Radar guns and tickets, how does it work?

[Jiminy]

No, seriously, I mean it.

Ok, this is the background. This afternoon, I was on the highway arriving in Petone from Wellington. Shortly before the Petone exit, there is a crossing with a small road coming from the left. And parked by the crossing, there was a cop sitting in his car and pointing his radar gun at us. No problem, I wasn't speeding.

Now here is my first question. Once they catch someone, what do they do? Is there a camera of some sort that takes a picture, do they have to start the disco lights and chase the offender, or is there another patrol waiting a few k's down the road (haven't spotted any)?

Because at this crossing you can also join the opposite lane, there is a second question. Can the cops point at the traffic going in the opposite direction and catch speeding vehicles? I've assumed that they can, so I've duly warned all bikes I came across for the next minute or so of riding wondering if it was of any use.

As a side note, there were heaps of cops out there today. I've passed 5 or 6 cars in a 3 hours ride. But none in the Upper Hutt - Waikanae road, strangely enough ;)

[Max Preload]

Normally they'll pursue themselves, but sometimes there are organised operations with one picking off speedsters and another down the road getting their details radioed and pulling them in (used to happen a bit on the Wellesley St off-ramp before they did the changes). There's no camera, no time stamp of the speed on the gun - nothing to say who it is - basically you rely on the honesty of the cop. :shit:

Yes, they can work either direction, but practicality suggests working only in the direction they can most easily and quickly pursue.

PS: I saw a highway patrol cop on the road to Piha today - now that's a first. I also saw a bike cop on Old North Road heading towards SH16 about 6 weeks back too. They're really changing their habits.

[Swoop]

...there was a cop sitting in his car and pointing his radar gun at us.
If he was pointing a hand held device, it would be a laser, not a radar.

[Max Preload]

Technically, if it was a cop he wouldn't have any "RADAR"... :whistle:

[Jiminy]

If he was pointing a hand held device, it would be a laser, not a radar.

Point taken.

Am I allowed to contest the fine if it's a laser instead of a radar? :)

[Max Preload]

Point taken.

Am I allowed to contest the fine if it's a laser instead of a radar? :)

You're allowed to contest any infringement offence. Whether it's worthwhile however, is another matter.

In the case of laser, it's pointed at a specific vehicle and a reading taken. The DSR Stalker microwave used by the Police however doesn't identify the vehicle - it's up to the operator to determine which is fastest moving.

[Swoop]

Am I allowed to contest the fine if it's a laser instead of a radar? :)
Most certainly. As our boys in blue here would say... "go for it - knock yourself out".
A ticket is an "Infringement notice" and should be treated like an invoice.
If you agree to it, pay it.
If you don't, contest it.

[scumdog]

Most certainly. As our boys in blue here would say... "go for it - knock yourself out".
A ticket is an "Infringement notice" and should be treated like an invoice.
If you agree to it, pay it.
If you don't, contest it.

But be aware contesting it is not an automatic "don't have to pay" , sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

[Swoop]

But be aware contesting it is not an automatic "don't have to pay" , sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.
I imagined your droll tone of phrase when writing that... for some reason!:blip:

[CookMySock]

The DSR Stalker microwave used by the Police however doesn't identify the vehicle - it's up to the operator to determine which is fastest moving.These microwave units are actually quite technical to use.. Not so much the device themselves, but the interpretation of it. Put simply, if the operator does not have a full understanding of its principles of operation, it's operating procedure, and the law associated with it, the device itself is of little use. And if the unit blares a warning and offers an offending speed on its display, if the officer was not paying full attention to the busy traffic beforehand, it is unlikely he will get a paying customer from it unless said customer tearfully confesses all. :bye:

The bottom line is, if you run smack-dab into a microwave unit in light or no traffic you are fucked, especially if he leaves it turned off until you are real close - kinda like shooting a duck at point-blank range. If the traffic is heavy, or the environment is cluttered, or the operator is not paying attention, you could likely wiggle your way out of a fine, unless of course he is using a LIDAR (laser) gun, then you are fucked again. :bye:

Get a radar detector.


