How does speed measurement work?

Speeding is considered the most common traffic offense. The Federal Motor Vehicle Office reports about three million violations of this type per year. In 2021, 36.726 accidents were registered as a result of inappropriate speeding. Speed ​​measurement is an important tool so that speeding offenders can be held accountable. But the technology doesn't always work without errors. We explain how speed is controlled and what measures can be taken against incorrect reports.

How is speed measured?

Various measuring devices are used to determine the speed:

• Radar devices: This technique is widely used when the speed of cars or trucks needs to be controlled. Radar waves are emitted by the devices. When a vehicle approaches the radar device, the waves are reflected back and the speed is determined based on the information obtained. If speeding is registered, the integrated camera takes the dreaded speed camera photo.
• Induction loops: Piezo sensors that are embedded in the road are also relatively widespread. When driving, the signal is transmitted to the device and a flash is usually triggered if the speed is exceeded.
• Laser: If you measure with a laser, you will not receive a speed camera photo. Instead, an officer is on site and activates the laser gun. This sends out light pulses that are reflected back by passing vehicles. The speed is displayed on the laser gun. Since no speed camera is activated, the speeding offenders are stopped again by police officers not far from the measuring point and made aware of the offense.
• Light barriers: If the measurement is carried out using light barriers, devices are positioned on both sides of the road. These are connected by a beam of light. When a vehicle passes the spot, the beam is interrupted. In order for the speed to be calculated correctly, several light barriers must be set up one behind the other.
• Video: Speed ​​measurement is also possible via video. The cameras are stationed in the police vehicle. The police car has to follow the suspected speeder for a while to determine the speed.

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Note: The measuring boards that you can often find in front of schools or kindergartens also indirectly belong to this group. Displaying laughing or angry smileys does not reveal any violations, but it does encourage drivers to adjust their speed accordingly.

Speed ​​measurement: mobile or stationary

In addition to the technology used, a rough division can be made into mobile or stationary speed cameras. Stationary or fixed speed cameras are set up at specific locations. Most of the time these are existing accident hotspots that need to be defused.

Mobile speed cameras are transportable and are set up at different locations. The officials are relying on the element of surprise, as the location is usually not known to drivers.

What sanctions are there for speeding?

If the above-mentioned methods are used to determine that the speed limit is exceeded, the person concerned will promptly receive a notice of fine. In addition to the estimated fine, points can also be threatened in Flensburg if the speed is exceeded.

The following overview provides an insight into possible sanctions:

Tip: Driving bans are usually only imposed if speeding of 26 km/h or more occurs several times within a year.

What tolerances are there?

The speed measurement devices must be set up and used correctly. Minor inaccuracies cannot generally be avoided. Therefore, a tolerance deduction must be made when measuring speed.

The level of tolerance granted is based on the speed of the vehicle:

• Vehicle is traveling at less than 100 km/h: The tolerance deduction is 3 km/h or three percent.
• Vehicle is faster than 100 km/h: Then a flat rate of three percent is not deducted, but the tolerance range is three percent of the value determined during the measurement.

Note: If the speed measurement is carried out from moving cars, as described for the video measurement, a higher error rate can be assumed. Therefore, the tolerance range in this case is often ten percent.

What can I do about an incorrect measurement?

Errors in speed measurement occur more frequently. These can come from the technology itself and also from the operation of the devices if the operators have not been adequately trained in advance.

Most speed cameras on Germany's roads are radar systems. However, this measuring method is considered to be particularly error-prone. If the systems are not set up and operated exactly as specified by the manufacturer, incorrect measurements are almost inevitable. At high speeds of around 250 km/h, a speed trap is no longer able to determine the exact speed.

The way food is Laser technology does not appear error-free. For example, if several vehicles are detected, incorrect measurements can quickly occur.

Get one Notice of fine, this can be assessed as invalid if the following factors apply:

• The driver cannot be clearly identified in the photo
• Sunlight or reflective surfaces have led to incorrect measurements
• Since the traffic volume was too high, the measurement cannot be clearly assigned to any vehicle
• The speed camera is not equipped with the latest software
• There are errors in the device itself

If you doubt the correctness of your fine notice for one of the reasons mentioned, you can object to it. You have two weeks to appeal the decision. However, the objection should be well justified. The chances of success can increase if you consult a traffic law lawyer.