Are radar detectors effective?

Radar detectors have become less effective over the years due to advancements in police speed detection technologies. According to Sal Di Stefano, older radar detectors could pick up continuous signals from police radars, but the newer police radars emit a signal only when the button is pressed, making it very difficult for detectors to provide timely alerts. By the time the radar detector alerts the driver, it's often too late, as the speed has already been recorded by the police radar 1.

Moreover, modern radar detectors are also prone to false alarms, as they can pick up signals from common motion sensors, like those used in grocery store doors, which can be annoying and distracting to drivers 1.

Thus, while radar detectors may have some utility, their reliability and effectiveness in avoiding speed tickets are significantly diminished with current police radar technologies.