Speeding in Tacoma

Speeding tickets are the most common tickets being issued on Washington roads. Some recent transplants discover this the hard way. Unlike in other states where the freeway speed limit is more like a polite suggestion, officers here closely monitor speeding traffic. Your speed is typically determined by way of three different methods.

1. Speed Measuring Device (SMD) – This is the most common method of obtaining speed and means the officer was using a LIDAR or RADAR gun. RADAR obviously, used radar technology, while a LIDAR gun uses laser technology. Each type of gun has its strengths and weaknesses. Some case be used while in a moving vehicle (even going to opposite direction in traffic) while others can only be used while completely stationary. Some can be shot over great distances while others should be used more closely to the target.
2. Pace – A pace is when the officer uses his vehicle’s speedometer to determine your speed. Basically, the officer will try to drive his car behind your car at a constant distance over a short period of time to match speeds. Since he can see his speed, he will know what your speed is.
3. Airplane - This is the least common method of obtaining speed in western Washington. In certain areas, there are markings on the ground which indicates measured distances. An officer in an airplane then uses a stop watch to time vehicles as the drive from one marking to the next to determine their speeds. The airplane officer then radios down to an officer in a patrol car to pull over the targeted vehicle. Obviously, this is a time consuming and frankly, expensive method to obtain speed.

Officers do not have to prove you intended to speed. They only need to prove that you were speeding and speeding is considered even going only 1 mph over the limit. Obviously, most officers are reasonable enough to not give you a ticket for going only 1 mph over the limit. However, there is no magical number where the officers will begin to pull you over. You just need to be aware of the speed limit and conditions. If you are traveling in a slower zone, the speed threshold will also be lower.

Whether you were cited for going only 5 mph over the limit or 25 mph over the limit, you want to try to keep it off of your record. Having an experienced traffic attorney represent you will give you the best chance at success. The Law Offices of Jason Newcombe are here to fight to fight and protect your record.