Radar Detectors
Discussion
'tis an interesting question...
They say that "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" but how do we know when the law changes.
High profile stuff like Mobile Phones, Seat belts etc is OK because it's plastered over the media but something like this does not appear on the media's...err...radar...so they don't run it.
How do we get told of changes to the RTA, I guess the BiB, Legal bods get "Bulletins"
They say that "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" but how do we know when the law changes.
High profile stuff like Mobile Phones, Seat belts etc is OK because it's plastered over the media but something like this does not appear on the media's...err...radar...so they don't run it.
How do we get told of changes to the RTA, I guess the BiB, Legal bods get "Bulletins"
I've been reading through the Act, which does not actually prohibit the use of radar detectors. What it does is empower the minister to ban them when they get around to it - they obviously got around to mobile phones first.
Explanation from: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/en2006/06en49-a.htm
Section 18: Speed assessment equipment detection devices
62. Section 18 amends section 41 of the RTA. Section 41(1) of the RTA is an enabling provision empowering the Secretary of State to "make regulations generally as to the use of motor vehicles and trailers on roads, their construction and equipment and the conditions under which they may be so used". The amendment means that it will be possible to prohibit a vehicle being fitted with, or a person using a vehicle carrying "speed assessment equipment detection devices" by means of regulations under section 41 of the RTA. The amendment defines a "speed assessment equipment detection device" as "a device, the purpose, or one of the purposes, of which is to detect, or interfere with the operation of equipment used to assess the speed of motor vehicles". The precise subset of the devices which will be prohibited will be identified in the regulations made under section 41 of the RTA but it is not intended to include in the prohibition those devices that only contain information about published camera site locations.
Explanation from: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/en2006/06en49-a.htm
Section 18: Speed assessment equipment detection devices
62. Section 18 amends section 41 of the RTA. Section 41(1) of the RTA is an enabling provision empowering the Secretary of State to "make regulations generally as to the use of motor vehicles and trailers on roads, their construction and equipment and the conditions under which they may be so used". The amendment means that it will be possible to prohibit a vehicle being fitted with, or a person using a vehicle carrying "speed assessment equipment detection devices" by means of regulations under section 41 of the RTA. The amendment defines a "speed assessment equipment detection device" as "a device, the purpose, or one of the purposes, of which is to detect, or interfere with the operation of equipment used to assess the speed of motor vehicles". The precise subset of the devices which will be prohibited will be identified in the regulations made under section 41 of the RTA but it is not intended to include in the prohibition those devices that only contain information about published camera site locations.
If I remember correctly, the judge who said radar detectors were legal (a few years ago) allowed them because the beam from a radar/lazer gun was not interupted, altered, or any information removed from the beam.It was something to do with the wireless telegraphy act wording if I remember correctly. I believe it was because of this that the government tried -and failed to stop radar detectors from becomeing widely used not so many years ago. I am sure someone may shed more light on this. As far as I can tell ,nothing has changed so neither should that ruling.
king years?Radar detectors will just go off all the time from various things and you will just switch it off. 99% of UK Police use laser enforcement rather than radar anyway. You can buy a laser detector but pretty pointless as a laser speed gun can measure the speed in a fraction of a second. By the time your device alerts you, chances are a reading had already been taken.
Laser jammers are however illegal and most modern speed guns detect when a jammer is being used to alert the operator so expect a hefty fine and a court trip if caught using one.
Laser jammers are however illegal and most modern speed guns detect when a jammer is being used to alert the operator so expect a hefty fine and a court trip if caught using one.
Radar/Laser detectors of any kind are legal to own and use.
Laser detectors are useful, if you get a sensitive one, as they can pick up the scatter from another vehicle being targetted before you get into range or pick up the first few attempts for the beam to lock on to a reflective part of your vehicle.
Laser jammers are not illegal to buy or own, but if caught jamming a speed enforcement device, you could get a visit due to the error code generated and then you could be charged for perverting the course of justice if it is proved you set out to do it intentionally.
Laser detectors are useful, if you get a sensitive one, as they can pick up the scatter from another vehicle being targetted before you get into range or pick up the first few attempts for the beam to lock on to a reflective part of your vehicle.
Laser jammers are not illegal to buy or own, but if caught jamming a speed enforcement device, you could get a visit due to the error code generated and then you could be charged for perverting the course of justice if it is proved you set out to do it intentionally.
Edited by FurtiveFreddy on Wednesday 4th January 14:10
FurtiveFreddy said:
Radar/Laser detectors of any kind are legal to own and use.
Laser detectors are useful, if you get a sensitive one, as they can pick up the scatter from another vehicle being targetted before you get into range or pick up the first few attempts for the beam to lock on to a reflective part of your vehicle.
Laser jammers are not illegal to buy or own, but if caught jamming a speed enforcement device, you could get a visit due to the error code generated and then you could be charged for perverting the course of justice if it is proved you set out to do it intentionally.
Good luck with that.Laser detectors are useful, if you get a sensitive one, as they can pick up the scatter from another vehicle being targetted before you get into range or pick up the first few attempts for the beam to lock on to a reflective part of your vehicle.
Laser jammers are not illegal to buy or own, but if caught jamming a speed enforcement device, you could get a visit due to the error code generated and then you could be charged for perverting the course of justice if it is proved you set out to do it intentionally.
Edited by FurtiveFreddy on Wednesday 4th January 14:10
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