Device helps you dodge tickets - legally

[Magnum Power]

This is something I found for the LX Members in Canada were radar detectors are illegal.

Database paired with GPS system beeps at drivers when they approach speed traps, red-light cameras
Jun 13, 2009 04:30 AM
ADRIAN MORROW
STAFF REPORTER
As a finishing carpenter with jobs across the GTA, Gabor Sarvary uses a GPS system to help him navigate from his west-end home to work sites in Brampton, Markham and Hamilton.

Now, he's also using the device to avoid getting tickets for speeding or running a red light.

It's all thanks to a program called PhantomAlert. The system contains a database of speed traps, red-light cameras and alcohol check stops, information that is then fed into its subscribers' GPS systems. When Sarvary is within 250 metres of a speed trap, the system beeps at him, telling him to slow down.

And unlike photo radar detectors, the software is legal in the province.

"It's really helpful to drive more safely, it helps me keep to the speed limit," said Sarvary, 36.

Washington, D.C., resident Joseph Scott, who started the company two years ago, says the purpose of the software is exactly that – to encourage users to drive more safely.

"This service is designed to keep people from running red lights and to slow down," he said.

To get PhantomAlert, drivers must already have a GPS system, then sign up for the service on the company's website at a cost of $9.99 for a month, $39.99 for a year or $99.99 for life.

Most of the database is user-generated, meaning drivers such as Sarvary can log on to PhantomAlert's website and add new red-light cameras or speed traps when they encounter them. The company also uses a team of employees to check for cameras and verify listings posted by users.

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Dave Woodford doesn't think PhantomAlert would be effective.

"We're always on the move when we run radar," he says, meaning that, by the time the database is updated with a new photo radar location, the officer has probably moved on.

Woodford hasn't encountered the system yet, but said illegal radar detectors generally don't encourage motorists to drive more safely.

"All they're trying to do is beat the system," he said. "When there's radar, they slow down, then they get past it and speed up again."

Sgt. Tim Burrows, a Toronto traffic officer, says PhantomAlert essentially does the same thing that police do before a photo radar blitz or a crackdown on impaired driving. By advertising the locations of photo radar and check stops, the system encourages its users to avoid drinking and driving, or slow down in the area.

"I have no problem with it whatsoever," said Burrows, who himself writes Twitter updates on areas of the city being targeted by photo radar. "We've never hidden where we set up our R.I.D.E. spot checks."

Larry Stefanuik, a retired Winnipeg police officer who sells the system on his website, argues that photo radar and red-light cameras often target otherwise safe drivers, driving just slightly over the speed limit, and PhantomAlert helps them drive better.

"Here you have a tool, a 100 per cent legal tool, to not only avoid photo radar, but to make you a safer driver," he said.

The system has about 10,000 subscribers, about 10 to 15 per cent of whom are in Canada, said Scott. He expects the number to double.

For Sarvary, the system is invaluable. In the four months he's had the system, he hasn't had a ticket.

"It's just helping you not to break the law," he said. "It's tapping your shoulder."

[TheBeastMaster]

Nice find. Another option would be the Bel STI Driver radar detector. It's heavily shielded, and is undetectable to radar detector detectors.

[formerice]

I have the Escort Solo and its powered by 4 AA batteries, no cords. If I'm driving in Canada and it goes off, I check my speed and immediately turn it off. Only once did the officer seem to be inclined to follow me, so I tossed it in my wife's purse. Radar detectors can save your license as well as your life. Nothing will snap you to attention on a long boring road than having your detector go off!

[Beancounter]

Buy an expensive shielded detector and buy a cheap useless detector... if the cops ever pull you over for having a detector give him/her the cheap one.

I really don't go fast enough anymore to warrant a detector. I feel like I am getting old =(

[MAN WGN]

I just found an iphone app like this and its FREE!!!! it's called trapster, i installed it yesterday and it already saved my butt! Your phone will talk to you when you get close to the trap or red light camera to warn you.

[BCasey]

Buy an expensive shielded detector and buy a cheap useless detector... if the cops ever pull you over for having a detector give him/her the cheap one.

I really don't go fast enough anymore to warrant a detector. I feel like I am getting old =(

problem with this is in Canada (atleast ontario) its a huge fine and tons of points if ur caught with one. so you may not lose the detector but you will paying ALOT and getting alot of points