What is the recommended speed range for patrol car speed and speedometer readings?

The recommended speed range for patrol car speed and speedometer readings is typically within ±3 miles per hour. This standard is established to ensure that officers can accurately assess speeds when conducting traffic enforcement. A tolerance of ±3 mph allows for both the calibration limitations of the vehicle’s speedometer and variances that can occur during speed measurement.

Maintaining this standard is important for both the effectiveness and legitimacy of speed enforcement practices. A tighter range like ±2 mph might be overly stringent given the natural discrepancies that can arise in speed measurement systems, while a broader range could undermine the reliability and precision needed for enforcing speed limits.

By adhering to the ±3 mph range, officers can confidently issue citations while minimizing the chance of disputes in court regarding the accuracy of speed assessments, thereby promoting fair and equitable enforcement of speed laws.