New speeding laws in B.C.Canada

[Squamishvfr]

Here in BC Canada our new laws state that if you are caught 40KPH (25MPH) over the posted limit you will have your vehicle impounded for seven days plus a bunch of fines tow and storage charges. Wouldn't that suck if you were out on a big road trip?! In my cage this won't be a problem for me but on my gen 5, 40KPH over the limit is my norm. I'm thinking it might be wise to get a Radar detector. I also see that some will Jam the lasers? I am very much not a techno guy with electronics. Can anyone sum up what the latest and greatest is out there now? I've been researching but It's a tad beyond me with the differend bands and such. I have no idea what BC LEO's are using for Radar. Does anyone know if detectors are illegal in BC? I don't think so. If I'm going to throw down some $$ for this I suppose it should be portable to myTacoma as well. Any advice wouuld be appreciated.

[Monk]

Here in BC Canada our new laws state that if you are caught 40KPH (25MPH) over the posted limit you will have your vehicle impounded for seven days plus a bunch of fines tow and storage charges. Wouldn't that suck if you were out on a big road trip?! In my cage this won't be a problem for me but on my gen 5, 40KPH over the limit is my norm. I'm thinking it might be wise to get a Radar detector. I also see that some will Jam the lasers? I am very much not a techno guy with electronics. Can anyone sum up what the latest and greatest is out there now? I've been researching but It's a tad beyond me with the differend bands and such. I have no idea what BC LEO's are using for Radar. Does anyone know if detectors are illegal in BC? I don't think so. If I'm going to throw down some $$ for this I suppose it should be portable to myTacoma as well. Any advice wouuld be appreciated.

With that new law, I'd say stay under 25 limit.... RD can get you caught,due to trust issues...And it only takes one time over 25 to bite the big one..... And I'm sure that Jammers are illigal everywhere, not so much RD's(with the exception of a few places).

[Guest]

The only problem with radar detectors is that the cops don't have them on all the time. They can only turn them on long enough to clock you. IMO you'd be better off following the speed on an unfamiliar road. That, and learn how to "ahem" lose them. :laughing6-hehe:

[spud786]

Some places of Brittish columbia RD's are illegal .

only deal with high end compnentry, like top of the line, bell, escort or Valintine 1. These are very useful tools to cut down on the easy stuff. I never get bit by the big stuff, but always the easy stuff. An RD will should eliminate that.

Its true , instant on ka band, you'll get no reading till they fire it, your rd will only tell you once they fire, , generally in an oncoming mode, its pretty deadly. So your eye sight is still an important tool also.

Lazer, if you get an alert its too late , they've got your speed, you need seperate jammer system, all totalling about $1200 US in parts. for both items.

It seems like a lot of money, but so is your 3rd ticket.

THats kinda what I saw, normally got pulled over 3 or 4 times per year, but I saw the day, where I could get 123 ticket in a row, bad news when that happens.

best thing to do is find out whats your biggest threat in your area

BUt I've beaten just about everything on a bike including lazer , instant on ect, but would never deal my cards on the issue

[ericlw]

i noticed one time when an officer pointed his laser rader at me that i could accually see the laser or some light from it.

I asked a cop about it once and he told me i was full of it.

it was kind of dusk at the time. anyone ever noticed that?

[Gerrys02800]

Radar Detectors are legal in British Columbia (BC)

legal in Alberta

legal in Saskatchewan

illegal in Manitoba

illegal in Ontario

illegal in Quebec

illegal in New Brunswick

illegal in Newfoundland

illegal in Nova Scotia

illegal in Prince Edward Island

illegal in Yukon Territory

illegal in Northwest Territory

ICBC states : Excessive Speed in BC is defined as 40 km/h over the posted speed limit. Starting September 20, 2010, the penalties include a fine up to $737 for the ticket, ICBC's driver-risk premium of $320 per year for the next 3 years ($960 over 3 years), and worst-of-all, a manditory 7-day impound (plus cost of towing and storage).

MHO, why speed, those fines are a set of tires, nice heated jacket and gas money for the summer tours. The radar may "spot" the frist couple of 5-0's x-raying you, and you may avoid it. But, the RCMP / Muni guy in the un-marked truck behind you will tag you. And as mentioned, if your 40 over.... KACHING$$$$.

