What's the greatest distance a cop car with radar can be from another car and still pick up how fast they are going?
2006-12-13 08:48:03 · 11 answers · asked by MichaelP 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
to a mile away.
2006-12-13 08:50:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no one right answer to this question. there are way too many variables.
Model and frequency of the radar used.
Traffic conditions
Weather conditions
Terrain.
As stated by another however, a Police Officer must first visually observe a car to possibly be speeding then target it with the radar. This means a City Cop would be limited to perhaps a city block whereas a Highway patrol officer could get you a mile or two away.
Too Many people think a cop just leaves his radar on and hits every car that comes along. Not only is this impractical but it is unlawful as well.
RADAR is radio waves. Electromagnetic Radiation. just as light and microwaves are. Theoretically the range of any given radar is limited only by the power and parameters of the signal, and the radar horizon (Curvature of the earth)
2006-12-13 17:18:16 · answer #2 · answered by CG-23 Sailor 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends - is the land flat? Pretty far. Is it foggy or rainy - not far. Is it an old k-band not very far. Is it a new x-band and multi radar/light with video? Pretty far. Most tickets are 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile because an officer has to OBSERVE the car and verify the speed with radar.
2006-12-13 16:55:26 · answer #3 · answered by Drop Zone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.copradar.com/index.html
Unfortunately many people have the misperception that police traffic radar is infallible, it is not. This document is intended to familiarize the reader with the use and misuse of radar by examining basic scientific and engineering principles in detail. There are numerous instances of unintentional (and a few intentional) abuses. Observing speed limits does not guarantee immunity from an undeserved ticket.
Victims of police traffic radar, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, police (especially those who specialize or train others in radar), accident reconstruction specialists, science and engineering professionals, educators and students will appreciate the detailed technical information presented on this site.
2006-12-13 17:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would depend on the radar unit and the weather conditions, terrain.
The hand held units we use (in good sunny weather) on flat land will detect cars a good 500m away.
2006-12-13 19:07:18 · answer #5 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1/2 mile to 1 mile away
2006-12-13 16:49:43 · answer #6 · answered by topgunpilot22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always heard 2 miles, but that was my Dad telling me that. He might have been just trying to scare me into obeying the speed limit.
2006-12-13 16:50:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Experience speaking, most states it is 2 miles....
2006-12-13 17:03:17 · answer #8 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well considering they pick up speed using a light, I imagine it can be rather far as long as they have an unobstructed view.
2006-12-13 16:52:22 · answer #9 · answered by godoompah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i heard 1.5 miles away
2006-12-13 16:54:36 · answer #10 · answered by Luis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