URBAN MYTH #4: “Radar Guns Have to Be 100% Accurate or the Ticket Is Invalid” — What Missouri Law Really Says

Many Missouri drivers believe that if a radar gun isn’t perfectly calibrated or seems “off,” their speeding ticket will automatically be thrown out. This myth leads people to assume they can beat a ticket just by questioning the technology.

But the reality is more complex. At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers want you to understand the real standards Missouri courts use when evaluating radar-based tickets and how we can build a solid defense that goes beyond this common misconception.

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT RADAR GUN ACCURACY

Radar and laser guns used by law enforcement are highly sophisticated tools—but they’re not infallible. Like any electronic device, they can be misused, poorly maintained, or affected by environmental factors.

However, Missouri law does not require radar guns to be “100% accurate” to issue a valid citation.

Instead, the law focuses on whether:

• The radar unit was properly calibrated
• The officer was trained and certified in using the equipment
• The device was functioning correctly at the time of the stop
• The reading was reasonably reliable

In other words, a speeding ticket won’t be tossed just because the radar reading could have been off—it requires more than just speculation.

RADAR CALIBRATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN MISSOURI

Officers using radar guns are expected to follow procedures that ensure the readings are reliable. That includes:

• Performing daily calibration checks before and after their shift
• Keeping a log of maintenance and accuracy tests
• Using certified tuning forks to test the radar’s calibration

If the officer can provide documentation that the device was recently tested and calibrated, most judges will accept the radar reading as valid, unless your Missouri traffic defense lawyer can prove otherwise.

CAN YOU CHALLENGE RADAR EVIDENCE IN MISSOURI?

The short and easy answer is YES! — and we often do. While radar guns are commonly trusted by courts, they’re not immune to challenge.

Our Kansas City traffic defense attorneys may be able to weaken the prosecution’s case by showing:

• The officer failed to keep proper calibration records
• The radar gun hadn’t been certified in months
• The officer wasn’t trained or certified to use the device
• The radar may have picked up a nearby vehicle, not yours
• The stop occurred near overpasses, curves, or large vehicles that can interfere with readings

These are not automatic wins, but they are legitimate defense strategies that knowledgeable Missouri traffic defense attorneys use to raise reasonable doubt.

RADAR ISN’T THE ONLY EVIDENCE PROSECUTORS’ MAY USE IN MISSOURI

Even if the radar reading is questionable, Missouri prosecutors may still proceed with other types of evidence:

Pacing: The officer visually followed you and matched your speed using their own speedometer.

Visual estimation: In some cases, courts accept an officer’s trained estimate of speed as evidence.

That’s why simply saying “the radar gun might  be wrong” isn’t enough. An effective legal defense must focus on procedure, documentation, and the officer’s specific conduct during the stop.

WHY AN EXPERIENCED TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER MATTERS IN KANSAS CITY

Trying to fight a radar ticket without legal help is risky. Missouri traffic courts often side with the officer’s version unless you have a well-prepared, evidence-based defense. At Speeding Ticket KC, our Missouri traffic defense lawyers understand radar systems, courtroom standards, and how to challenge faulty enforcement.

We’ve successfully helped clients:

• Get speeding tickets dismissed
• Avoid points on their license
• Reduce fines and charges to non-moving violations
• Prevent insurance hikes and license suspensions

DON’T RELY ON MYTHS. EXPERIENCE COUNTS. CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

Radar guns are not perfect, but beating a ticket takes more than pointing that out. If you’ve been cited for speeding in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, talk to the team at Speeding Ticket KC. We’ll evaluate every angle of your case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today for a consultation with a trusted and affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyer near me who knows how to challenge radar gun evidence — and win.