RICHMOND
--It looks like Virginia will remain the only state in the nation that bans radar detectors.A bill to lift the ban failed in the House of Delegates yesterday, after opponents argued it would legalize devices that exist only to break the law.
"One of the worst homicides I have ever observed was due to a gentleman that was going an excessive rate of speed," said Del. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, who is a former prosecutor. "Excessive speed on the streets of the commonwealth is a major problem, and it leads to the death of many people. It is going to allow those who would violate the law and put others at risk. I don't think we ought to be passing laws that are going to make our streets less safe."
DETECTORS SLOW DOWN MOTORISTS, SPONSOR SAYS
The bill's sponsor, Del. Joe May, R-Leesburg, said studies show that radar detectors slow traffic.
"They slow down traffic. Unequivocally, no questions asked, the data is there," May said. "If your objective is to slow down the traffic, then why would we object? It may have been designed to break the law, but the truth of the matter is, it slows down traffic."
May also said that repealing the ban on radar detectors would make traffic laws more uniform, and make Virginia more welcoming.
He referred to the signs on highways at the state line, which inform motorists that radar detectors are illegal.
"That's not the most welcome sign I've ever seen when I entered into a state," May said. "You'd have to say it's a little anti-business and anti-tourist."
There was also some dispute over whether the bill would have also legalized radar jammers--May said no, Del. Bill Carrico, R-Greyson, said yes.
"If we pass this bill, you will allow laser and radar jammers to exist in this state," Carrico said.
The bill had failed on Wednesday, but by a narrow vote, and afterwards delegates had it reconsidered and then postponed until today.
This time it failed by a vote of 38-61.
Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com