What is the minimum distance required for a pacing maneuver to be valid?

The minimum distance required for a pacing maneuver to be considered valid is 1/4 mile. This distance is critical as it allows for an accurate measurement of a vehicle's speed relative to the officer's pace. Pacing involves matching the speed of a target vehicle with a law enforcement vehicle to estimate the speed of the former. If the distance is too short, the readings could be affected by various factors such as acceleration or deceleration of the target vehicle, or the officer's own speed adjustments. By having a minimum of 1/4 mile, officers can ensure that they have sufficient time and distance to achieve a consistent speed, reducing the likelihood of measurement errors and providing a more reliable basis for law enforcement actions concerning speeding violations.