What is the acceptable margin of error for radar speed readings?

The acceptable margin of error for radar speed readings is typically set at 1 to 2 mph, which aligns with standard practices in law enforcement and speed enforcement technology. This range ensures that radar devices can accurately measure vehicle speeds while allowing for slight variances due to environmental factors, calibration differences, and other variables that can affect radar readings.

This margin is designed to maintain the integrity of speed enforcement while accounting for the realities of operating radar equipment. A margin of 1 to 2 mph is widely accepted in many jurisdictions because it strikes a balance between precision and practical functionality in traffic monitoring.

In jurisdictions where radar technology is regularly used to enforce speed limits, adherence to this margin of error is crucial for upholding the validity of speeding citations and ensuring fair enforcement practices. Setting a margin that is too wide, such as 2 to 3 mph or 3 to 5 mph, might undermine the reliability of radar data and could lead to significant legal challenges in the event of disputes over speed violations.