GPS Data Used To Disprove Radar Gun In Speeding Trial

from the not-so-fast dept

Over the past couple months, we've pointed to the misuses of technology to enforce traffic laws, particularly red light cameras which often end up causing more accidents or allow municipalities to decrease the yellow light time and increase ticket revenue. Last fall we noted the case of a teenager who was challenging another technological traffic enforcement: radar guns -- and he was using a different technology to do so: his GPS system. Now, the 18-year old driver has successfully contested that speeding ticket which he was issued for allegedly traveling 62 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Luckily for the teen, his car had an advanced GPS system which not only provided directions but measured velocity to "within 1 mph." After receiving a trial and bringing a GPS expert to testify to the accuracy of the device, the $190 ticket has been dismissed. What is not clear is why the police officer's radar gun output was more than 1/3 inflated (though this is hardly an isolated incident). Also, as a number of people have pointed out, similar GPS data, if widespread, could also come to serve as critical evidence in convicting traffic law violators instead of providing a check on state authority.

Filed Under: gps, radar guns, speeding tickets