The basis for a New York speeding ticket is the claim that a driver knowingly exceeded the posted limit on a section of the road. The higher someone’s speed, the more the ticket will cost. In some areas, like construction or school zones, tickets may carry enhanced fines.
Out-of-state drivers, like college students and their parents, are often at elevated risk of speeding tickets in part because of the long trips they make and a lack of familiarity with local ordinances. All too often, those pulled over and issued a speeding ticket just pay the fine. This is the equivalent of pleading guilty to the offense.
Sometimes, those stopped for a speeding infraction recognize that they violated the speed limit. Other times, they may question the officer’s claims and assert that they complied with the posted limit, so they want to fight back. Is it possible for the device used to determine someone’s speed to produce inaccurate results?
In ideal settings, radar and laser testing is highly accurate
Police officers typically utilize laser or radar technology to determine the speed of a vehicle. These devices, when used properly in ideal conditions, are usually accurate to within a few miles per hour. However, issues including calibration mistakes and unusual weather conditions can affect the accuracy of the device used to determine someone’s speed.
In scenarios where drivers insist that they did not drive as fast as the officer reported, a review of device maintenance records and officer training documentation might help clarify whether someone actually broke the speed limit or not.
Exploring the evidence against an individual is an important starting point for a driver hoping to fight a traffic ticket.