Originally Posted by mmarshall

Your state (CA) is like mine (VA) in that it has both rural, free-flowing traffic areas and some of the worst urban/suburban traffic in the country. And, as far as a "police state" goes, CA laws that regulate autos and driving are among the toughest in the country......everything from CARB and emissions, car model availability, registration, speed limits, gasoline blends, motor vehicle taxes.....you name it. CA is also the home of one of the country's most outspoken vehicle critics....Arianna Huffington. Radar detectors (one of the thread topics) are one of the very few things that your state is more permissive in than mine....perhaps the only one.

Originally Posted by IS-SV

I guess you missed the point, let others explain.

Regulation of emissions, registration, gasoline, motor vehicle taxes have nothing to do with topic here. Driving laws in CA are not more rigid than those of VA and actual enforcement is different. The term from drivers in VA (police state) is not my opinion, but the opinion of others.

Originally Posted by mmarshall

I didn't miss the point. I've heard the term "police state" used to cover the traffic laws in both states (and, of course, in D.C. and close-in MD), which are even worse).......from drivers who have had experience in all of these places.

Consequently, TX (especially Western TX) and MT seem to be among the most lax. MT, for a while, had no speed limits at all, and TX, for example, used to mail out coupon-books for drivers where one could use a state-approved coupon and pay only $5 for a speeding ticket. (and so much for the idea that speeding tickets are primarily for revenue-collection).

Originally Posted by Richard95

Virginia has proposed changes in speed limits and on the use of radar. The state has proposed the increase in speed limit from 65 to 70 mph in the rural areas. They are also looking at allowing the use of radar. They said that they are the only state that bans them so they may allow them.

Originally Posted by I8ABMR

Speed limit in rural areas of AZ is 75 mph. That usually brings cruising speeds to 85-90 mph. Its awesome for long trips to CAlifornia. You can make pretty decent time