Radar Detection 101
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Speed Measuring Devices
Law enforcement uses radar and laser (LIDAR) to measure vehicle speed. Both work by sending a signal that bounces off a vehicle and returns to the device. Radar measures the change in frequency of the reflected wave (Doppler effect) to calculate speed, while LIDAR times the return of laser pulses to track distance changes over time.
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Radar/Laser Detectors
Radar detectors detect signals from afar, giving drivers time to slow down. High-end models use GPS to mark speed traps, filter false alerts, and show the radar source direction.Laser, however, is instant and precise-once detected, your speed is already recorded
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Best Practices
Using a radar detector effectively requires more than just plugging it in. Proper mounting is crucial-high for radar detection. Learning how to interpret alerts helps distinguish real threats from false alarms. Stealth techniques, like tinted windshields or specialized coatings, can reduce detection. Our mounts solve this-mount in the same spot, easily remove and reinstall, and quickly transfer between multiple cars.

Radar Band Frequencies
X Band: The oldest radar frequency (8-12 GHz) that is not used in New Zealand.
K Band: Operates at 18-27 GHz, used by some police radar guns, offering moderate range with more accuracy but higher risk of false alerts from sources like automatic door openers, traffic sensors, and motion detectors.
Ka Band: The most common radar frequency used by modern law enforcement (33.4-36 GHz), providing high accuracy and shorter detection range, often used with advanced radar guns.

Laser
- If your detector picks it up, the officer likely already has your speed. It may occasionally detect scatter from a nearby vehicle being targeted, but this is rare
- False alerts are uncommon and usually caused by vehicle safety systems.