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Radar Detectors

Detect police radar and laser long before you spot them visually.

An image of a radar detector and dashcam mounted to the windshield of a car below the rear-view mirror

When properly installed, a radar detector doesn't obstruct the driver's view any more than a dash-cam or GPS. The V0LT detector with the "ultimate" title below, shown here, has a minimalist matte black design that won't look out of place in any modern car.

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A picture of a large road intersection with a traffic light

High end police detection systems include integrated databases for red-light cameras, speed cameras, and other hazards, and can seamlessly alert you as you approach them.

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A screenshot of dashcam video taken while driving down a scenic, mostly empty divided highway.

Since radar bounces off of objects that it hits, detectors allow you to "see" police radar from miles away, even when there's traffic, hills, and trees in the way.

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An image of a driver pulled over by a police officer on the side of a road

A police detection system can detect police radar long before it can detect you. A radar detector can be the difference between getting clocked above the speed limit, and getting warned early enough to slow down.

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Legal

Excluding Virginia and Washington DC, radar detection systems are completely legal in non-commercial vehicles through-out the United States.

Early-Warning

Police detection systems work primarily by using a radar redector alerting you of police radar and laser. If a cop down the road is running radar, you'll be alerted long before they can even see you.

Discrete

Radar detectors can be conveinently mounted on the windshield, underneath the sun visor or rear view mirror, just like a GPS or dashcam.

Compact

Radar detectors are extremely compact, and don't obscure your view of the road or pose a significant safety risk in an accident.

Cameras

High end police detection systems can seamlessly alert you as you approach red light cameras, speed cameras, and license plate readers using a buit in location database.

Unified

A police detection setup from V0LT allows you to have a strong, unified shield without needing the technical knowledge to configure everything yourself.

Custom

There's thousands of different situations where you might need your detection system, and expontentially more setup options available. V0LT can help you dial in your detection system to fit best for your specific situation.

Performance

The radar/laser detectors sold/installed by V0LT are some of the highest performing detectors money can currently buy, and are regularly at the top of independent testing results.

Quality

All V0LT detectors are manufactured by Uniden, one of the most respected brands in the industry of police detection. Uniden is often considered the leader in radar/laser detectors, and regularly out performs competitors at any price range.

Description

Police detection systems are systems designed to make you more aware of your surroundings while driving by interfacing with various devices and sensors to create an effective barrier of protection. The capabilities of these systems vary significantly from setup to setup, but they're generally designed to avoid speed enforcement traps in situations where speed is a matter of government and profit, rather than safety. While the term "police detection" is used to quickly explain what they do, there's much more to it. These systems use radar detectors, laser detectors, crowd sourced alert systems, and many other methods to keep you informed of what's on the road ahead, whether that be a deer crossing the road, or a speed trap on an open highway.

Custom

There's thousands of possible ways to install and configure an integrated police detection system. While functionality is no doubt an important aspect of any installation, it's important not to neglect how an installation feels to use. In this regard, V0LT treats police detection like an art. While some people may want a police detection that makes their car feel futuristic and exciting, others may want a system that's discrete, quiet, and seamlessly integrated with their car. Regardless of what you're looking for, V0LT can make a police detection system reliable and comfortable given your preferences.

Caveats

While police detection systems can be extremely useful tools, there are several things you should know before getting one installed in your vehicle.

  • Although they're often called 'police detectors' for sake of simplicity, this is somewhat of a misleading title. Radar/laser detectors only detect police that are running radar or laser. If you pass an officer who isn't running speed enforcement, you will never get an alert, regardless of the detector you use. That being said, V0LT can also set up your car with a CSA (crowd-sourced alert) system to detect police even when they aren't running speed enforcement.
  • While the Uniden radar/laser detectors installed by V0LT are some regularly some of the top performing detectors in independent tests, radar is far from an exact science. It's common for detectors like the Redline 360C, sold by Escort, to trade blows with the Uniden models installed sold by V0LT depending on factors like weather, terrain, and frequency.
  • Police are fully aware of the existence of radar/laser detectors, and have various methods to avoid being detected by them. Despite this, the vast majority of police don't follow these methods perfectly, making them easy to detect. It's important to realize that police detection systems are not magical ticket avoidance systems.
  • Radar/laser detectors are completely legal in 49 out of the 50 states (as long as you're not driving a commercial vehicle). However, you should still check your local laws to ensure you're in the clear to use one.
  • It should go without saying that radar detectors shouldn't be used to drive dangerously. Most speed limits (especially in residential areas) exist for a good reason, and you should think carefully before breaking them. Just because a radar detector reduces your risk of getting pulled over doesn't mean you should endanger the drivers around you. Think of a police detection system as a layer of protection, not as an excuse to drive recklessly and weave through traffic.

Consulting

As you've surely figured out by now, there's a lot more to police detection than many people first assume. It's common for drivers to simply find a "budget" detector, put it on the windshield, and move on. Even users who purchase high quality detectors often don't get to take advantage of their full performance due to minor setup inefficiencies.

