Speed Limit Enforcement by Aircraft: What You Need to Know

Have you ever seen a sign on the highway that says "Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft"? You may have wondered if those signs are really enforced, or if they're just a scare tactic.

The truth is, speed limit enforcement by aircraft is a real thing. In fact, it's been used in the United States since the 1960s.

There are two main ways that officers enforce the speed limit from the skies.

The first way is with helicopters. Helicopters are often used for speed enforcement because they can fly at high altitudes and have a good view of the road.

The second way is with small planes. Small planes are also used for speed enforcement, but they're not as common as helicopters.

So how does aerial speed enforcement work?

Monitored zones are marked with a thick white sign near the "Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft" sign. These zones are also capped with a finish line.

Two officers, a pilot and a spotter, fly over a marked zone. The spotter uses a stopwatch to clock the speed of cars as they pass through the zone.

If a car is speeding, the officers radio down to a patrol car on the ground. The patrol car then pulls the speeding car over and issues a ticket.

However, it's important to note that aerial speed enforcement is not as common as it used to be. This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of operating aircraft and the availability of other technologies, such as radar and lidar.

Radar and lidar are both used to measure the speed of cars from the ground. Radar uses radio waves to measure the speed of cars, while lidar uses laser light.

Both radar and lidar are more cost-effective than aerial speed enforcement, and they can be used to monitor a wider area.

As a result, aerial speed enforcement is becoming less common. However, it's still a real thing, and it's important to be aware of it if you're planning on speeding.

Here are some tips for avoiding a speeding ticket:

Obey the speed limit. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to remember that speed limits are in place for a reason.

Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the speed of other cars and the traffic conditions.

If you see a sign that says "Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft," slow down. It's not worth risking a ticket.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Additional considerations:

If you are pulled over by an officer who says they clocked your speed from an aircraft, you have the right to request to see the aircraft's speed measurement device.

You also have the right to request to see the officer's training records for using the speed measurement device.

If you believe that the officer's speed measurement was inaccurate, you can contest the ticket in court.

Conclusion:

Aerial speed enforcement is a real thing, but it's not as common as it used to be. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that you avoid a speeding ticket.

In addition to the tips above, here are a few more things you can do to avoid a speeding ticket:

Make sure your car is properly maintained. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down, which could lead to you speeding in order to get to your destination on time.

Plan your route ahead of time. This will help you avoid getting caught in traffic, which can lead to speeding.

Be patient. If you're running late, it's better to arrive a few minutes late than to speed and risk getting a ticket.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.