North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

Which features are not authorized for use in North Carolina RADAR instruments?

1. "Auto reset" features

2. "Automatic locking" features

3. "Speed alert" features

4. "Traffic light" synchronization features

The correct answer is: "Automatic locking" features

In North Carolina, RADAR instruments must adhere to strict guidelines regarding their operational features to ensure reliability and accuracy in speed enforcement. The option regarding "automatic locking" features is not authorized because the integrity of evidence is paramount in traffic enforcement, and such features could potentially lead to misuse or manipulation of speed readings. Automatic locking would imply that the device could be programmed to capture and hold a specific reading without human intervention, which could compromise the accuracy and reliability of the collected data. The other features mentioned do have their benefits and purposes in the context of speed detection. "Auto reset" features can aid in maintaining the device’s operation without the need for constant manual resetting, thereby improving efficiency. "Speed alert" features are beneficial for alerting law enforcement to speeding vehicles, enhancing the proactive enforcement of speed limits. "Traffic light" synchronization features can improve traffic flow and safety by coordinating speed enforcement with traffic signals, making them practical for use in certain settings. Thus, the prohibition of "automatic locking" features is in place to uphold the principles of fairness and accuracy in traffic law enforcement.