From Escorts web site:

Radar detectors are completely legal to use in non-commercial vehicles in 49 states. Virginia and Washington DC are the only places in the United States that currently ban radar detectors.

I'd hardly can that many. I've had a passport for years that works very well. If I were ever to replace it I would get a Valentine. Of course I could never condone breaking the law even if you have to create a road hazard in doing such.

 

Usually 75- 80 in the Toronto area of Hwy 401(aka-Highway of Heros-God Bless our Military Heros)

 

BEL..... Ive had em known up to 2 miles.Caught one tonite on the way home from work sitting in the dark on the edge of a field(not a normal place). Had a BEl now since'95 and wouldn't change except to a Valentine.The price I'd have to say pays for itself the first time you DON'T get a ticket because you knew they were there.Its like American Express..never leave home without it. And always rated one of the highest,bestest brands.One of the Car Audio mags has a yearly rating test that tries every consievable circumstance, a good read for those interested.

 

I bought the original Escort back in the around '80 if I recall right. That was in the old 55 MPH max. days.

I've had a Valentine 1 since they came out. Great unit!!

Like someone said... Don't leave home without it.

For short trips I usually stay close to the limit, but on longer trips I like to get there!

BTW, I live in VA where they're illegal. However the fine is minimal and no points. I'd rather get a detector ticket than a speeding one... MUCH cheaper!! :twothumbs

 

Valentine 1 and Escort 9500i .. two very good units.. pricey but will save you a ticket

 

Radar detector laws by state
The use of a radar detector in a passenger vehicle is legal in all states with the exception of Virginia, Washington DC. and while on military bases.

In Canada, the only three provinces that allow their use are Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Many overseas countries also ban their use, such as Portugal, Finland and Spain.

In areas that radar detectors are illegal, law enforcement use a device called the Spectre that is able to detect the use of radar detector in your car or truck.

Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers are illegal in the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC.

I hope this helps

 

I have a Bel in both my cars and love 'em both.

 

Great thread. Thanks for the information on the radar detectors and where to hard wire it in. I may wire hard wire my XM radio and GPS.

 

Several times when I lived in upstate NY and would drive to Toronto or was headed to Michigan, I'd cut through Canada. One time I wanted to check out the fast lane and they were cruising at over 100 mph. Not a comfortable speed for me.

Each state has different limits. In Florida its 70, parts of SC and NC its 65. I just try to keep to the posted limits which is a less stressful driving experience, giving lots of room for the other cars to zig-zag lane to lane trying to shave 10 minutes off of a days drive.

 

^^ What he said, Anything Escort makes it top notch. I paid $250 For my Escort Passport 8500 on Ebay. Haven't gotten stopped since,well once but i didn't have it with me and it was B.S. Ticket. Most place's want $300 Whatever u end up with once u find the one, check Ebay!