What to do if you’re pulled over for speeding
There are a number of devices that police use to enforce the speed limits on our roads. Namely, automated and operator speed cameras.
When you are pulled over, this is usually from an operated speed camera using either RADAR or LIDAR technology. These portable cameras have a number of technical requirements. This is in order to ensure all speed violations committed by drivers are valid.
What you can ask
To ensure that the relevant maintenance on these cameras has been done, there are questions you can ask the traffic officer:
- Can I see the calibration certificate for the speed measuring equipment used?
- Would you please show me the operator’s certificate for operating the speed measuring equipment?
- Can I see the officer’s appointment certificate as a peace officer?
NOTE: When asking for the above, be polite and respectful and simply note it as your defence.
The Justice Project South Africa (JPSA) advises motorists to sign and accept an infringement notice, if issued one. This does not mean you are admitting guilt, it simply means you are aware of the incident.
If you would like to appeal, all evidence which you think did not live up to the ethical practice of the speeding fine must be presented in court. The JPSA advises:
“It is not in your interests to try and argue a case at the roadside. Remember that a traffic officer is not a magistrate, and the roadside is not a court.”
Things not to say
- Do you know who I am?– An officer who pulled over an actual diva, Katie Price, became Hero of the Office when Ms Price asked him this exact question and feigned ignorance and saddled her with a fine.
- Admit to speeding –You will be given an admission of guilt fine.
- It is standard to hand over your driver’s licencein order for the traffic officer to see your name and ID number. Do not fuss unnecessarily.
This above content was supplied by CompareGuru. Get a comparison here.