Slow down! Did you know that Florida police have at least four different ways they can catch you speeding? Well it’s true and they are always on the lookout for any driver going over the posted limit. In fact, it was recently reported that the state of Florida hands out more speeding tickets than any other state. With that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the various types of speed measurement devices in Florida.

1. Radar: Certainly the most common speed measurement device in Florida, one of the reasons radars are so popular is because they can measure both moving and stationary modes.
2. Laser: Lasers are gaining popularity with state and local law enforcement because of their accuracy. One major difference between a laser and radar has to do with versatility- a laser can only be used in stationary mode.
3. Pace: riding behind or alongside you while you drive, a police officer will pace off you until he or she has a reasonable idea of how fast you may be driving. This type of measurement is extremely popular with undercover cops for obvious reasons.
4. Aircraft/Helicopter Clock: You may have seen a sign on the highway before informing you that your speed is being checked by aircraft. If not, now you know that it is an option. Florida Highway Patrol pilots spend most of their days patrolling the roadways for speeding vehicles. In order to get an accurate read on your speed, the pilot will use certified stopwatches to clock how quickly you get between two designated points. When the pilot determines you may be speeding, he or she will phone an officer on the ground to issue you a citation.

Whichever method you get pulled over with, when fighting the speeding ticket the citing officer has to show up to court and prove the accuracy of the method he or she used. For instance, in the case of a radar an officer would have to prove to the court that he is not only certified to use a radar device but also that the radar was properly calibrated the day of the incident and inspected in the last six months. In the case of an aircraft ticket, the pilot and the citing officer both need to be present to testify to each of their various methods.

One detail potentially working in your favor is a fairly recent requirement that police must not only put the measurement device he or she used to catch you speeding but also the serial number on the face of your ticket. If either of these items is missing, we are quick to find it and make a motion to dismiss.

If you have recently been cited with a Florida speeding ticket, get in touch with the law firm of Finebloom & Haenel P.A. before you pay your ticket! We know all the defenses applicable to each of the specific types of speed measurement devices and will work hard to get you the best results possible. Give us a call today for a free consultation.