Radar detectors are legal in Texas, but they might cause different problems

Is it illegal to have a radar detector in Texas? 

Speeding is one of those things that all too many of us are guilty of doing. Obviously, this is a bad habit to have. Tickets can get expensive. Car insurance can become all but unaffordable if a driver runs afoul of local speed limits too often. Anyone who has felt the sinking feeling in their stomach when they see those police lights in their rear-view mirror has probably also wondered, ‘Is it illegal to have a radar detector in Texas?’ No, it is not, as long as it’s being used in a passenger vehicle and not a commercial vehicle. However, there are some things you should know about this technology that may have you reconsider your options. Let’s take a closer look at some things you should know. 

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One thing you should know about getting a radar detector is that police departments have long since ditched radar for a technology called lidar. Instead of a radio signal bouncing off your vehicle, a beam of infrared light is used. Some radar detectors might not pick it up. Also, lidar detectors can get very pricy, very quickly. Another issue with radar/lidar detectors is that just about everything uses lidar in the 21st century, including many vehicles’ adaptive cruise control systems and blind-spot monitoring systems.  

If you were to install a lidar detector, it’s not out of the question it will constantly being giving you false alerts. 

Are there any alternatives to radar detectors? 

The best way to avoid getting speeding tickets is to not exceed the speed limit. It really is that simple. However, if you know you have a heavy foot, there are some things you can do to help your own cause including, take advantage of cruise control when appropriate; use Google maps and Waze to identify speed traps or just follow the flow of traffic. 

If there is something Carizma Motors can do to help you enjoy driving more, including finding you a newer vehicle, make an appointment with us today.