Do Radar Speed Signs Actually Issue Tickets?

Radar speed signs are commonly installed on roads to alert drivers of their speed and encourage compliance with speed limits. These signs, however, do not issue tickets directly. Instead, they serve as a visual deterrent and provide immediate feedback to drivers. In some cases, advanced versions of these signs might be linked to law enforcement systems that can record speeding violations, potentially leading to tickets if the violation is documented and verified.

Understanding the Purpose of Radar Speed Signs

Traditional radar speed signs are primarily informational. Their main function is to display a driver's current speed. In this context, they act as a critical tool for public safety, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and violations. If you are concerned about speeding regulations, it is wise to adhere to posted speed limits to avoid any penalties.

Do Radar Speed Signs Lead to Convictions?

The statement “if radar is run in the area you will get a citation but the sign is just a sign if you can read it you should believe it!” highlights the fact that radar speed signs do not have the capability to take pictures or record video unless they are connected to more advanced systems. In most cases, they are simply used for informational purposes. While there may be a law enforcement officer nearby, the signs themselves do not have the means to document violations.

Advanced Systems and Camera Integration

Some advanced radar speed signs do have the capability to transmit speed data to nearby locations, such as a law enforcement vehicle or a fixed camera. If a trooper is down the street and relies on this information to pull you over, the sign still serves as a warning. However, the raw data collected by these signs is typically insufficient for conviction without additional verification.

Speed Monitoring and Ticketing Practices

Speed cameras are different from radar speed signs. These cameras record the license plate numbers of vehicles that exceed the speed limit. The recorded data is then used to issue citations to the registered owner of the vehicle. While radar speed signs do not issue tickets, their presence can contribute to the awareness and deterrence of speeding, which is crucial for reducing speeding-related incidents.

Advanced Technologies and Legal Scrutiny

The article raises an interesting point about the use of advanced technologies and their impact on traffic violations. It's argued that some states use these technologies not for safety but for financial gain, leading to political corruption and bribery. The speed limit signs in such areas often comply with a non-scientific, invented number that violates motorists' constitutional rights.

The legal argument presented is based on the principle that if the speed limit is an "invented number," then any violation based on that number is also an invention. This means that the probable cause to arrest or cite a motorist based on the sign is invalid, raising significant legal questions about the use of such signs.

Conclusion

While radar speed signs primarily serve as a deterrent and provide real-time feedback to drivers, advanced systems that integrate cameras or transmit data can lead to tickets if violations are recorded and confirmed. The purpose of these signs is to improve road safety, and drivers should always be aware of their speed, even if the signs themselves do not issue tickets.