What does “instantaneous speed” refer to in speed enforcement?

“Instantaneous speed” refers to the speed of a vehicle recorded at a specific moment in time. This concept is critical in speed enforcement as it allows law enforcement personnel to determine how fast a vehicle is traveling at the moment the speed detection device takes the measurement. Unlike average speed, which is assessed over a distance or over a period, instantaneous speed provides a precise metric of a vehicle's velocity at that very instant.

This is particularly important in situations like traffic stops or speed limit enforcement, as it directly correlates with whether a driver is complying with speed limits at that exact time. This specific moment capture helps ensure that speed enforcement data is accurate and can be substantiated in potential legal scenarios.