Radar Gun Requirements

[twogrenades]

I received a speeding ticket this morning for going 71 in a 60 mph zone. After receiving my ticket, I requested to see the radar gun. The officer told me no and not to get out of the car as he walked back to his bike. I've heard different opinions on whether the officer is required to show the speed on the radar gun or not. I've been searching the web and have not found an answer. I also talk to a local volunteer deputy that says state patrol requirements are different from the local sheriffs deputies. I'm not sure which department pulled me over but it was in Kitsap County, WA. Thanks for any information, Carlos

 

[CdwJava]

No, there is NO law in ANY state that requires an officer to show you the radar reading. There are a great number of reasons NOT to do it, and most of them have to do with safety of all the parties involved.

There may be a couple of agencies that have polices requiring officers to do so on request, but it would be a ridiculous policy. And even if the agency that stopped you HAD such a policy, this breach of policy would not be grounds for dismissal of the citation as it would have nothing to do with the violation. (A policy is an internal rule governing conduct whereas the law is one that tends to be mandated.)

- Carl

 

[theatrebrad]

Does the officer need to "lock in" the speed on his radar? I too asked if I could see the radar. He said no, but it wouldn't matter anyway because the speed wasn't locked in. I also wanted to add that the car I was driving has built in radar detection that did not make any noise at the time.

Also, I have a CA driver's license and I got the ticket in Texas. Since these states have very different traffic laws than most states, can I take defensive driving by internet?

 

[CdwJava]

I don't know of any state that requires an officer "lock" a speed. And whether you can take an internet driving school depends on the state and county of the offense, and your driving history.

- Carl