[jasonsmith]

Radar Detectors are legal in British Columbia (BC)

MHO, why speed, those fines are a set of tires, nice heated jacket and gas money for the summer tours. The radar may "spot" the frist couple of 5-0's x-raying you, and you may avoid it. But, the RCMP / Muni guy in the un-marked truck behind you will tag you. And as mentioned, if your 40 over.... KACHING$$.

Wise words.

[daver314]

No radar detector will protect you well enough from laser radar, which is what they use for most stationary radar traps. Basically, the radar detector can only detect the laser when it's activated and pointed close enough to the detector its self. Problem is, the laser radar works so accurately and quickly that they can have your speed just as quickly as your detector can pick it up, and likely before you can respond to its warning.

Another thought is, and I really don't want to start a big angry thread on this, that in BC the cops don't need a radar to get you for speeding. Yes, you can appeal it, and fight it in court, but by the time your appeal is processed, even if you win, your 7 day impound has long expired.

Best solution is... ride smart, slow down. If not, then suck up the consequences. (not trying to be rude, just fair)

[Guest]

i noticed one time when an officer pointed his laser rader at me that i could accually see the laser or some light from it.

I asked a cop about it once and he told me i was full of it.

it was kind of dusk at the time. anyone ever noticed that?

Depending on which laser it was, you may have actually seen the "red dot" in the scope. The lasers here have a small scope that you have to look through when targeting the car. It is not a true red dot so it can be seen from the opposite side of the laser. I have never observed any light from the unit in the time I have used one. That being said I suppose that there may be some combination of lighting that could cause it to be visible.

[Guest]

I have the Adaptec system which has saved me a couple of radar tix: http://radarforbikes.com/gear/.

I see that they now have a laser jammer system as well, although I haven't had any laser hits on mine yet.

In most cases its been helpful to warn of approaching patrol cars coming from the opposite direction that have their radars on. A few times its spotted parked radars that are hidden around corners.

[Polarbear]

Hello Mike and others,

Well, considering that there will be mucho money anyway you cut it--top of the line radar or hefty fines--I say one could possibly think about saving it for the track. A good but cheap track bike is about $1,500-$2,500 maybe? Plus leather suit ($600), back protector ($100), beer ($?!?!?) and beer fridge ($100?) for those long nights of tuning up race bike, racing course ($400-500?), we're still ahead considering that your track bike will not lose much money. The alternative, as described above, seems more expensive, especially if you get caught twice, or maybe even three times... :pissed:

Plus, you'd improve your technique in general, which will help you on the street, and make new friends at the track, and that is just priceless... :cheerleader:

Just my 2 cents...

Christian

PS Or maybe "invest" in some weed, and ride slower?? :laughing6-hehe:

[Squamishvfr]

Yeah I'm not talking about racing on the street by any means. My cruise is about 40k above the limit on the sea to sky,= 120KPH, if I do say 105KPH I have cars and trucks washing over me all the time. I was doing 110kph in my truck and was passed by an 18-wheeler doing 120KPH+ and I backed wayyy off. I'm just trying to survive the Whistler 500, and so far I've gotten by with good manners sensible explainations and a little luck. I also don't weave in and around cars as a rule.

Anyway it seems from what I've read that the Valentine-one is getting to be old tech. Just need to see where I could get a deal...I'm not a subscriber to a whole bunch of electronic gadgetry as a rule. I still like my maps and like not having to worry about stuff getting stolen.

My hope is that our law enforcement get's used to this lwa over the winter and tones it down a bit after they've driven the message home. I just wish the tipping point were just a smidge higher and then I wouldn't have to worry about it.

[Squamishvfr]

I have the Adaptec system which has saved me a couple of radar tix: http://radarforbikes.com/gear/.

I see that they now have a laser jammer system as well, although I haven't had any laser hits on mine yet.

In most cases its been helpful to warn of approaching patrol cars coming from the opposite direction that have their radars on. A few times its spotted parked radars that are hidden around corners.

This looks interesting thanks for that.

