Photo Enforcement

Page 11 - Photo Enforcement

Photo enforcement in used with several different methods, but all use a computerized photo system.

Photo speed enforcement is set to photograph vehicles traveling above a predetermined speed (5 to 10 miles-per-hour over the speed limit).

Some fixed speed cameras use sensors that are embedded in the roadway to measure your speed, others use radar.

Red light camera also use sensors in the roadway to capture your violation.

The results are reviewed and a ticket is mailed. Each image contains the date, time, location and vehicle speed. The photo radar company processes the data and gets the owner information.

There are five different types of counter measurement devices that you can use, to defeat the enforcement cameras.

Radar Detectors with GPS Traffic Enforcement Camera System - Best!

These devices combine a GPS speed camera device (described below) and radar detection.

By having both the radar detector and the Enforcement Camera system combined into one unit, you will receive advanced warnings of the fixed devices but also the portable photo radar devices used in vans. The Escort 9500ix and the Bel GX65 are Radar Roy's highest-rated products and our most popular units.

GPS Based Warning Systems - Good!

These devices have become very popular in European countries, especially where radar detectors are illegal and they are now coming to the United States.

These devices, no larger than a pack of cigarettes, mount to your windshield or lay on your dash.

The Cheetah GPS Mirror, is a rear view mirror that has one of the GPS systems embedded into the mirror. This mirror is designed to clip to and attach to your existing rear view mirror.

These units have a database of fixed traffic enforcement cameras in use in the USA and Canada. As you approach one of these cameras the GPS device alerts you and counts down the distance in feet or meters until you pass the threat.

It is recommended that you download database updates from the manufacture on a regular basis. The Cheetah C100 and the GPS Mirror are our two most popular models.

Radar Detectors

There are two different methods used in the USA that speed enforcement cameras use to measure your speed, radar and embedded sensors.

Commonly referred to as photo radar and the most popular of the speed enforcement cameras, use radar to measure speed. A good radar detector such as the Escort 8500 X50 or the Beltronics RX65 will detect these type of enforcement cameras in enough time for you to slow down.

However, radar detectors will not work with speed enforcement or red light cameras that use embedded sensors in the roadway to measure speed. Therefor to have complete protection we would suggest having both a radar detector and a GPS-based camera alerting system.

Plate Covers - Fair

A less expensive alternative if they are allowed in the areas you drive, are the anti-photo enforcement license plate covers, such as the Super Protector.

These covers go over your license plate(s) and keep the plate visible while you are directly behind the vehicle. However, if you are offset on an angle, where the photo enforcement cameras would be positioned, a portion of your license plate is blocked.

Washington D.C. has strict laws regarding these covers and violations can cost well over $300.00.

Many people use and buy these covers as maybe evident to you as you drive around your local streets. But it is recommended that you check with your state and local departments on laws in your area regarding these covers, prior to you applying them.

Photo Spray

The least effective method of beating the photo enforcement cameras are photo sprays such as the Photo Stop or Photo Blocker.

The spray is ineffective in blocking the flash from the camera as the manufacturer's claim.

A flash back device is advertised as a device that will sense the flash of a photo enforcement camera and simultaneously flashes its own strobe light onto the license plate.

Radar Roy has tested the FV2 in January of 2006, just after the city of Scottsdale, Arizona installed their sensor-based photo enforcement cameras along the 101 Freeway. During this period the city of Scottsdale were sending out warning letters to violators captured by their cameras. In four runs the FV2 failed to work as advertised by the manufacturer.

Consumer Warning>>