Which speed radar detector do you use?


Today, I will be talking about speed radar detectors but first of all, let’s all pray that the newly reactivated speed cameras won’t be flashing people randomly after the end of their “test” period. lol. As announced on Sunday, they were temporary turned off for “a slight technical mistake” but they are supposed to be back into operation in a “self-testing mode” as from Tuesday 28 May 2013 at noon.

Radar detectors

Most of you probably already know what is a radar detector but nevertheless, it is important to remind people that radar detectors might not be of any help in case a police officer points his laser gun directly towards your car. At this point of time, the device will have most probably already recorded your current speed. However, it works well (at least for you), if the officer is pointing at other cars around you.

Laser jammers

Unlike speed radar detectors, the laser jammers are mostly ideal for the hand-held guns. They will literally confuse radars by emitting light of another wavelength and as a result, the radar will show no or zero readings.

And if you have more money to invest to be on the “safer” side, laser jammers might be made for you.

Which features should you look for?

Without going into much details, I will quickly go through a few features that can be useful when choosing a detector :

  • GPS technology to save or mark locations at a button press for the detector to warn you or ignore the location the next time you come in the region.
  • Detection ranges vary depending on models, so you probably want to buy one which informs you long way ahead.
  • Voice warning can be useful but sometimes annoying too.
  • Filter modes (for example City mode to bring down the sensitivity level or ignore known signals emitted by different sensors).
  • Radar-detector detector (RDD) are features featuring on some models that prevent detectors from finding your radar detector *yeah lol*.

Bands used in Mauritius

You must also ensure that your radar detector checks for the correct frequency bands used by the cameras and radars in Mauritius. For example, it has been reported that

  • The new Truvelo speed cameras use both the K and the KA band.
  • The old mobile cameras use the K band and
  • The hand held guns use laser


Prices of speed radar detectors might start as low as Rs1, 500 for simple china-made models in Mauritius (and of course, cheaper online) while the laser jammers might cost around $1000 (unconfirmed price), again depending on models.

Which one do you use?

None of these devices are forbidden by law in Mauritius, at least not yet. But this might change with time, just like the use of headsets (and bluetooth ones) while driving. This also means that you won’t get any problems with the customs while importing them. And for those who missed the post about the map showing speed cameras in Mauritius, click here.

You are the most welcomed to share any additional information you know and also, the model you use (if you have one of course).


25 thoughts on “Which speed radar detector do you use?

Add yours

      1. Using a Cobra 9645 😉
        Having a speed radar detector does not means that one is speeding. But it is good to know if there is a radar in front or not.


    1. Stay below your speed limit 🙂

      Seriously, having a speed detector does not necessary mean that you drive above speed limits. Some might have one just to know when to say hi to police officers hiding in bushes or behind trees **troll**


      1. I mean what speed detector do you recommend? :p

        Actually I always do my best to drive within my speed limit. The problem is that sometimes if the speed limit is 60, and I go 61-65 I hear that the camera flashes, can you confirm that? There should have been a range of +5.

        It is tough to drive on a motorway under 60 when it is soooo freeee with less cars on the road. 😦


      2. I don’t know about now. But earlier it was a tolerance of 10km/h.
        For example in a 60km zone. They would start flashing you if you are doing 71. I have no idea if it is still the same or they changed it.


  1. Much better than any of your gadgets: save your money and learn to drive within what the laws allow you to.

    I bet you that most readers here would fail a test in defensive driving – which is actually the norm in most places of the world.


      1. Oh yes.

        My comment of that time, though strange, still applies.

        Trust no-one using the roads, as you rightly summarised.

        I’ll even add: not even the road markings/furniture: go beyond them, because through poor maintenance, they’re mostly worn out and/or invisible.


    1. agree. most will fail the test.

      BUT were are in Mauritius and in Mauritius the Cops do hide behind bushes with their guns….. Do speed check on a down slope on the motorway with limit 60km


      1. Easy: downshift to 3rd gear and let it go downhill, but keep foot on brake for some shithead who may cut you off…
        For automatic gears, downshift from ‘D’ to ‘2’, and let go, else you may overheat your brake pads, and it’ll smell awful!


  2. In my opinion we should drive within the speed limit. Mauritius is a small island and driving fast for a short period of time won’t give us that time economy.


  3. These are forbidden by law here in France:


    There’s a 1500€ (Rs 60000) fine and the equivalent of 2 points on your driving license. All satellite guidance (GPS) have had radar information removed in France and if yours does not abide by the law that’s 6 points for you as well as the fine.

    The bottom line if one is looking for such a device is that the person is a pure idiot not wanting to respect the rules and a wanna be criminal wanting to put other people’s lives in danger, theirs doesn’t count.


  4. Do i need clearance from ICTA to buy a radar detector from say, eBay ?
    What other charges I need take into consideration ? I guess 15% VAT if above Rs 1000 ?



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