Steve

[bully]

theres lots of little tricks, unfortainatly, i wont be sharing as last time i got told i was full of it buy a police man from here, must have upset him with one of them, they do that, maybe ull find them in some old treads. maybe ill let you know if you wana pm me. good luck.

[Patrick]

These microwave units are actually quite technical to use.. Not so much the device themselves, but the interpretation of it. Put simply, if the operator does not have a full understanding of its principles of operation, it's operating procedure, and the law associated with it, the device itself is of little use.

True... which is why an operator must be certified to use it.

There are modules to study, exams to prove "understanding" and actual hours (about 20 hours nowadays I think...) of use "under supervision," before one gets certified.

[Patrick]

theres lots of little tricks, unfortainatly, i wont be sharing as last time i got told i was full of it buy a police man from here, must have upset him with one of them, they do that, maybe ull find them in some old treads. maybe ill let you know if you wana pm me. good luck.

Go on... tell us again. You might be on to something.... or it might be funny....:whistle: I will give ya me honest opinion...

[Usarka]

Go on... tell us again. You might be on to something.... or it might be funny....:whistle: I will give ya me honest opinion...

I know how to stop a police pursuit....but i think it would be a little irresponsible to post it here.....:innocent:

[hospitalfood]

my experience of how they work goes like this :-

i speed
they get it on radar
they pull me over
they give me a ticket


it is not a whole heap of laughs for me

[FJRider]

But be aware contesting it is not an automatic "don't have to pay" , sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

Such is life... sometimes you win, sometimes...not... :whistle:

[snapperman]

Laser jammers work, and with a RD you will save alot of money for sure.

[Toaster]

Laser jammers work, and with a RD you will save alot of money for sure.

That is of course until they fine you for using a radar detector AND give you a speeding fine because they use the radar in bursts to fool those with detectors.

Anyone know if that change to make detectors and jammers illegal was in effect since June, or was it part of the legislation delayed until next year?

[Bren]

my experience of how they work goes like this :-

i speed
they get it on radar
they pull me over
they give me a ticket


it is not a whole heap of laughs for me

yup, thats about it...if ya dont speed then it is not an issue.....it aint an issue to me...

[YellowDog]

There was a great scam in the UK a few years back. You could speed, get a ticket trough the post, pay the fine + a small amount, and then not ever cash the refund. The way their system worked was that the penalty points only went on your licence AFTER the refund had been cashed and hence if you didn't pay in the refund cheque, you never got the penalty points.

The last UK fine I received told me to Pay the exact amount and paying more would result in the payment being returned and the fine treated as unpaid.

It was nice whilst it lasted.

[nico]

i got done on same spot a couple weeks ago by the time i saw him was just no point trying to brake just woulda made my self look even more guilty.:Police: he pulld out followd me for a while i already knew he was gna pull me over so i just stopd and waited musta did the trick cus he let me off with a warning blody stoked, and to comment of another post about the amount of cops in this area im a dialy comuter and im seeing 4 to 5 every day from the hutt to welly parked up looking for speeders :Police:

but you speed you gota be prepred to pay the fine i guess
my .02c over:spanking:

[Patrick]

I know how to stop a police pursuit....but i think it would be a little irresponsible to post it here.....:innocent:

Throw em a donut????? Very dangerous - the dusting might get in the eyes.....

[Swoop]

Anyone know if that change to make detectors and jammers illegal was in effect since June, or was it part of the legislation delayed until next year?
Still under "discussion"...

