NYS, scanners in motor vehicles are prohibited.
I can't speak for any other state, but that is the case here.

Mike

 

Well our whole emt cops fire department all use a truncated network in the 900mh range every time you key the mike it locks on to an open bad in that range connecting with 12 preset channels it works like a big wheel rotating all the time so if you have a scanner here you wil only catch like a piece of say a cop saying this then the next thing you here is some emt person talking you never get a full transmission.

 

They also have trunked VHF systems in the 150meg range.

AND there's voting systems. Each tower repeater in the area listens to incoming signals and which ever towers reception is the strongest will transmit. Kind of like cell.

The smaller your urban area the the better your chances are that you'll be able to listen in. Do an online search for radio freq. or go down to radio shack and get the book. You have to remember that repeaters receive on one freq. and transmit on another, so you'll have to find and program a couple freq. to listen in. When you're hearing both sides of the conversation on one freq. that means they are talking car to car on a direct channel or have a very small system with base and mobiles-no repeater.

I wish it was as easy as on TV.

 

One of the CB laws is that it's illegal for cops to monitor the CB. Of course, many do, but that's against the FCC law.

 

this question about if the scanner or radar detector is legal to have has me scratching my head here. do you really think a person driving 85 in a 55 is worried about if his detector is legal or not. if the person is worried about it they are probably worried about doing the speed limit too. but some people have the "I'ts only illegal if you get caught" theory going on.anyway for the original ? I like my bearcat scanner $99 at radio shack. I like my whistler detector/ jammer $159 at stony ridge truckstop. my uniden CB usually lets me know about cops miles before anything else......just my $.02

 

(My cheapo Radio Shack one does.)

I managed a Radio Shack store in San Diego for a couple years. I will tell you, the scanners that RS sells are extremely high quality. Most are made by Uniden. After selling them for 5+ years and seeing maybe 3 or 4 come back to the store I would have to say that you cannot go wrong with them.

Also it is illegal to have a scanner in you vehicle unless you are some sort of safety worker like a volunteer fireman, etc. Even then it may be asked that you prove your need of having one in your car when buying it. However, what I do not know as the salesman, wont hurt me.

 

Check out http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/

It has laws for both scanners and radar detectors, and lots of good info.

 

I was just "lurking" when I saw this thread and figured I would chime in. In FL, it is illegal to have a scanner MOUNTED in your veh. IE not bolted in. I personally have a portable scanner for my vehicle and a "base" one for the house. The only advantage I have is I know what the guys are saying and where they are at the time. But, if they use the "instant on" radar, the scanner won't help a bit.

 

Scanners are illegal in your vehicle in many states. Also, radar detectors are illegal in some states (virginia and DC). Radar Detectors are illegal in all commercial vehicles. There was a lot of debate, when the Feds outlawed detectors in commercial vehicles,
about the legality of such a ban. However the ban was imposed by the transportaion dept and not the FCC.

After driving for many years over the road using radar detectors, I have learned that the only sure way to avoid getting a speeding ticket is to not speed. If you count on the radar detector to keep you from getting a ticket, plan on paying a few. I have contributed to many juridictions across this great country. Most of the time you get what you deserve. Most of the officers I dealt with over the years would give you a break if they could. It really was dependant on my attitude when I stepped out of my truck.

 

Actually you just have to listen to the transmit frequency of the repeater to hear their conversations with dispatch or each other if using the repeater. It's people who want to transmit that need both freq's.

 

I don't know about any other state but in Indiana it is a $500.00 and confiscation of the scanner.

There are ways around it. You can have one if: If you have a scanner permit from the agency you are monitoring or if you have a ham operators license. (of course if you are a cop they won't say a word)

To me the price of the ticket isn't worth it.

 

The bigger the city the more confusing this subject gets. I live in hickville so the local law uses technology that could be rated just one step above CB. Monitoring is simple, figure out the frequencies they use (usually in the 150 mhz band, or 460mhz if their town has a Walmart that pays a huge tax). In my town the local cops pretty much announce where they'll be at all times, listen for something like "I'll be 10-8 (back on duty) at highway 96 and Washington Ave."
About 10 miles away there's a large metro area that uses the 800mhz trunked system, type2 I think. I don't know of anyone yet who knows -all- the police frequencies for it.

Simply put, if you live in a small town and want to listen in, don't spend big bucks on a scanner that can receive bands you'll never hear anything on. Check the local pawn shops, I found a Radio shack Pro-91 900mhz handheld scanner for $80, in amost new condition. Didn't have to program it either, prevous owner knew the local police frequencies. When this scanner was new it went for almost $200.

IMO the only real use of a scanner in a private vehicle is for people who like to see accident and/or crime scenes in person and not on the news. Or just nosey in general. in Los Angeles there's actually people known as "springers" who mostly drive base model Econoline's equipped with scanners and other equipment, the goal is to film high speed police chases and sell the film.

As for the FCC and Cb, I don't think anyone really cares much anymore what happens on the 29mhz band. Seems lately the FCC is more concerned what happens on the tv than in radio. Unless you're really making yourself popular with that1000watt linear.

 

I have a scanner mounted in my vehicle and as far as avoiding the law with it, it is near useless. I get far better intell from the CB radio. The best way to avoid paying fines by far is to just drive defensivly and stay within the posted limits.

 

Tha Valentine 1 is actually not the best on the market. If you want a long distance radar detector go with an Escort 8500 for somewhere around $299. Look around online you might be able to find some sweet deals. http://www.escortstore.com/8500.htm is the site for escort radar detectors. About a scanner I have heard that most towns are converting to a new trunked system with help of ericcson (cell phone maker). I hope this helped.

 

as a fireman for over 20 years, and one who drove the interstates for many years to boot.ive had scanners, detectors and CB's in my car (HEY!! it got lonely at night lolol). IMHO, nothing beat the CB. Gotta love the truckers and their updates and most were on the money close to 100%, even after the cop moved. Granted, CB's really arent that popular anymore (unles your in Hazzard county where the Enos, Roscoe and Boss Hogg could talk to the Duke boys , yea, ok LOL) unless your on the interstate, but i'll take a CB in that scenario anytime. stay safe, jimmy