Radar Speeding Tickets in Maryland
A radar gun works by sending out radio waves at objects in the distance. The waves then bounce of the objects and return to the radar gun’s receiving station. When the radar waves reflect off a moving vehicle, something that’s known as a Doppler Shift occurs. The computer in the radar gun then uses this shift in waves to calculate the speed of the approaching vehicle.
The most common way police in Maryland use radar to detect speeding drivers is through stationary radar devices. With these devices, an officer tries to stay out of sight and waits for a speeding car. The radio waves then disperse and bounce back, letting the officer know how fast vehicles are moving. It’s often the case that once you notice the police officer it’s already too late to slow down. The radar is typically already in use and your speed has already been detected by the officer.
Another option employed by officers in Maryland is moving radar. This works much like stationary radar, but it can be used, as the name implies, while in motion. This is typically found in highway patrol vehicles and requires a bit more experience to properly operate.
Though it may seem like there’s no way out of a radar speeding ticket in Maryland, there are some issues that should be explored if a driver wants to contest a ticket. For one thing, radar calibration records can be useful for drivers seeking to have their ticket thrown out.
Police departments require that officers calibrate their radar unit every day, in fact, before and after every shift. If a unit has not been properly calibrated then the reliability of the information it dispenses can be questioned. While officers usually swear that their units were just calibrated, there are additional questions that can be asked to get at the truth of the matter.
For one thing, many officers believe calibration can be done merely by flipping a switch. In reality, a proper calibration requires the use of a tuning fork. The tuning forks are incredibly sensitive devices and if they are not kept in a box and protected from moisture and other damage then they become inaccurate. If the officer is questioned about his calibration procedure and testifies to not following protocol, that may be enough to get you off the hook.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408 for a free consultation. I’m an experienced Maryland traffic ticket lawyer and I’d be happy to help. I practice traffic law throughout the entire State of Maryland
