Just wanted to clarify that that's Virginia STATE troopers - not all VA police. Fairfax County most certainly pays for Laser guns for officers. I see them every now and then. Someone in my family got hit with Lidar (and I have the ticket to prove it, so not heresay). Lidar is a form of laser. Heck, Faifax County even enforces speed limits via aircraft!

When my friend got a ticket for using a RD in Fairfax County, it was a $40 ticket. But he ended up paying $92, because the court fee (which again, you have to pay regardless of whether you go to court or not) was $52!! LOL. Ain't that somethin?! And IIRC, the court fee is now up to $57.

Last thing...you're right, it's like not having your front tags, which is a non-motion violation. It still appears on your driving record, but no points are assessed - although, your insurance company can increase your premium based upon it, since they have their own point system. Talk about shady.

 

I am speaking from the Southern Virginia aspect - I'm sure NOVA is a little different. I was told that Laser is not as accurate if there isn't a front plate to bounce the beam off of, but they can aim at other reflective surfaces to get you......so just cover your front end in rubber - lol.

Forgot about court costs.

 

Yea the front plate is extremely reflective, which makes it deal for aiming the laser beam at. Ditto with vehicles with large and exposed front headlights (vs. retractable aka pop-up headlights). And of course, the less frontal area as a whole you have, the harder it would be to get a reading. But trust me, they'll get a reading lol. Like your friend (the cop) said, they're not aiming w/o a target - esp w/ laser. They spot a car, THEN aim for that specific car to confirm their guess. A cop can pull you for a visually estimated speed as well. It'll be a "generally speeding" ticket which is 3 points, because he can't prove the actual speed. Or if it's fast enough, he can testify that your driving was putting yourself and others in immediate danger, and slap you with a reckless - no pace, no radar or laser necessary.

 

There is some misleading information here. Va State Police do have lasers, its called Lidar. I kinda know one State Trooper. The Lidar is slowly becoming the norm, but the money to purchase them is not the issue. It comes down to case law. The theories that stand behind speed in association to the use of radar are backed by case laws. Lidar, based on the same theories ( time, distance, speed ect...) have limited case law.

 

I was also going to comment about how VA does utilize laser.