Why is Speed Checked by Radar on Some Roads?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of radar for speed enforcement on certain roads, exploring the legality, effectiveness, and public perception of radar signs and speed cameras. Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding the enforcement of speed limits and the implications of automated ticketing systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how radar speed enforcement works and whether it is consistently monitored.
  • One participant suggests that the signs are primarily a deterrent to encourage drivers to slow down rather than indicating constant monitoring.
  • There are claims that speed radar cameras are being introduced and that they operate continuously, although their legal status varies by location.
  • Concerns are raised about the legality of tickets issued by automated systems, with some participants noting that such tickets may not be legally binding unless signed by the recipient.
  • Another participant mentions that in some states, like North Carolina, automated tickets do not affect insurance or driving records, indicating variability in enforcement practices.
  • Discussion includes references to signs indicating speed enforcement by aircraft, with skepticism about their actual enforcement.
  • One participant highlights a constitutional issue regarding the ability to cross-examine evidence in camera-based ticketing, suggesting that such tickets may be more defensible in court.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the legality and effectiveness of radar speed enforcement and automated ticketing systems. There is no consensus on the reliability of these systems or their implications for drivers.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the legality and enforcement of radar and camera-based tickets can vary significantly by state and locality, which may affect the discussion's applicability.

LightbulbSun
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I've driven down a road that had this sign before, but I don't understand what the process is. My girlfriend who's much more familiar with that road than I am said she didn't understand it either because her mother speeds down that road all the time and never gets a speeding ticket. So what radar is measuring the speed and if someone is on that road speeding then what does the radar do about it?
 
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It is just a sign announcing that you can get a ticket via a radar gun on that stretch of road, not that it is monitored 24/7 by radar.

In some states/areas, there are laws that require the posting of this notice in order for law enforcement to use radar guns as one of their tools.
 
state/city terror tactic
sign is to get you to slow down

speed radar cameras are coming
they do work 24/7/365
 
ray b said:
speed radar cameras are coming
they do work 24/7/365

They're not (currently) legal. The government is free to use them, but the resulting tickets are not legally binding until they are signed by the recipient. As a result, they can send you threatening letters demanding that you come into the station and sign the ticket, but the threats have no teeth. Tickets generated by automated systems can do you no harm unless you're dumb enough to go in and sign them.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
They're not (currently) legal. The government is free to use them, but the resulting tickets are not legally binding until they are signed by the recipient. As a result, they can send you threatening letters demanding that you come into the station and sign the ticket, but the threats have no teeth. Tickets generated by automated systems can do you no harm unless you're dumb enough to go in and sign them.

- Warren

I bet this varies by state and perhaps even by city.
 
chroot said:
They're not (currently) legal.

Apparently they are legal in North Carolina...but they don't count against your insurance or DL. I received one there once. For sure the legality varies by state though. I think in most places if they have photo enforcement, they must post a sign indicating it.
 
Here in Virginia we have signs that say "Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft." Never actually heard of it being enforced, though.

LightbulbSun said:
I've driven down a road that had this sign before, but I don't understand what the process is. My girlfriend who's much more familiar with that road than I am said she didn't understand it either because her mother speeds down that road all the time and never gets a speeding ticket. So what radar is measuring the speed and if someone is on that road speeding then what does the radar do about it?
 
Camera based tickets are prosecutable in almost all localities, but, also more easily defended than 'live' tickets. A constitutional issue that has not been satisfactorily resolved is the ability to cross examine the 'witness'. The 'big brother' flavor of such tickets makes judges uncomfortable.
 
Last edited:

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