North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

Which of the following is an essential element for establishing a speeding charge?

1. Witness statements only

2. Driver's confession

3. Officer's opinion as to speed

4. Traffic camera evidence

The correct answer is: Officer's opinion as to speed

Establishing a speeding charge typically requires reliable evidence that can demonstrate the vehicle's speed over the legal limit at a specific time and place. An officer's opinion, based on their observations and experience, can provide a foundational basis for a speeding charge. Radar and lidar devices, which are often used by law enforcement, provide objective measurements of speed, but when such devices are not available, an officer's direct observation can serve as a critical piece of evidence. In contrast, while witness statements and a driver's confession can provide context for the incident, they are not exclusively adequate for proving a speeding charge without corroborating evidence. Traffic camera evidence can be useful, but its availability and reliability may vary. Therefore, the officer's opinion as to speed is an essential element in the context of enforcing and substantiating a speeding charge.