[Polarbear]

Yeah I'm not talking about racing on the street by any means. My cruise is about 40k above the limit on the sea to sky,= 120KPH, if I do say 105KPH I have cars and trucks washing over me all the time. I was doing 110kph in my truck and was passed by an 18-wheeler doing 120KPH+ and I backed wayyy off. I'm just trying to survive the Whistler 500, and so far I've gotten by with good manners sensible explainations and a little luck. I also don't weave in and around cars as a rule.

Anyway it seems from what I've read that the Valentine-one is getting to be old tech. Just need to see where I could get a deal...I'm not a subscriber to a whole bunch of electronic gadgetry as a rule. I still like my maps and like not having to worry about stuff getting stolen.

My hope is that our law enforcement get's used to this lwa over the winter and tones it down a bit after they've driven the message home. I just wish the tipping point were just a smidge higher and then I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Hey,

Yes, I agree (sorry, didn't mean to imply you were street racing, you're right, my bad... was just talking in a general sort of way... ), 40km/h is by no means that fast on a highway, and I've seen people driving on that Sea to sky and they go fast (but the 18 wheeler going 120?!? wow!!). I understand, since not keeping up on the highway is dangerous; I have been driving well over the speed limit on #1 myself on a number of occasions. This being said, I heard that the LEOs have a discretionary power with this new law, don't they? Is it meant to cut down on street racing? My feeling is, like you said, that it'll be rarely applied unless you really deserve it (40+++ km/h?) but who wants to take that chance, right? If this is the case, and if you happen to be just a bit under (or over) the 40km/h tipping point, they wouldn't be able to apply it or they could let it slide, couldn't they?

As far as radars are concerned, Jviffer had made a recommendation in another thread, can't recall which one, but he would tell you if you pm'ed him.

C

[Colt]

I spent a few weeks riding in BC this summer. Be expecially careful in the Revelstoke area as there is a cop training facility there and they do lots of on the job training. The main bridge over the river had six squad cars on the other side in a field where one guy ran the gun and the other five wrote up the tickets. I also found sever "squads" of cops on the main highways just outside of town. Most of the other areas in Alberta and BC were mostly free of speed traps. I did find that they would park their car in the woods where you couldn't see it, and then run a long cord to a tripod on the edge of the road where they recorded your speed and pulled you over. Outright sneaky! Some locals blinked their lights and saved me in a couple of those traps.

Most radar detectors work reasonably well these days, but the problem with them on a motorcycle is not hearing the beeps with a helmet and earplugs. One solution is a "radar screamer" that is a small speaker you mount in front of you that is quite loud. Another solution is a communication system that will pipe the beeps into your helmet - by wire or bluetooth. If you don't do something, you simply wont hear it. The cops are required to take two reading, and they can't measure a rapidly declining speed. I have been stopped a number of times, we all knew I was speeding, but by applying the brakes hard, they could not hold the reading on the gun. Twice they were ready to write me up and I requested to see the reading on the gun, they just gave me a warning as they knew a jury would not convict me.

All my bikes are wired so the detector comes on with the key. Of course, I never speed, so it's not a problem anyway! I did notice that you BC guys tend to ride rather quickly!

Jim in Colorado

VFR, Bandit, KTM Adventure

[Luvmyvfr]

Someone once told me about a parking device for cars....it was called the http://laserprotector.com/ It is legal since it's designed for you garage!! looks good to me, considering laser radar is tough to beat, is they can see you, they can get you!! Plus when you drive past enyone with a laser detector, it makes their stuff go off!

Or yes, do some track days!! It'll help get the need for speed out!

[Polarbear]

Hey Mike,

Just wondering if you made a decision about the radar detector. If so, did you also buy it? DId it work?!!? Or is it on your Xmas list???

