What is the typical protocol followed by an officer after identifying a speeding vehicle?

What is the typical protocol followed by an officer after identifying a speeding vehicle?

• A. The officer may ignore the violation
• B. The officer may initiate a traffic stop to issue a citation based on the SMD reading
• C. The officer may take a picture of the vehicle
• D. The officer may record the speed for future reference

Answer: (B)

The typical protocol followed by an officer after identifying a speeding vehicle is to initiate a traffic stop to issue a citation based on the speed measurement device (SMD) reading. This approach is grounded in the law enforcement objective of maintaining traffic safety and enforcing speed limits.

When an officer observes a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, they generally confirm this observation using an SMD, such as a radar or laser device. The recorded speed from the device serves as evidence of the speeding violation. The law mandates that officers take appropriate action to uphold traffic laws, and issuing a citation helps deter future infractions by making drivers accountable for their speeding.

Additionally, initiating a traffic stop allows officers to address the situation directly, inform the driver about the violation, and provide them with the opportunity to respond or contest the citation if they believe it was issued in error. This interaction also enables officers to check for other potential violations or safety concerns, reinforcing the overall function of traffic enforcement.