Myths about speed cameras: what's true and what's not?

So, I’ve been seeing a lot of different opinions about speed cameras lately. Some people say they’re just a money-making scheme, while others claim they’re extremely accurate and catch you no matter what. Personally, I always thought they were pretty reliable, but I’ve heard some myths about them too. Like, can you really “outsmart” a speed camera by speeding up right before it? Or is it true that they only catch you if you’re speeding by a certain margin over the limit? I don’t really know what to believe anymore. Anyone have any real experience or insights about how these cameras work?

Most speed cameras use either radar, laser (LIDAR), or induction loops in the road to measure a vehicle’s speed. Some use average speed calculations between two points. They’re generally very accurate, but accuracy can depend on calibration and environmental conditions.

  1. Many places have a tolerance (often around 5-10% over the limit), but it depends on local laws and camera settings.
  2. Cameras don’t rely on visible light to detect speed; they use radar or LIDAR, so flashing won’t do anything.
  3. Average speed cameras track your speed over a distance, meaning a short burst of acceleration won’t help you avoid a ticket.
  4. Most modern speed cameras use infrared flash or other sensors that work in low light and poor weather.