[unhingedlizard]

i got done on same spot a couple weeks ago by the time i saw him was just no point trying to brake just woulda made my self look even more guilty.:Police: he pulld out followd me for a while i already knew he was gna pull me over so i just stopd and waited musta did the trick cus he let me off with a warning blody stoked, and to comment of another post about the amount of cops in this area im a dialy comuter and im seeing 4 to 5 every day from the hutt to welly parked up looking for speeders :Police:

but you speed you gota be prepred to pay the fine i guess
my .02c over:spanking:

Absolutly. Got pinged messing around the south wairapa two weekends ago on my old mans raptor. First time i've seen a cop round there. Way I see it, you ride a fast (i.e pretty much all!) bike and enjoy it your gonna get tickets now and again. Occupational Hazard.

Dont think I'll contest the ticket either.
1. Middle of nowhere on my own so cannot really have got me by mistake,
2. Mph speedo, dont really have a clue of my exact speed, lady cop say 66mph = National Limit and,
3. If the above is true, glad she wasnt five k's further up the road!!

[mowgli]

Used to be that hand held laser was a bit hit and miss, especially at longer ranges. I see the local constabulary now use a tripod in their Bulls speed trap. Should make for more accurate readings and a more reliable revenue stream. Good on them, eh?

[scumdog]

Used to be that hand held laser was a bit hit and miss, especially at longer ranges. I see the local constabulary now use a tripod in their Bulls speed trap. Should make for more accurate readings and a more reliable revenue stream. Good on them, eh?

ONLY used the tripod, never hand-held.

Better range, better accuracy;)

[jase the ace]

Point taken.

Am I allowed to contest the fine if it's a laser instead of a radar? :)
yes u can contest any fine . never ever admit anything . they just hope u pay the fine . saves them the hassle of a court case . policemen like anybody else tell lots of fibbs . they need your conviction for their own job security. wonder what some of these cops did before becoming fuzz. cheers .

[Renegade]

im glad the road toll is down this year.
Was it the policing or was it the high gas prices keeping motorists of the road, next year will tell, but the xmas road toll will be a good indicator.

[Max Preload]

im glad the road toll is down this year.
Was it the policing or was it the high gas prices keeping motorists of the road, next year will tell, but the xmas road toll will be a good indicator.

I can tell this for certain; it wasn't a farkin' increased standard of driving.

[scumdog]

they need your conviction for their own job security. wonder what some of these cops did before becoming fuzz. cheers .

(a) Another fine KB legend eh??:stupid:

(b) probably posted full time on KB as 'jase the ace'<_<

[Renegade]

I can tell this for certain; it wasn't a farkin' increased standard of driving.

thats the truth

[5150]

So what happens if you ride in a group of say 5-10 bikes. Cop comes the other way and gets a reading on the radar that shows over the limit. If he turns around and pulls you over while the rest do a runner. Does he have to prove that it was your bikes speed on his radar? I think there is a case where you can contest the fine in court based on the fact that there were multiple bikes so how can the cop single you out from a group and prove it was you? :innocent:

[MarkH]

So what happens if you ride in a group of say 5-10 bikes. Cop comes the other way and gets a reading on the radar that shows over the limit. If he turns around and pulls you over while the rest do a runner. Does he have to prove that it was your bikes speed on his radar? I think there is a case where you can contest the fine in court based on the fact that there were multiple bikes so how can the cop single you out from a group and prove it was you? :innocent:

How's this:
As I was ridding along this group of bikers went passed me, as this happened a cop coming the other way got a radar lock and pulled me over. It wasn't me that was speeding, it was that other lot, and I don't know their names or anything about them!

[MarkH]

That is of course until they fine you for using a radar detector AND give you a speeding fine because they use the radar in bursts to fool those with detectors.

Anyone know if that change to make detectors and jammers illegal was in effect since June, or was it part of the legislation delayed until next year?

I don't think there is anything definite about detectors becoming illegal - for a start their purpose is to get drivers to slow down, why should that be illegal?

[scumdog]

I don't think there is anything definite about detectors becoming illegal - for a start their purpose is to get drivers to slow down, why should that be illegal?

At the risk of the above being a troll....

Thet also allow drivers to speed when the detector says there's no radar about.

