Free legal advise

[Border411]

So, as I am a member of this website as well as a police officer in VA, I figured that is people wanted to pose questions about what may/may not be "legal", or consequences of different "decisions" one may make while driving, I thought I may be able to give some advise as to how to help themselves out. Mind you----I am only very familiar with VA law, and I am not a lawyer, so dont take my word as the absolute truth or authority. I can only help by telling you guidelines and what I would do-not nec. what you should do. I will also try to answer questions to the best of my ability.

 

[CruiseDuck]

I'll be up in Va., the week-end of 4/30, around the Williamsburg area doing some sight seeing. Are there any 'must see' places around that area that you can suggest. Also, I think I heard once that radar detectors are illegal in VA. Is that true? Also, how much over the speed limit, on an interstate, can you do without getting pulled over????

 

[irwinSR5]

are all police officers issued lidar? do any of them still use standard radar?

 

[Border411]

I am up in Northern Va, so I have no places to rec. in the Williamsburg area.

Yes, radar detectors are illegal in VA, as long as they have access to a "power source". You can have them in your car, but if there is a cord that can be used to power it, or batteries, then it is illegal.

When I was with Manassas City PD, we couldnt give tickets if you were doing less than 10mph over the speed limit. HOWEVER, the officer has the ability to determine what is a safe speed limit depending on traffic conditions, environmental conditions, as well as the presence of pedestrians. You could get a ticket for "reckless driving" based on how you are driving.

For the most part, police use Lidar. There are a few radar units still used. Not all police officers are issued lidar units, and you have to specially certified to use them. HOWEVER, anyone not certified can still use them to help determine who may be speeding, they just cant use the readings in court. Also, all radar/lidar units must and are certified to be accurate by VA state every 6 months, and they all must be tested to insure proper operation before each use.

 

[EDGE]

Is my Brass Knuckle Belt Buckle illegal or is it just gonna cause me problems, I have it for protection but I doubt I'll ever hit someone with it, I've gotten on planes and gone through airports security with it but I don't think they knew what it was cause of the belt