V0LT has extensive experience with this topic, and can squeeze every bit of performance out of your budget. When there are so many factors that influence performance, experienced consulting is one of the best bang-for-buck ways to improve your experience.

  • If you're just looking for basic component recommendations, explanations, and advice, there's a $20 fee. This is what most people opt for, since it covers all the practical implications of a police detection system.
  • A complete, customized installation plan for your specific vehicle, situation, and needs is $100. This is the option customers generally chose if they're looking to visualize exactly how police detection would look and feel in their car, and how the installation process would go.
  • These both count towards the total price, should you decide to commit to a purchase through V0LT. However, consultation does not commit you to a purchase in itself, and you're still free to use the information provided to build a system yourself, or to use another installation provider.
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Detector

The detector is the core of a police detection system, and is responsible for detecting radar and laser, and filtering out false alerts.


    • If you already have a radar/laser detector, and only care about some of the other countermeasures offered by V0LT, feel free to skip selecting a radar detector.
    • If you have an existing radar detector that you'd like to be installed and configured by V0LT, you can still opt to have it hardwired using the options below.
    • While V0LT doesn't directly sell/install detectors from companies like Escort, I'd still be happy to install them if you have one. That being said, if you're looking into a detector from Cobra, Whistler, Rocky Mountain, I'd highly recommend shopping elsewhere, as these detectors fall massively behind Uniden, and even Escort.



    Uniden DFR8 radar/laser detector
    • This is a great entry level detector, and is perfect for those who want something simple, basic, and affordable.
    • This is arguably the most affordable radar detector that's worth puchasing. While cheaper options exist, this is one of the only detectors at this price range to maintain decent false alert filtering, range, and accuracy.



    Uniden R3 radar/laser detector
    • This detector is extremely strong mid-range radar detector with all the fundamental features you'd want in a radar detector.
    • It's often considered the best "bang for your buck" option by hobbyists, and provides excellent range. If you're on the fence about which detector to get, this is a highly recommended option. It's not nearly as expensive as the higher end models, but it's still an extremely strong detector.
    • Despite what it's price may suggest, this is far from a low-end detector. In fact, it regularly trades blows with detectors double it's price in terms of detection range and false alert filtering.
    • What you'll get by picking this detector over the Basic option:
      • GPS
        • Location-based false alert filtering
        • Speedometer display
        • Compass display
        • Automatic low-speed muting
        • Speed/red-light camera alerts
      • Better performance
      • Better false-alert filtering
      • More customization
      • 3 digit frequency display, over 2 (Example: 34.653 GHz vs 34.65 GHz)
      • More compact size
      • Photo-radar detection (low-power radar speed cameras)



    Uniden R4 radar/laser detector
    • This is a high performance radar detector, and is great for people who want the best performance possible, but don't need a couple of the high end features on the more expensive models.
    • If you want an extremely powerful, yet extremely easy to use radar detector, this option is a great fit. Just like the higher end models, it can automatically lock out false alerts based on historical GPS data.
    • What you'll get by picking this detector over the Strong option:
      • Automatic GPS-based false alert lockouts
      • 4X the onboard storage for false alert lockouts and manual location alerts
      • Better performance
      • Better laser sensitivity
      • Wider frequency range support
      • Better false-alert filtering
      • More customization options
      • Automatic mode switching



    Uniden R7 radar/laser detector
    • This is a top-of-the-line radar detector, and is frequently ranked as one of the best detectors you can buy by enthusiasts.
    • Unlike lower-end models, the this option supports directional alerts, meaning it can use an arrow to indicate where an alert is coming from, helping you locate police, speed cameras, and other devices more quickly.
    • If you want a zero compromises, high performance detection system with a detection range longer than models three times it's price, this is an ideal option. It's great for people who want to dial in their system for peak performance, as well as those who want a system smart enough to automatically improve accuracy through automatic GPS lockouts without any user intervention.
    • In addition to the features of the lower end models, this is what you'll get by picking this detector:
      • Better rear-facing sensitivity/range
      • Directional alerts (arrows that indicate the direction of the signal)
      • Dual antenna system
      • Bigger display
      • Subjectively more modern and minimalist design

Power

Needless to say, a radar detector needs power to function. In this section, you chose what method of power delivery you want your detector to use.

    • A cigarette lighter plug allows you to connect your radar detector into an accessory plug in your car.
    • If you want to save some money, or you want to make it easy to move your detector from car to car, this is a solid option.
    • Should you chose to hardwire your detector, you can also get this option as well. This allows you to have your detection system cleanly installed in your main vehicle, while still making it easy to temporarily place your detector in another vehicle.

