What characteristic of radar and laser devices is crucial for accurate speed measurements?

Calibration accuracy is a critical characteristic of radar and laser devices for accurate speed measurements. Calibration ensures that the device is properly adjusted to provide reliable readings, which is essential for law enforcement and traffic monitoring. When a radar or laser device is calibrated accurately, it can consistently measure the speed of moving vehicles without significant error.

The calibration process involves comparing the measurements of the device against a known standard. If a radar or laser device is not calibrated correctly, it may give inaccurate speed readings leading to enforcement actions based on erroneous data. Ensuring that these devices are regularly calibrated according to manufacturer specifications and legal standards is vital for maintaining their reliability and validity in speed enforcement situations.

While other factors such as signal legibility, speed range, and field of view can influence the effectiveness of speed measurement devices, they do not have the same direct impact on the integrity of the readings as calibration accuracy.