Radar detectors are electronic devices that are typically mounted to the dash or windshield of the automobile that alert drivers to the fact that their speed is being monitored through the use of audible and visual alerts. Radar detectors are named after the now antiquated technology that law enforcement used to utilize to monitor speed called a radar gun. Radar guns monitored speed through the use of a change in wave frequency that would be emitted and then bounced back to the gun. Modern law enforcement radar and consumer radar detectors are much more sophisticated.
Modern radar detectors can detect a wide variety of wavelength bands including Ka, K, and X as well as LIDAR.
Rather than radar waves, modern speed detection devices utilize pulsed laser light or “LIDAR” (Light Detection and Ranging), which is also commonly called “laser detection.” In response, modern radar detector manufacturers have produced models that can detect this type of speed monitoring through the use of identifying the infrared light that is used by LIDAR. However, LIDAR is much harder to detect than radar because it utilizes the beam of a laser so more often than not, the modern radar detector is not effective until the LIDAR is beamed on the car that it is in.
In spite of LIDAR’s growing use, many law enforcement agencies continue to use radar as well so because of its ease of use, widespread availability, and relatively low cost. However, LIDAR use is on the rise as costs continue to decrease and a better understanding of the technology is acquired by police officials. Surprisingly enough, many insurance companies have found that they can increase revenue from charging higher premiums in areas where they supply the police force with LIDAR systems.
Radar detectors are illegal to have in some states in the
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