C

[Squamishvfr]

Well I've decided against it, though I had decided on a Redline by escort. I spoke with a LEO aquaintance, and it seems that I should be alright without it. I'm told that to issue an excessive speeding ticket = a MANDATORY vehicle seizure, and along with it quite a bit of paperwork. So the word is that the new law really is another tool for LEO's to use against the lower end of the spectrum and they are looking for a reason, any reason, not to give out an excessive charge to avoid the paperwork. So I will continue to my thing my way, be super nice and friendly when pulled over offer a reasonable explaination why I'm going faster than traffic for saftey sake (that has always served me in the past) and I'm assured that you might get that ticket but unless you are super stupid you are not likley to get impounded. So...I'll see you...out there.

edit: PB you really like the pom-pom smilie don't you...just sayin'

[Polarbear]

Well I've decided against it, though I had decided on a Redline by escort. I spoke with a LEO aquaintance, and it seems that I should be alright without it. I'm told that to issue an excessive speeding ticket = a MANDATORY vehicle seizure, and along with it quite a bit of paperwork. So the word is that the new law really is another tool for LEO's to use against the lower end of the spectrum and they are looking for a reason, any reason, not to give out an excessive charge to avoid the paperwork. So I will continue to my thing my way, be super nice and friendly when pulled over offer a reasonable explaination why I'm going faster than traffic for saftey sake (that has always served me in the past) and I'm assured that you might get that ticket but unless you are super stupid you are not likley to get impounded. So...I'll see you...out there.

edit: PB you really like the pom-pom smilie don't you...just sayin'

Yes I do like the pom-pom smilie, but what can I say sacrebleu, I'm French... I like feathers and boas too... :cheerleader: :cheerleader: :cheerleader:

More seriously, I think it's the best approach. Just use your charm and good looks and you will get by. I didn't realize it was a mandatory seizure though. Ouch! I'll bet they'll do all they can to avoid doing that...

Cheers,

C

[dirtbag]

Well I've decided against it, though I had decided on a Redline by escort. I spoke with a LEO aquaintance, and it seems that I should be alright without it. I'm told that to issue an excessive speeding ticket = a MANDATORY vehicle seizure, and along with it quite a bit of paperwork. So the word is that the new law really is another tool for LEO's to use against the lower end of the spectrum and they are looking for a reason, any reason, not to give out an excessive charge to avoid the paperwork. So I will continue to my thing my way, be super nice and friendly when pulled over offer a reasonable explaination why I'm going faster than traffic for saftey sake (that has always served me in the past) and I'm assured that you might get that ticket but unless you are super stupid you are not likley to get impounded. So...I'll see you...out there.

edit: PB you really like the pom-pom smilie don't you...just sayin'

Having lived in whistler. squamish and north van commuting daily on the S2S highway for 15 plus years, I will go out on a limb and say a radar detector has been THE number one money saver in my life.

One question to ask: do you get tickets as it is? If you are not getting tickets, then why worry. If you are getting one or two tickets a year, then I would have to say a radar is absolutely mandatory Going from 2 tickets to 1 ticket a year will pay for the radar detector, when points are included, in one year. And if you get out of ONE excessive and end up with a regular ticket because you were able so slow down enough, you are light years ahead.

I had a cop pull me over and tell me I was doing 126km/h in an 80. I told him it was impossible because when my detector told me he was hitting me with radar, I had already slowed to 80(ish) and that he was incorrect. He made me sit there for 35 min and came back with a non written warning... meaning he let me go with no comments on my record. As in he lied.

As for laser, they set up in regular spots and you will know where they are if you know the area.

[Bad Boy]

I only see laser used in urban and high traffic areas where it is not fun to speed in anyway. They have to be stationary and do not like sitting around on a road with little traffic. In that I like to ride where there is little traffic laser has not been an issue. Most of the radar enforcement I see is on major highways and within 5 miles of towns so I choose to keep the speed down there. Where I do choose to pick up speed is on the more remote roads where occasionally I will come upon an oncoming sheriff. Either the detector will go off before I see him or he will switch it on when he sees me. In the couple of dozen encounters I have been able to slow down soon enough, the detector and quick reflexes has been 100% effective for me so far.

What I think is a great set up is to have the detector concealed inside of the fairing aimed forward, sealed water tight in plastic, hard wired to the tail light. For alert I use a LED on top of the dash, it is very visible on the VFR. Others have mentioned the Screamer for an audio alert which is good too. It automatically comes on with the ignition, no one can steal it. I don't have to remove it or turn it on. I also have an in helmet wireless LED but on the VFR the dash LED work very well. My Escort works very well and is well made.

