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Is Your Speedometer Lying? The Legal Truth About Road Limits
Drivers question accuracy as GPS data and new federal testing standards gain attention. Many speedometers read high, creating confusion about real speed and liability.
Is Your Speedometer Lying? The Legal Truth About Road Limits is a calibration check. Federal rules allow a margin of error so readings may exceed actual road speed slightly.
How Tolerances Shape Your Ticket
Officers rely on pacing, radar, and lidar rather than dash numbers. Studies indicate calibration drift can make your display optimistic by a few miles per hour.
When Overestimation Helps or Hurts
Courts often accept radar evidence over dashboard claims. Research shows a consistent margin benefits drivers contesting alleged speeding in certain states.
Drive at the posted limit, not the display.
Common Questions
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Can a speeding ticket be dismissed if my speedometer was wrong?
Many states allow this defense when calibration records support your case.
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Do radar detectors prevent tickets even if my dash is off?
Detectors warn of enforcement, but you remain responsible for safe speed.