    • Hardwiring allows your police detection system to wire straight into your car, therefore freeing up a cigarette lighter port that would otherwise have been taken up.
    • If you intend on using your radar detector regularly in your car, it's highly recommended you chose this option.
    • This makes your detector look significantly more professional, since nearly all of the wiring is concealed.
    • Hardwiring also makes it easier to discretely mute and dim your radar detector, and makes it significantly harder to see through the back window of the car.

    • If you have an extremely specific installation preference, you can opt to have a the hardwiring kit custom modified.
    • For most contexts, this is unnecessary, but it opens up a wide gamut of possibilities for concealment and integration.
    • These custom modifications may not always be possible, since it involves cutting into and modifying internal electronic components.

Firmware

Firmware is the software that powers the radar detector in your police detection system. It determines what features you'll be able to use.

Firmware is a fairly complicated topic. If you don't understand the differences, then the stock firmware will certainly be a good fit for you. If you want to learn more about the exact technical differences between the options below, don't hesitate to get in contact.

    • The stock firmware is the firmware developer by the manufacturer of the radar detector.
    • The stock firmware has all the features you need to take full advantage of your hardware, and is great for nearly all use cases.
    • Unless you have very specific needs, the stock firmware is almost always the right way to go.

    • Custom firmware is produced by an independent developer who has extensive technical knowledge of certain radar detectors.
    • Custom firmware is not developed, approved, or endorsed by the original hardware manufacturer.
    • This firmware might be less stable than the stock firmware, but it adds several features that technical users may find appealing.

Mounting

In order to be effective, a radar/laser detector needs to be placed somewhere easy to see, easy to reach, and somewhere that has a clear line of sight out the front and back of the car.

    • A suction cup mount allows your radar detector to attach to any open space on your windshield.
    • A suction cup makes it easy to change the mounting location of your radar detector.
    • If you plan on replacing your car in the near future, a suction cup makes removing the mount very quick and easy.

    • An adhesive mount attaches directly to your windshield, and makes the overall mounting structure of your detector lower profile.
    • If you want an extremely minimalist and clean setup, adhesive mounts are a great option.
    • Adhesive mounts are not reusable, and are semi-permenant. However, the detector itself can be removed from the mount using a quick-release button.

    • If you want an extremely clean setup, you can get a custom rear-view-mirror mounting bracket manufactured by a third party company.
    • Since most of these mounts are made to order, they are extremely expensive. Generally, a window mount will work just as well and is significantly more affordable.

    • Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to have your detector embedded in the headliner, inside the passenger seat, or some other atypical location.
    • If you have a very niche and specific mounting requirement, V0LT can work with you to design a custom mounting solutions.
    • The true price of this option varies significantly depending on the final mount.

CSA System

For even stronger protection, you can equip your car with a crowd-sourced alerts system. This system uses an Android phone connected to your car to alert you of police, potholes, stopped cars, debris, and other potential hazards around you in real-time.

    • If you don't want a crowd sourced alerts system in your car (or already set up your own), you're completely free to skip it.
    • None of the features of your radar/laser detector (chosen above) need CSA to function, and works completely independently of a phone.

    • If you already have an Android phone with a data plan, and want to use it for CSA, V0LT can help you install all of the necessary software, and sort through the hundreds of configuration options in order to create a system perfect for your exact situation.
    • If you already have an OBD-II scanner in your car, this option also allows you to connect your CSA system to your car's diagnostic information for added features. However, it does not include the OBD-II scanner itself.

    • This option includes a basic Android phone and phone mounting setup to create a strong CSA system in your car.
    • This does not include a data plan. For the CSA system to work while driving, it will need an internet connection. However, all of the programs that the CSA system uses have extremely low data consumption. Even under heavy usage on a daily basis, the CSA system shouldn't use any more than 1 GB per month, so either a cheap data plan or hotspot connection should work fine.

License Plate Countermeasures

ALPR stands for Automated License Plate Recognition, and is the practice of scanning and tracking individual license plates.

    • If ALPR devices don't concern you, then there isn't really much of a need for an anti-ALPR cover. Feel free to skip out on getting one.

    • This type of plate cover is an extremely thin sheet that's practically invisible to the naked eye. To the human eye, your plate will look as if it's completely normal. However, ALPR systems, which often use infrared light, will have a much harder time reading your license plate.
    • If your primary goal is to reduce how often your car's location is recorded for privacy or principle reasons, this is a great option.
    • This type of license plate cover will not block visible-light flash-based cameras, like traffic light cameras and speed cameras. This type of plate cover is great for preventing automated tracking as you drive past police cars and security cameras, but it isn't the right tool to defeat automatic traffic enforcement devices.
    • This type of cover works best when the ALPR camera has a fast shutter speed. In practice, this means it will work reliably when passing ALPR cameras at high speed, but won't be as effective at low speeds. ALPR cameras at stop signs and in parking lots will probably punch through the cover.
    • These license plate covers fall into a legal grey area. While they're generally considered to be legal in practically all states, there is some debate over the language used in the laws of several states. Please consult a legal professional with any concerns over legality.