If you drive often or if you drive long distances, you may want to consider the purchase of a radar and/or laser detector. The primary function of these devices are to alert you to the presence of police who are using radar or laser to determine your speed—and to issue you a ticket if you’re going too fast. Police radar and laser are subject to the interpretation of the policeman using the devices, and sometimes, even if you aren’t the one speeding, you may be the one getting ticketed.

The primary function of these devices are to alert you to the presence of police who are using radar or laser to determine your speed

In addition to hand held monitoring devices, police departments also use red light cameras, and traffic cameras set up to monitor traffic movement. If your speed is detected or you’ve been viewed running a red light, you may be issued a ticket automatically after the camera takes a picture of your license plate.

If you’d like to know where the speed traps are along your route so you can avoid being cited for speeding or other violations, a radar and/or laser detector can be an invaluable device.

In addition to speed monitoring devices, there are many other devices that use radar and years ago, radar detectors were incapable of making a distinction between police radar and other things like automatic door openers and other radar applications that cause false alarms. Many of the newer detectors include GPS and memory and are able to store the locations of these false triggers as well as the locations of traffic cameras using data updates through a smartphone app. Radar detection has come a long way since the days of incessant beeping for seemingly no reason.

There are two basic types of radar detectors: stealth and portable. The mobile detector is attached to the windshield or the dashboard of the car with some kind of a suction cup mount or a bracket. This arrangement makes it a simple matter to move it from one car to another. The downside of a windshield mounted detector is that it may partially block the driver’s field of vision and it can often be seen easily by the police. While detectors are legal in most states, the presence of the detector may alert the police to the possibility that you’re the speeder.

The stealth detectors are much more expensive and must be installed permanently, but there are significant advantages. First, they are not easily seen by the police officer and can be installed so that they blend perfectly with the interior of your car. Second, they won’t block your field of vision. They never need to have their batteries recharged. They can also include front and rear mounted sensors and additional laser sensors designed to provide much better and more consistent detection no matter whether the officer or the traffic camera is in front of you or in back.

Your local expert can help you choose the radar detector that’s right for you.