Using Dash Cam Footage to Contest Speeding Tickets

When a speed camera ticket is issued, the burden of proof lies with the authorities to demonstrate that you were indeed speeding. Most often, they can do this through calibrated and certified systems and equipment that are beyond the margin of error. Simply having a dashboard camera (dash cam) does little to negate the evidence they provide unless that evidence is meticulously documented and verified.

Why Dash Cam Footage Alone Might Not Suffice

In the vast majority of cases, dash cam footage alone is not sufficient to contest a speeding ticket. The authorities have the necessary tools and protocols in place to create airtight proof of infraction. Speed measurements are usually taken from fixed cameras or officer vehicles with speed measuring devices that have undergone rigorous calibration and certification processes. The footage you provide from your dash cam lacks these same verifications, making it difficult to use effectively in court.

For instance, if you are accused of speeding and your dash cam footage shows you were actually driving within the legal limit, you could present this evidence. But this must be backed by a chain of custody that certifies the footage is genuine and has not been tampered with. Many dash cam memory cards and the devices themselves do not have such certifications, much less a chain of custody.

When Dash Cam Footage Can Help

There are instances where dash cam footage can indeed aid in your defense. For example, if you were charged with hitting a pedestrian and your dash cam footage revealed that only the grandmother was involved, the charge would be significantly reduced. However, in most speeding cases, this additional evidence alone is insufficient.

To effectively use dash cam footage in a speeding contest, several key elements need to be in place:

Chain of Custody: Your dash cam memory card must have a certified chain of custody from the moment the incident occurred. GPS Calibration: Your dash cam's GPS must be calibrated and certified by an authority that has been ratified by the courts. Unaltered Evidence: The same authority must confirm that your dashcam video has not been tampered with since it was recorded.

However, even if these elements are in place, you still face the challenge of convincing a judge of the reliability of your evidence. You need to prove that your speedometer reading matches the exact time your dash cam captured the footage and that there has been no alteration to the video.

Alternatives to Dash Cam Evidence

Another approach is to find an app that records your GPS-calculated speed without the capability to alter that data. This might be a viable alternative to using a dash cam since it provides a more direct measurement of speed over time.

Preventing Tickets by Proper Driving Behavior

While technology can help in some cases, the best method to avoid speeding tickets is to drive safely and courteously. Setting your cruise control on highways and interacting reasonably with police officers can also serve as effective deterrents. If you are pulled over, calmly explaining your circumstances and why you believe a different speed measurement applies can be more convincing than trying to prove the exact speed through novice methods.

In conclusion, while dashboard cameras can provide varying levels of assistance in legal disputes, the process of proving a speeding infraction through dash cam footage is complex and requires thorough verification and evidence presentation. In practical terms, adhering to the law and proper driving behavior are the best ways to avoid being issued a speeding ticket in the first place.