Is It Possible for a Radar Gun to Clock the Wrong Car?

Regardless of popular belief, radar technology, when used correctly and understood properly, cannot clock the wrong car. Radar operates by sending out a signal that bounces off nearby objects and returns to the radar device, which then measures the speed of that return. However, there are instances where a radar gun might record a speed that does not belong to the car it was aimed at.

Why a Radar Gun Might Record the Wrong Speed

For a radar gun to accurately measure the speed of a vehicle, it needs to receive the strongest return signal. This is because radar technology locks onto the strongest signal detected within the range of the radar beam. Thus, if a larger vehicle near the targeted car is providing a stronger return signal, the radar gun might record the speed of the larger vehicle instead.

No one can deny the possibility of this happening, especially in certain scenarios. I personally witnessed such an incident as a city employee. Once, while on a busy residential road, I had to pull my city vehicle off the main road into the swale for some paperwork. A sworn officer then approached me, hidden behind some shrubbery, to run his radar. A few moments later, he let out a curse and claimed that he had clocked a low-flying plane, recording 180 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Police Training and Mistakes

Yes, it is indeed possible for a police officer to make a mistake with a radar gun. Police are trained to interpret the data provided by their devices, but human error can still occur. Police radars display the fastest large return they find. Officers are taught to use visual estimation of speed and a valid tracking history to substantiate if a vehicle is speeding. However, if multiple vehicles are within the radar beam, the device will read the speed of all vehicles that enter the beam. Some vehicles might be more reflective or in a better position, leading to a higher recorded speed.

Modern Innovations: LIDAR Devices

Recent advancements in technology have introduced LIDAR devices, particularly handheld ones, which can provide greater accuracy. One notable feature of these devices is their ability to take a reflection from the car's number plate and photograph the plate to reduce the chances of identifying the wrong vehicle. This technology is still in its early stages and has not been widely adopted by law enforcement as of this writing.

Conclusion

While radar guns are highly reliable and accurate tools for measuring vehicle speed, it is essential to understand their limitations. Factors such as the size and reflectivity of nearby objects can affect the accuracy of the speed measurement. Always be prepared for the possibility of human error and follow the guidelines provided for using radar and LIDAR devices correctly.