This radar detector has saved me from numerous tickets. I did get one ticket from from a cop using laser, and my detector never went off so the laser detector part is lacking. On the highway you will get some notice but not much. I noticed that i would get one alert bar about 5 seconds before i see the cop, then it goes to full alert. My advice is as soon as you hear it, step on the brakes especially on the highway. Another tip, if you get a one bar alert for a prolonged period, chances are that a cop is either driving behind or in front of you with radar on, so be careful. Overall, once you get used to it capabilities, is is very useful.