Thursday, October 25, 2007

Did you know it’s illegal for local law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to use Radar Guns to catch speeders?

A state law in Pennsylvania prevents local authorities from having the right to use Radar Guns to catch speeders, only the Pennsylvania State Police are allowed the privilege.

Why is the law like that? It doesn’t really make much sense. According to a CBS News 21 in Harrisburg, the state government doesn’t trust that local authorities will use the devices properly. In addition they don’t want cash strapped municipalities using them simply raise easy money.

The question that ran through my mind when I read this was, how do they catch speeders, then? Well, the old fashioned way. They set up two white lines on the road, park between them, hold a stopwatch and time every car that goes through. If it goes through too quickly, then they are speeding. Obviously this method is unreliable. I’m not very good at math, who’s to say the cop nailing you for speeding is?

There’s change on the horizon, though. Pennsylvania State House Bill 1957 would give local law enforcement the right to use radar guns, effectively ending the State Police Monopoly on radar gun usage.

Radarguns.com would like to welcome local law enforcement agencies from Pennsylvania. We hope your state changes the law soon. When they do, check out our Radar Gun Buying Guide to help you pick out the best radar gun for your organization.