(I think)

[Ixion]

No, that is a good way to get a ticket! Cos sneaky dirty underhanded cops drive around with their radars in instant on mode, and only flick them on when they see you. (Mr S would never do that, I'm sure)

Radar detector indicates a cop, slow down. Radar indicator is quiet, means nothing. Fall back to logic and the Mk II eyeball (if you are still using the old MK I eyeball, upgrade ASAP)

So, no, they don't allow drivers to speed when the detectors says there's no radar around. Cos in that case, the ping that the detector detects will be the ping that pings you.

[Naki Rat]

No, that is a good way to get a ticket! Cos sneaky dirty underhanded cops drive around with their radars in instant on mode, and only flick them on when they see you. (Mr S would never do that, I'm sure)

Radar detector indicates a cop, slow down. Radar indicator is quiet, means nothing. Fall back to logic and the Mk II eyeball (if you are still using the old MK I eyeball, upgrade ASAP)

So, no, they don't allow drivers to speed when the detectors says there's no radar around. Cos in that case, the ping that the detector detects will be the ping that pings you.

From my own experience HPs tend to flick the instant on or speed gun on frequently enough for a detector to pick up the 'bounce' or 'overspray' of the radar targeting vehicles before you. By the time you are in range of the radar you have often already picked up a number of warnings.

Detectors are definitely not a licence to travel at warp speed however and probably will give enough warning to allow you to loose 15-20kmh before being in radar range depending on whether you hit the brakes quickly enough. Obviously every situation is different and experienced HPs will choose the radar site to maximise their advantage. Similarly experience with using a detector will teach you where and when its effectiveness may be compromised, so you ride/drive accordingly.

Detectors' best effectiveness is in avoiding those round town concentration lapses that otherwise would result in annoying 10-15 kmh infringements.

[scumdog]

No, that is a good way to get a ticket! Cos sneaky dirty underhanded cops drive around with their radars in instant on mode, and only flick them on when they see you. (Mr S would never do that, I'm sure)

Radar detector indicates a cop, slow down. Radar indicator is quiet, means nothing. Fall back to logic and the Mk II eyeball (if you are still using the old MK I eyeball, upgrade ASAP)

So, no, they don't allow drivers to speed when the detectors says there's no radar around. Cos in that case, the ping that the detector detects will be the ping that pings you.

So actually no use at all then??:eek5:

[Jantar]

So actually no use at all then??:eek5:Of course they are. When the detector goes off I can check the GPS and I know exactly what speed I was doing when the radar locks on.

[Ixion]

So actually no use at all then??:eek5:

Oh, no, quite useful. Cos most cops is a bit greedy and instead of reserving their instant on for prime targets, they tend to flick a ping at anything that looks like it might maybe be going more than 111kph. That's often quite a lot of vehicles, and as the range of the detector is a couple of km, you get a "there's a cop somewhere about" message. Which means, no speeding. Which is why I think they do indeed reduce speeds, overall. The cop may be several streets away, going the other direction but you still slow down. Which you wouldn't do without the detector. But you can't assume no beep = no cop. It's one way. Beep = cop, slow down. No beep, maybe cop maybe not, revert to eyeball and spidey sense.

If cops were REALLY smart, they'd install a few repeater boxes that just broadcast radar signals at strategic locations around the country (solar powered). And encourage everyone to have radar detectors. And watch everyone going real slow and careful.

[Stormer]

If cops were REALLY smart, they'd install a few repeater boxes that just broadcast radar signals at strategic locations around the country (solar powered). And encourage everyone to have radar detectors. And watch everyone going real slow and careful.

Go easy on the tips, it`s an enough of a battle out there now as it is.

[FJRider]

Quick fix... more cops on the road. If everyone drove/rode slow... no revenue "gathered"... pay more tax instead. User (speeder) pays, or everyone pays...you choose...

[madandy]

User pays...thanks.

