The infraction or offense of speeding is committed when the driver of a motor vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit or exceeds the speed limit that is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances or conditions—such as the road (straight, curved, wet, dry, icy, flat, hilly); the weather (clear, foggy, raining, snowing); and the visibility (smoke from a grass fire or a tractor trailer obstructing the view).
Speeding laws (and enforcement) vary from state to state and among cities and towns (local ordinances) and are usually located in a state’s statutes. The penalty for speeding is usually a fine and demerit points added to the driver’s license or driving record.
To measure the speed of a moving vehicle and issue speeding tickets, police officers generally use radar guns that rely on radio signals and the Doppler Effect, or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology that relies on lasers rather than radio waves. These devices require training on their proper use and regular calibration to be accurate.
In Texas, the offense of speeding occurs when a driver operates a vehicle at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent given the current conditions, such as road characteristics, weather, and visibility. Texas Transportation Code sets forth the speed limits and regulations, and local ordinances may also apply. Penalties for speeding typically include fines and points added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. Texas law enforcement officers use radar and LIDAR technology to measure vehicle speeds. These devices are subject to requirements for proper use and regular calibration to ensure accuracy. Officers trained in the use of these devices are authorized to issue speeding tickets to violators. It's important to note that fines and penalties can vary depending on the severity of the speeding violation and whether it occurs in a school zone, construction zone, or other designated areas with specific speed-related laws.
