If police radars are not always accurate, how many mph would they be off by?

Question

Would they be off by 5mph, 10mph, 15mph, etc?

Answer 1

They are frequently calibrated.  So they are very accurate.

But the key is to using it correctly.  If the user (cop) doesn't know what he is doing, there could be error in the speed.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

I would hate to argue with an officer about the accuracy of his radar.  What gets me is they can clock you while driving towards you going at a fast rate.  Just doesn't seem fair.

Answer 3

During a recent court case in Australia, an expert witness in radar design and calibration was called to dispute a speeding fine that happened while the car was in cruise control UNDER the speed limit.

When the police found out who the witness was, they withdrew the charge. The witness went to the media and offered his help to anyone that thought that they were being prosecuted unfairly.

He contends, and says he has proof, that police radars are inaccurate by up to 10% +/-. Even though they are said to be calibrated regularly, that calibration is still subject to the same variation error.

A certificate of calibration is no proof that the radar is actually accurate.

Answer 4

Nope...............they have regular update classes that the police go through to remain certified and the radar is always accurate and calibrated on a regular basis as well.

The calibration question is always asked at court cases and the police officer will always show proof, thus you will loose..

Answer 5

Depending on the unit it can be as accurate as up to a mile an hour.  They should be calibrated every so often and have record of it.  If you got caught breaking the law, just pay the ticket and slow down.