Can a cop give me a speeding ticket if I'm in front of them?

Question

Okay, so the other day I was driving to work and I saw a silver car behind me, but I didn't see any lights on top of the car, so I slowed down just to be safe. I put my cruise control on and when I started to turn down the street in big letters on the side of the car said "State Trooper" so I felt relieved. I got to work and all but when I told a co-worker of mine that I coped followed me on the way and she told me this

"well, it doesn't matter because they aren't allowed to clock you since you were in front of them" She said something about they don't have a accurate reading on the speed.

I live in the State of North Carolina, I looked this up and haven't found anything. So is this true? Or is she trying to get me a ticket? Help me out please! Thank you!

Answer 1

In my state and my department, the Police drive police cruisers with certified calibration speedometers, mostly crown victoria police interceptors. That means that the speedometers are calibrated to be accurate at the factory. This means that the officer can "pace" you, or follow you for a short or long distance at the same speed as you, depending on the road conditions, and once the vehicles are travelling together at the same speed, whatever the speed is on the police car is the same as yours. SO if you are speeding, the officer only needs to testify to this in court, and prove that his speedometer is certified calibration and that he physically observed that your vehicle was going faster than the posted speed limit. Also we have Decatur Genesis II radar's in our cars that have the function to "clock" cars that are in front and back of us that are going in the same direction as us. So either way it is probably best to drive safely at all times and your checking account and driving record will be in good graces.

Answer 2

She's probably just misinformed. I live in NC too, and I've been pulled by an officer who was driving behind me. You could potentially get it argued down to a lesser charge if you had to take it to court. I have a friend whose husband is a sheriff's deputy, and she said that the officers usually have to purchase the radar gun on their own if they want to use one. I've also heard that there's a certain speed they'll actually bother pulling you for because the speeds that are clocked can be inaccurate around 5-10mph. With all that said, the cop could still get you for speeding. If he maintains the same speed you're going and that speed is over the limit, it's clear you're speeding.

Just for fun but not actually necessary for you to know for your question, when I was pulled by the cop traveling behind me, I explained WHY I was speeding. It was late at night, and the driveway I pulled out of was on a hill. Even though I didn't see a car coming, I could easily understand if a car might feel like I pulled out in front. I felt that way that night, and the cop was riding my tail, so I sped up out of courtesy (and to be quite frank, because a young girl driving late at night doesn't need to try to tick off cars behind her, ya know?). I explained all this to the officer, and he let me off with a warning. When I got home, I realized I was wearing a shirt with a glow-in-the-dark turtle on it with the words, "Speed kills" underneath. :P

Answer 3

you could constantly attempt. If his automobile and radar/laser has been calibrated, or you're in a state the place it is not proper, you're caught. The gadget is able to addition, that's all it needs to do. in case you're vacationing at 70, and the cop automobile is vacationing at sixty 5, then the radar might study 5 mph, the difference in velocity between the two automobiles. it somewhat is all tied mutually in greater moderen cop automobiles, and the study out provides your velocity average to the cop. My 2d little bit of advice is provide up attempting to weasel out of issues, and take the non-public accountability to your movements. Pay the effective. you're an grownup, you know the regulations. they're there for each man or woman's risk-free practices, and have faith it or not, they do be conscious to you as properly.

Answer 4

I don't clock from behind, I pace. If my calibrated speedometer says we're doing 65 in a 40 zone, you can bet I'll write a cite.

I don't use radar, pacing is all I use. I also don't write unless its 10+ over the limit. Totally stands up in court every time.

Answer 5

Your friends response made absolutely no sense at all. Radar detectors are built into the squad car, most with sensors out the front and the back of the squad cars. The detectors are able to tell exactly how fast the squad is traveling, and how fast other cars are traveling.

Each officer with the radar detectors is to calibrate them daily...sometimes twice daily depending on their agency.

They are very accurate...every time.

If they can't clock you when they are behind you, when are they supposed to do it? Follow you backward down the freeway?

Answer 6

If they are measuring your speed the old fashioned way, by driving at the speed limit and seeing if you pass them, then they would have to be to your side. But if they have radar (which they all do these days), then they can measure your speed from anywhere.

Answer 7

No ticket when the police car did not give any warning for speeding while cruising.

Answer 8

Not true.

My car radar has a same direction mode. It can tell me your speed if you are in the same lane and going the same direction as me. It is perfectly accurate.

Also, I can just pace you (using my speedometer and matching your speed. If the speed limit is 45 and you are in front of me; I am going 60 and you are still pulling away...I know you are speeding). Perfectly valid, legal and is done all the time.

Answer 9

Yes if I am doing 45 and you are pulling away from me but not that fast you are going around 50 if it is a 45 then you are speeding and I will give you a ticket.

Answer 10

I think they should be able to fine you for speeding. They are behind you so of course they can tell the speed you were going. They can turn their lights on anytime, and I suggest you go the speed limit, or stop go to the side of road and let him pass. If he hasn't stopped you by now..you're darn lucky!
Count your blessings, I wouldn't provoke him.