[MattB]

Radar Detectors are legal in British Columbia (BC)

legal in Alberta

legal in Saskatchewan

illegal in Manitoba

illegal in Ontario

illegal in Quebec

illegal in New Brunswick

illegal in Newfoundland

illegal in Nova Scotia

illegal in Prince Edward Island

illegal in Yukon Territory

illegal in Northwest Territory

ICBC states : Excessive Speed in BC is defined as 40 km/h over the posted speed limit. Starting September 20, 2010, the penalties include a fine up to $737 for the ticket, ICBC's driver-risk premium of $320 per year for the next 3 years ($960 over 3 years), and worst-of-all, a manditory 7-day impound (plus cost of towing and storage).

MHO, why speed, those fines are a set of tires, nice heated jacket and gas money for the summer tours. The radar may "spot" the frist couple of 5-0's x-raying you, and you may avoid it. But, the RCMP / Muni guy in the un-marked truck behind you will tag you. And as mentioned, if your 40 over.... KACHING$$$$.

Illegal here in VA as well... still has not stopped me and others. Consider that speeding itself is illegal, does that keep you awake at night? Buy the detector, it's not fool-proof, but it has DEFINITELY saved my ass on several occasions now... I'm talking NO DOUBTER occasions. While I conceded already that they are not fool-proof, your odds are much better with one as I've only been pulled once in the past 5 years that I've had mine and for that incident I was in my car and the detector was in the trunk at the time. :pissed:

Edit: I'm not saying that it's the "best", but I'm running a Valentine One unit which was last upgraded about two years ago to their latest software.

[Squamishvfr]

So far whenever I've been pulled over I've managed to explain and charm my way out of a ticket by being friendly and non confrontational. Bear in mind that the LEO expects to see a 20-something but when he see's that I'm a 40 something mostly bald it changes their view and then be friendly our RCMP are generally good. Also keep in mind that while I ride fast I don't ride agressive; passing where inappropriate weaving etc. I guess we willsee what the spring brings. If I do get one I really did think the Redline the better compared to the V-1.

[dirtbag]

So far whenever I've been pulled over I've managed to explain and charm my way out of a ticket by being friendly and non confrontational. Bear in mind that the LEO expects to see a 20-something but when he see's that I'm a 40 something mostly bald it changes their view and then be friendly our RCMP are generally good. Also keep in mind that while I ride fast I don't ride agressive; passing where inappropriate weaving etc. I guess we willsee what the spring brings. If I do get one I really did think the Redline the better compared to the V-1.

yup, there is a tangible difference to squam RCMP vs N Vancouver police.

I agree with the redline... i have an 8500, and would love to upgrade to a redline.

And yes, nothing will outperform sensible riding.

-y

[Guest]

Hey, just found this thread. I use a Valentine One and have for some years. On my bikes, I use a piezio earpiece, It's about the size of an Alka-Seltzer tablet and slips up inside my helmet. Works.

On Highway 50 in the outback of Nevada, a very wide-open area where you can see the highway ahead for 30 miles and there are no side roads...I would often go quite fast for quite a while in my Porsche 928, when heading to those Open Highway races. http://www.openroadracing.com/

On some stretches, we'd be cruising along at 150mph, mile after mile after mile. But twice, on the way to Ely, Nv for the Silver State Classic, east of Fallon, Nv as we cruised along, the Valentine went bonkers!...Big warning, causing me to apply the brakes quickly and hard. Then, a look ahead and behind and of course...no cops anywhere, no way....no place to hide for them....But then......one of those F-15s from the Top Gun training base would cruise up beside us at about 20' above the ground, a few hundred meters to one side of us....and the pilot would be waving out of his canopy at us....obviously laughing his ass off for making us panic...They got a real kick out of putting their targeting radar on us.....

And once we overtook a NHP in a big un- lighted SUV not very recognizable from behind.......We always slowed up to about 85 when passing other vehicles, for their safety and ours, which seems like a snail pace after a few hours at 140-160mph...Luckily, this cop musta seen us coming a long way off and Quick-flashed his radar...because I got a brief signal when were were a few miles back from him....like maybe 25 seconds out, not much time to respond....I got on the brakes and we had to follow that guy for about 50 miles at just 75mph....that sucked, but the Valentine saved us yet again...

Don Hanson