🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <9556@watcgl.waterloo.edu> kim@watsup.waterloo.edu (Kim Nguyen) writes:
>I am seriously annoyed by the silly 100 kph speed limit on the 401.  I
>have considered using a radar detector, but from what I've heard so
>far (if you get caught):
>
>	- the radar detector gets confiscated
>	- you get nailed with a fine for using one
>	- you get nailed for speeding
>	- you get demerit points 
>	- your insurance rates go up
>
>What have your experiences been with radar detectors?  Can police stop
>you (if you're not speeding) if they see a radar detector sitting on
>your dash?  What are the relevant laws?

First of all, I don't think that this is the correct forum for a discussion
of this type, so I've said follow-ups go to rec.autos (and changed the
distribution to Ontario, because someone in California wouldn't really wan't
to know about driving rules in Ontario).

Secondly, not only "can they stop you (if you're not speeding) if they see a
radar detector sitting on your dash", but they have now completed testing a
new device which can be dubbed a "radar detector detector".  As the dubbing
implies, it gives the officer a signal if there's a vehicle with a radar
detector installed -- on OR off!

The device works by sending a particular frequency which causes the crystal
in all radar detectors to resonate at a frequency which it (the detector
detector) can detect.  By pointing it in different directions, the officer can
'hone in' on a detector.

Relevant laws?  The Radio Act (I think that's what it's called) says that all
frequencies are the Queen's property, and she grants you free access to certain
(radio, television, wireless telephone) frequencies only.  You must apply to
receive ANY other frequency.  Thus ALL scanners (the ones which can receive
police, ambulance, etc.) signals are illegal, as are radar detectors.  You must
also apply for transmitting at ANY frequency (including radio and television).

Thus, the police in Ontario have licences to broadcast and receive the
frequencies that radar detectors use.  However, the Transport and Communication
Canada will not grant anyone else a licence to receive these signals.  This
brings up the question of enforcement.  In Ontario, Quebec, and most Atlantic
provinces, the provincial police (I guess the RCMP in the Atlantic prov's)
enforce the law.  In BC and Alta., nobody is enforcing the law, allowing anyone
to use radar detectors there.  I don't know what's happening in Manitoba.

However, anywhere in Canada, no agency is going to charge you if you're using
a scanner to receive police, ambulance, or aircraft frequencies, as long as
you're not doing it for a commercial purpose.  (ie. tow-truck operators are
not allowed to receive police frequencies in order to rush to scenes of 
accidents before the police arrive to investigate).
-- 
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| Rajiv Partha Sarathy /    \/    \/     sarathy@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca         |
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