[scumdog]

Which means, no speeding. Which is why I think they do indeed reduce speeds, overall. The cop may be several streets away, going the other direction but you still slow down. Which you wouldn't do without the detector. But you can't assume no beep = no cop. It's one way. Beep = cop, slow down. No beep, maybe cop maybe not, revert to eyeball and spidey sense.

If cops were REALLY smart, they'd install a few repeater boxes that just broadcast radar signals at strategic locations around the country (solar powered). And encourage everyone to have radar detectors. And watch everyone going real slow and careful.

Or have the mate on front leaving his radar on - while second cop uses instant on. :shifty:

[scumdog]

Oh, no, quite useful. Cos most cops is a bit greedy and instead of reserving their instant on for prime targets, they tend to flick a ping at anything that looks like it might maybe be going more than 111kph.

THAT'S where I was doing it wrong - what was I thinking by only checking those who seem to be doing about 120 or so...

[Cr1MiNaL]

Get a radar detector. A good one. V1 or Bel STI

1. If you get pulled over and they show you a speed you can call their bluff, the V1 never falses. Period.
2. If your pinged you'll know it and can make the call whether to stop or not (mostly not, except if its not much over and its a bike cop, out of courtesy of cause, and he probably will let u off himself).
3. With the V1 you'll be able to take calculated risks and get away with it though. Remember time- place- circumstance is the governing rule here. Be mature with your detector. It does not beat the system, just makes it more acceptable.

I mean seriously 100 for an open road speed limit on a modern jap bike? Get real, thats about when I pick my best wheelies up still about 10.5 on a 17.5k rev counter in first.

[Ixion]

THAT'S where I was doing it wrong - what was I thinking by only checking those who seem to be doing about 120 or so...

Then you are definately not doing it right. You should actually be radar checking *every* vehicle you see, after all any of them could be speeding, and we know that speed kills. And it's not possible for a human to judge the difference between 109 and 11 by eye alone. So, every vehicle, check its speed. OK. Best to check it a few time in fact in case it speeds up.

[FJRider]

Of course they are. When the detector goes off I can check the GPS and I know exactly what speed I was doing when the radar locks on.

But they also show maximum speed attained, your GPS may be used in evidence AGAINST you.... be careful...

[FJRider]

Or have the mate on front leaving his radar on - while second cop uses instant on. :shifty:

tag team tactics eh... how many of you speed up after seeing a cop... and get pinged by his mate down the road...

[bully]

But they also show maximum speed attained, your GPS may be used in evidence AGAINST you.... be careful...

so do alot of modern bike speedos, aparently cops know it too, i test rode a 675 and they guy pulled that on me, maybe its a bike feature, but my understanding is its bikes that dont show it as a feature too!

[MarkH]

So actually no use at all then??:eek5:

As a device to allow you to speed with no regard to the law? Not much use at all.

As a device to remind you to check your speed and make sure you are at least within the tolerance of the legal limit - pretty good.

This is why I think it is pointless for the law makers to worry about the idea of banning detectors.

[scumdog]

As a device to allow you to speed with no regard to the law? Not much use at all.

As a device to remind you to check your speed and make sure you are at least within the tolerance of the legal limit - pretty good.

This is why I think it is pointless for the law makers to worry about the idea of banning detectors.

So a little red light on the dash that flashes when you get to 110kph would suffice??

[Cr1MiNaL]

So a little red light on the dash that flashes when you get to 110kph would suffice??

No, but one at 210 would do just fine thanks Scummy. One that says, 210 kmph attained time to think about landing wheelie.

[MarkH]

So a little red light on the dash that flashes when you get to 110kph would suffice??

Not so much in a 50kph area.

[Ixion]

So a little red light on the dash that flashes when you get to 110kph would suffice??

Well, not in my case. You see, I ride slowly. Very very slowly. And I have heard of several cases of elderly gentlemen, like myself, getting tickets for driving too slowly. So, I am nervous that if a cop sees me on my slow (very slow) and stately progress, he will ticket me for going too slow. So, I need a radar detector so I know if there are cops about. If so I (with great tredidation) increase my speed slightly. Not by very much though, because we all know that speed kills.

