Chesterfield Speed Reading Instruments

There are three common methods typically used to catch speeding drivers in Chesterfield: radar guns, LiDAR devices, and pacing. If accused of speeding as a result of any of these methods there are defenses available to use in court. To see what defenses may be available in your case, call and schedule a consultation with a Chesterfield reckless driving lawyer today.

Weight of Radar and LiDAR Readings in Court

The radar device and the radar reading can weigh very heavily in court. It’s the most prominent piece of evidence in determining your speed and therefore as long as the officers can show that the device was calibrated correctly and maintained correctly at the time of your ticket it will be considered legitimate.

Traffic radar instruments are very accurate. They’re tested regularly by state troopers to prove their accuracy. Unless you can show an issue with the calibration or the maintenance of the equipment, you will not be able to get the matter thrown out.

Defenses Available For Radar Readings

Other issues that can be raised in these sorts of cases is challenging the accuracy of the radar device and challenging the documentation the officers provide to ensure it calibrated within six months and tested before and after the shift. In addition, another defense would be showing if there is an issue with your own speedometer that you’re unaware of, such as if your speedometer is showing 80 miles an hour but you’re actually going 85 miles. Documentation showing that’s the case could be raised as a defense.

One of the issues that has been raised, with the LIDAR device in particular, is that it can sometimes have minor issues regarding locking on to too many targets. Also, it has been known to sometimes have interference through bright sun coming directly into contact with it or an abundance of dust in the air. However, in these instances, it’s up to you to show that the device is improper. What Chesterfield officers do is routine. They don’t use LIDAR devices that often; they usually use what’s called the Eagle radar device. With a LIDAR device, if it’s not properly maintained, then any reading from it will be thrown out of court.

Speed Reading Instrument Myths

The biggest myths about speed reading instruments in Chesterfield is that they’re not that accurate, when in fact they are, and that the officers have to show you the reading on the instruments. The officers are under no obligation or legal requirement to show you the reading on their instruments. They’re only required to testify under oath in court as to what they read on the instrument and to provide the court with documentation on the maintenance of vehicle.

Is Operator Error a Common Defense?

Operator error is not common in the use of radar guns. Officers and troopers are trained regularly in how to use and maintain these devices.

Pacing in Reckless Driving Cases

Pacing is where an officer uses his or her vehicle or speedometer to determine your speed. They’ll typically have to follow you for about a quarter mile to make a determination of your speed based on what their own vehicle reads.

Pacing is admissible evidence of speeding, however, pacing can be challenged as evidence. If the officer is going to argue that they paced you, the officer then has to provide information that their speedometer was calibrated, and the vehicle they used to pace you with was accurate and properly maintained.

Speed Readings in Court

With regard to proving your speed in court, an officer will testify as to how your speed was determined, whether by a radar device or a LIDAR device. They will testify where they were and when they saw you. They will testify what the device read when you went through the beam or the radar zone. They will then present calibrations to the court showing that the instrument had been tested and was accurate.