Laser Detection - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jeph · 03-11-2006, 07:56 AM

Last night I experienced something I thought was unusual. While criusing down the highway at a 70+ in a 60mph, my Passport X50 exploded with news of Lasers afoot! Naturally I drilled the brakes. Sure enough, within seconds I spotted the sneaky fellow hiding on an on-ramp. He did not persue me.

Here is my question: Do you suppose he was looking for bigger fish to fry, or did my X50 beat him to the punch?

Other factors:

No front license plate
I was the first car in a row of 3 or 4, all not too far behind
Dimly lit highway at night (I don't think that matters, but it sure helped him hide)

03-11-2006, 08:01 AM

Maybe good Karma??

MNBoxster · 03-11-2006, 08:10 AM

Hi,

Most Police Radar/Laser units have a setpoint they can set which will trigger an alarm if this point is exceeded by the Target. This prevents them from chasing every guy who's just a couple miles over the Limit.

Here in MN, they usually set this point at 9mph over the limit, but I've seen them have it at 12mph. This way, it doesn't disturb their Naptime...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Perfectlap · 03-11-2006, 10:54 AM

careful from trailing Lazer too.
thats the guy you have to watch out for and not Mr. Nap time.

I had a state trooper hounding me for a few miles from behind. The Valentine One went off twice before he gave up and jumped back into the fast lane and pulled over a guy in an M3 down the road.

Hmm...Porsche, M3 see a pattern emerging?

RandallNeighbour · 03-11-2006, 11:50 AM

I've had laser alerts go off on my V1 a bunch of times and it was only really laser one time... I heard that some LED tail lamps can set them off, such as those being used in Lincoln Navigators, etc.

Anyone know what can create a false laser alarm?

Perfectlap · 03-11-2006, 12:02 PM

yeah those new SUV like the Infiniti are a annoying new trend. As if those stupid dangerous cars wasn't enough they now screw with my lovely $400 toy.

Careful though, never second guess a Lazer alert. Best to get on the brake/lift each time. Its easy to start ignoring and being distracted from your detector.
A trip to court recently taught me this lesson. What a hassle rearranging ny scheudle to take a trip to a town I never go to and sit there for 3 hours just to avoid points on my license. Well worth it though no points in 11 years.

03-13-2006, 03:24 PM

[*]No front license plate

Jeph this sounds like more important than 5 mph over the speed limit, why don't you have a number plate on front of your car?

my radar detector goes off from cctv camera systems, specially the ones on petrol forecourts

Jeph · 03-13-2006, 04:05 PM

tqtran,
Speed limit postings in Dallas/Ft. Worth (or DFW to those in the "metroplex") and surrounding areas are usually marked when the speed limit changes at night. And it's typically where the speed limit is 70mph (65mph/night), which is outside the city.

olly986,
I don't have a plate on the front because it looks relatively uncool. It is required by law, but generally police don't hassle you for it unless they're looking for a reason to pull you over. I have been pulled over by a State Trooper for not having a plate, but he just told me to fix it.

bhduxbury · 03-13-2006, 04:41 PM

in california, the meter maids ticket you for no front plate while you are parked. sucks!

blinkwatt · 03-13-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhduxbury

in california, the meter maids ticket you for no front plate while you are parked. sucks!

That must be in southern California only. Up here in nothern California I park my car everywhere with meter maids and never once had I had a front license plate on any other cars I drove. Even the times I received tickets for where I parked no mention of how I do not have a license in the front.

RandallNeighbour · 03-13-2006, 06:24 PM

Jeph, same thing happened to me. I was driving to San Antonio and I was stopped by a Texas Department of Public Safety Highway patrol officer. Gave me a written warning for no license plate.

The wife was with me and I got a dirty look for not having a front plate. I put one on and it fell off in the garage when I grazed it with my pant leg. Lousy bracket. Never put it back on.