Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Pulled over for speeding but would not let me see the radar

I was pulled over for speeding and he said he was being nice and he was only going to give me a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt. I know that you cant be pulled over for just not wearing your seatbelt. I never admitted to speeding I just said that I was not familiar with the area speed limits. When I asked to see the radar gun and how fast I was going, he refused saying that I had no legal right to see how fast I was going. Is this correct? Can he pull me over for speeding and refuse to show me the radar to confirm how fast I was going? Could you tell me where I could find this information in a law book or on a website?

Thank you,

Cindy


Asked on 2/14/02, 5:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: Pulled over for speeding but would not let me see the radar

I do not believe there is any authority requiring that an officer show his radar display to a driver. In most reports I read, the result is never shown to a driver.

If you want to contest the infraction, you should request a contested hearing. Asuming that you were not wearing a seat belt, your only argument will be that the officer did not have probable to stop your vehicle. This will only succeed if the officer limited his written report to a mere allegation that he stopped you for speeding without reference to radar.

Some judges may hold that the radar reading is inadmissible for any purpose without proper certification from an expert who tested the specific instrument. Other judges may rule that it is admissible to support the initial traffic stop. In the latter case, you will still win . . . since you didn't get a speeding ticket!

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Answered on 2/15/02, 5:02 am


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