What must an officer have to issue a speeding citation?

To issue a speeding citation, an officer must have probable cause to believe that the motorist was exceeding the specified speed limit. This means that the officer has a reasonable basis for suspecting that a violation of the speed law has occurred. Probable cause can be established through various methods, such as observing the vehicle's speed visually or through the use of speed measuring devices.

Having probable cause is essential because it ensures that the officer is acting within the law and that the citation is justifiable. This legal threshold protects individuals from arbitrary enforcement of laws, allowing for due process. The context of the traffic stop and the officer's observations play a critical role in establishing this probable cause. For example, if an officer observes a vehicle exhibiting behavior consistent with excessive speed, such as weaving through traffic or passing other vehicles quickly, this can effectively serve as probable cause.

In contrast, other options might seem relevant but do not provide the same level of legal justification. Witness confirmation may support a case but is not required for the officer to take action. Visual confirmation of speed is useful and often necessary, but it again does not alone constitute the legal standard of probable cause needed for issuing a citation. Lastly, pursuing a vehicle (a chase) to gather evidence of speeding is