Lidar Technology in Traffic Law

In Washington State, law enforcement organizations use innovative technology to keep roads safe, and Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is an important tool in their arsenal. However, drivers may get confused or concerned when they come upon a Lidar offense. With a focus on the technology, possible repercussions, and available channels for assistance, this page seeks to offer a thorough overview of Lidar violations in Washington State.


Lidar technology measures an object’s distance from the device using laser beams, which enables law enforcement to precisely gauge a vehicle’s speed. It is frequently used in locations with heavy traffic or in designated speed zones where accurate speed monitoring is crucial. Speeding infractions may be accurately and successfully recorded by lidar equipment.

While law enforcement uses lidar as a helpful tool to track the speed of vehicles, they may also be inaccurate at times. While Lidar technology is generally accurate and reliable, there are certain factors that can contribute to inaccuracies in its readings. These discrepancies allow for attorneys to create defenses. Some of these inaccuracies in lidar may include:

  • Calibration issues
  • Operator issues
  • Environmental weather impact
  • Obstructions and reflective surfaces
  • Potential interference from other sources
  • Distance and angles
  • Legal and procedural inaccuracies

There are a number of issues that may arise at any given time which can cause an inaccurate reading. Because there are many factors that may weigh in on this, an attorney can form a number of defenses for your case. Our attorneys have the research and knowledge on the growing technology used by law enforcement to help you.   

Some other factors to keep in mind are lidar maintenance and calibration. Law enforcement organizations regularly calibrate lidar equipment, which is essential for maintaining accuracy. In order to get consistently accurate readings, calibration entails modifying internal settings to account for external conditions.

In addition to minding calibration, speed measurement modes also play a vital role. There are two primary ways that lidar devices work: the tracking mode, which lets cops keep an eye on a particular vehicle’s speed over a longer distance, and the instantaneous mode, which provides speed measurements in real time.

Target identification is also an excellent tool for identifying offenders within a group of cars, as it is designed to target individual vehicles. This targeting capability lowers mistakes and misunderstandings dramatically. While it is a helpful tool it may not always be accurate.

Despite its accuracy, Lidar is not infallible. Defense strategies may include challenging calibration records, questioning operator training, or examining environmental conditions during measurements.


If you find yourself facing Lidar-related legal challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team at Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer is here to provide the support and expertise you need. Call us today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule a consultation. Let us navigate the complexities for you and ensure your rights are protected. Your peace of mind matters, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. We handle hundreds of traffic related tickets every year and are ready to advocate for you!