North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

What did the court determine in Samuel Knight v. State of New York regarding RADAR usage?

1. Only stationary RADAR operations are valid

2. RADAR cannot function accurately when the patrol vehicle is moving

3. Proper testing allows accurate speed determination while in motion

4. RADAR readings must be confirmed by a secondary device

The correct answer is: Proper testing allows accurate speed determination while in motion

In the case of Samuel Knight v. State of New York, the court determined that when properly tested, RADAR systems can indeed provide accurate speed determinations even while the patrol vehicle is in motion. This affirmation is important because it emphasizes the reliability of RADAR technology under specific conditions. When RADAR equipment is calibrated and tested according to established protocols, it can effectively measure the speed of other vehicles while the patrol car is also in transit. The context of this ruling highlights the advancements in RADAR technology, which can maintain accuracy regardless of the movement of the police vehicle, as long as the conditions of operation and testing meet legal and operational standards. This reinforces the technological advancements that allow law enforcement to monitor speed effectively and safely from a mobile unit, enhancing public safety efforts. In consideration of the other options, while stationary operations and secondary device confirmations can be important in specific contexts, they are not definitive limitations established by the court in this case. The focus on proper testing underlines the court's acceptance of moving RADAR as a legitimate tool in speed enforcement.