX MBP	Im going to have to disagree about the V1. I think it is a great product and a fine radar detector, however I feel that the Passport 8500 is as good. You will find conflicting evidence about the two and it seems everyone has an opinion. I did a ton of research before I bought my 8500 and I personally feel that it suits my needs perfectly. Saying anything else is like having a parakeet randomly chirping in your car is a little off. My 8500 has proven to me many times it can perform.

03-09-2004, 02:38 AM	#15
cky211 Scooby Specialist Member#: 31129 Join Date: Dec 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Spokane WA Vehicle: 02 WRX UTEC+TUNA No TGV + lots of P&P	Just picked up a ZR3 today. Hopefully I will install it tomorrow and get out on the road and blank out some laser guns ASAP! Yes, the 8500 is great and will work together with the ZR3. Escort also makes other units that install into the car so no one knows you have it. I mount the 8500 in the window where I can easily reach it. It comes down if I get stopped. -Scott radar test.com Escort Inc.

05-28-2004, 02:38 AM	#16
STI_Jaguar Scooby Newbie Member#: 54498 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago Illinois Vehicle: 2005 Impreza WRX Sti blue/gold	"In WA, it is legal to have a RD. It is illegal to have a scrambler. If you get pulled over, and have a radar detector in the car, you are most likely going to get a ticket." ?????? 12 replies and I am not sure if this thing is legal or illegal??

05-28-2004, 02:05 PM	#20
srf Scooby Specialist Member#: 50646 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bothell, WA Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi Java Black	I think that's because the only laws that affect radar/laser in WA are federal. IIRC, the law regarding detectors in big rigs is federal and radar/laser jamming is controlled by the FCC not the states. It's stupid to think that only one detector is acceptable, all of them have flaws and benefits. Yeah, cops never think about the possibility that they don't get a lot of people with detectors... but if they were objective they wouldn't be cops. =)

06-01-2004, 10:28 AM	#22
srf Scooby Specialist Member#: 50646 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bothell, WA Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi Java Black	From what I've seen laser jammers are really are jammers (they certainly transmit), but the FCC can't control that wavelengths that high.

06-02-2004, 03:24 AM	#23
awd4ever Scooby Specialist Member#: 31573 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: land of kirk Vehicle: I found the meaning of life!	after some research it seems that Blinder X-treme M40 is pretty good. and i got either this or m20 in my garage have not had time to install on this car yet...

06-02-2004, 01:19 PM	#24
Kraziken Scooby Specialist Member#: 38629 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Northwest Vehicle: 1999 Legacy GT (STI) White	Correct me if I'm wrong, but anything that is a Laser detector or scrambler I would think is worthless. By the time a laser detector detects the beam your done aren't you? As far as scrambler how would that work? For laser defense I would think you would want to; 1) remove the front license plate since it is reflective and I believe its what they are aiming for with a laser. 2) Possibly find some sort of license plate diffuser. where it appears clear, but defracts light in different directions. 3) Possibly a dull black bra on the hood of the car? 4) Find someone at boeing to paint the nose of your car with a the same stuff they put on the stealth fighters. I've read either Car and Driver or Motortrend reviews of radar detectors in the past and Valentine1 always appears to be the best. I've also read a review of radar jammers, and they didn't work so well. If anyone has seen anything on Laser detectors/jammers I'd be very intersted on a hands on test.

06-02-2004, 01:25 PM	#25
srf Scooby Specialist Member#: 50646 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bothell, WA Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi Java Black	I've seen several tests that show a decent laser jammers can work okay, including http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=8502. Valentine vs. Escort has been discussed to death on other parts of the board... I've owned both and selling the Valentine made me very happy. Motortrend articles can be bought by any corporation. The magazine only exists so it can be cited in advertisements.