So a little light that flashes at 110kph would be of no help . Moreover, I do not understand these modern kilometrifcated speed thingies. I know the speed is shown by the number on the round signs. It used to be 60mph, but nowdays they seem to have increased it and a lot of areas appear to be 100mph. So I just keep the speed down to well under what the sign says. I figure if the sign says 100 and my speedo says , say, 80mph, I must be OK.

[scumdog]

Not so much in a 50kph area.

So (reading between the lines) a radar-detector owner automaticly knows whether they are in a 50, 60, 70, 80 or 100kph area? - or going past a school?

Man, are those detectors magic or what??

[Ixion]

Well, hopefully the owner does indeed! But what does that matter. The important point is, that there is a cop somewhere in a 5km radius. danger, danger Will Robinson.

[Dean]

hey ive always wondered and i know this is off topic but howcome riders never get breath tested when i come up to them they just look at me puzzled in what to do and some have said "now hows this gona work" obviously because of the helmet.and lets just say if i had a few to many theyll never know because ive had the mouth air vent thingy closed when saying my full name in the breathilizer thingy

[Max Preload]

hey ive always wondered and i know this is off topic but howcome riders never get breath tested when i come up to them they just look at me puzzled in what to do and some have said "now hows this gona work" obviously because of the helmet.and lets just say if i had a few to many theyll never know because ive had the mouth air vent thingy closed when saying my full name in the breathilizer thingy

They still work fine just inside the helmet - you must be getting real n00b cops if they're getting frazzled at that!

That said, I always seem to get waved through these days anyway - not sure if it has anything to do with the fact I don't put my feet down, thus they figure if my balance is good enough to do that I'm fine, or my advancing age... I suspect the latter... :cry:

[Dean]

They still work fine just inside the helmet - you must be getting real n00b cops if they're getting frazzled at that!

That said, I always seem to get waved through these days anyway - not sure if it has anything to do with the fact I don't put my feet down, thus they figure if my balance is good enough to do that I'm fine, or my advancing age... I suspect the latter... :cry:

when you said you dont put your feet down by good balance how do you do that theres never really a constant speed (no matter how slow)or flow of cars eventually you have to put your foot down when cars stop right or??

[Max Preload]

when you said you dont put your feet down by good balance how do you do that theres never really a constant speed (no matter how slow)or flow of cars eventually you have to put your foot down when cars stop right or??

I mean approaching checkpoints although I often also do it with red lights lights and compulsory stops. I'm a lazy bastard, ya see... :rofl:

I certainly can't do it indefinitely, but with practice you can do it long enough for the lights to change and the flow through checkpoints is generally fairly good anyway.

[Dean]

[QUOTE=Max Preload;1870342]I mean approaching checkpoints although I often also do it with red lights lights and compulsory stops. I'm a lazy bastard, ya see... :rofl:

I certainly can't do it indefinitely, but with practice you can do it long enough for the lights to change and the flow through checkpoints is generally fairly good anyway.[/QUOTE

sweet lately ive been feathering the clucth alot at every traffic light and i can balance at less than walking speed even sometimes ive went between cars but not great tho i want to keep on practicing im actulally jealous of you bro cause you can balance hard out and cause you got experience its nothing nerve wrecking for you but with me everytime i do it its scary.

[Jiminy]

I certainly can't do it indefinitely, but with practice you can do it long enough for the lights to change and the flow through checkpoints is generally fairly good anyway.

im actulally jealous of you bro cause you can balance hard out and cause you got experience its nothing nerve wrecking for you but with me everytime i do it its scary.

Or get a sidecar, it's easier :lol:

[Dean]

Or get a sidecar, it's easier :lol:

nah ill just get training wheels lol

[Jiminy]

nah ill just get training wheels lol

There is always Eagle-One:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=190151215

:whistle:

[Max Preload]

There is always Eagle-One:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=190151215

:whistle:

Oh dear god.