Radar Detector Shopper

If you have never used a radar detector before or have just purchased one, the multitude of flashing lights and assorted sounds can be more than a little confusing. Like many other devices that you grow accustomed to once you learn their idiosyncrasies, your will find that your radar detector is programmed a certain way to alert you of differing levels of danger of speed monitoring by law enforcement. This guide can help you better understand some of the alerts on radar detectors that have a 1 through 9 scale.

Generally, the lower end of the scale annotates a lower instance of risk of being detected while speeding. This means that if your radar detector alerts you to a reading of “1” you should have ample time to break and slow your speed down to the posted speed limit. Conversely, if you have a reading of “9” the officer may have already pegged and identified you as speeding.

If your radar detector alert is “1”: Look far into the distance, if possible. Begin breaking slowly to get down to legal speed limit. Be weary of speed detection for the next ½ mile.

If your radar detector alert is “3”: Begin breaking immediately to slow down to legal speed. Look for law enforcement speed detection for the next 1/3 mile.

If your radar detector alert is “5”: Begin breaking strongly, while ensuring safety. The police officer that is monitoring speed is within a few hundred yards and is likely targeting you.

If your radar detector alert is “7”: The police officer is almost definitely in site. He may be behind an upcoming overpass, a bush, or on a small, dirt road that connects the opposing lanes of the interstate. Take your foot off the accelerator immediately but do not break to ensure that you do not bring undue attention to yourself. The officer is likely targeting you but may be targeting a nearby car as well.

If your radar detector alert is “9”: You are likely the sole target of the police officer’s speed monitoring radar gun. Immediately remove your foot from the gas and attempt to coast to the legal speed limit. The police officer is likely within 100 feet.
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