The Complexity of Speed Enforcement: Practices and Perceptions
The phrase ldquo;speeding is not just about the speedrdquo; is widely recognized in the realm of traffic enforcement. While this saying captures a common perception, it's important to delve into the nuanced practices, variables, and considerations behind speed limit enforcement.
Varied Enforcement Practices
In reality, enforcement practices can vary significantly by state jurisdiction and even among individual officers. Some officers may exercise discretion and choose not to pull over drivers for minor speeding, typically defined as 5-9 mph over the limit. Others, however, may ticket for any speed over the limit, especially if other factors are involved, such as reckless driving or unsafe conditions.
Influential Factors and Considerations
Speed limit enforcement is often influenced by various factors, including traffic conditions, the presence of speed traps, and specific local laws. These variables can significantly impact the likelihood of being ticketed, making it essential for drivers to understand the complexities involved.
Practical Experience and Police Discretion
A police officer with firsthand experience, such as the following statement, provides a deeper insight into the subject:
Yeah, no. I choose not solely based on speed but what’s happening around them. Most people on the freeway when they see me are still going 10 over. I usually tag the speed when it’s 15-20, but 10 will get you a written warning paired with another ticket if there are abnormalities.
This officer emphasizes that while speed is a primary factor, situational context plays a significant role. For instance, a small speed difference of 10 mph can reasonably be excused, but if there are additional factors like erratic behavior or hazardous road conditions, enforcement may become more stringent.
Legal and Practical Boundaries
Legally, being stopped for speeding means the speed measured must exceed the posted limit by even one mile per hour. However, very few officers write citations for speeds up to 10 mph over the limit. This leniency is often attributed to uncertainties in vehicle speed measurement and the need to reduce legal challenges.
The reasons are pretty simple. I don’t know any civilians who take the time or expense to get their speedometer calibrated. Also, things like over/undersized tires can effect how the speedometer registers. The ten over thing gives a driver more leeway and also reduces the likelihood of the driver contesting the ticket. The higher the speed, the less legitimate defense they have in court.
This explanation reveals the practical implications behind police discretion. Drivers are allowed more leniency when speeding slightly, and it significantly reduces the likelihood of contesting a ticket in court.
Policy Variations and Current Status
Despite these common practices, there are variations among different jurisdictions. For instance, in school zones, the threshold for issuing tickets is often lower, typically around 5 mph over the speed limit.
Personally, I and almost every cop I ever worked with would not typically write citations until 10 mph over the limit. School zones were usually the one exception to that rule. The state was supposedly thinking about instituting something, but to be honest, my job for the last 25 years of my career did not involve traffic enforcement, so I’m definitely not current on any changes to the law or policies.
This statement highlights that while many agencies have informal guidelines, there is no universal policy. Individual jurisdictions and even specific conditions (such as school zones) can influence enforcement practices.
Conclusion
While the phrase ldquo;speeding is not just about the speedrdquo; captures a common perception, it's important to understand the specific practices and considerations behind speed limit enforcement. As a driver, always adhere to posted speed limits for safety and legal compliance, but also be aware of how situational factors and officer discretion can influence outcomes.