‘Expired’ radars cannot fine you; check out why and how to identify them

Although speeding is among the most common fines in Brazil, the way the fine is recorded and the operation of traffic radars are still the subject of discussions and doubts among drivers. In this scenario, a very little-known fact is that this electronic inspection equipment cannot operate “expired”. But, after all, what does this mean?

In short, the legislation provides that these devices cannot operate indefinitely without undergoing rigorous revisions. However, in practice, this happens frequently and many drivers end up fined for irregular speed cameras, which may even be out of calibration and make mistakes.

SEE ALSO:

• 5 myths about speed cameras and speeding that, if you believe, get you a fine
• Does average speed camera go against Traffic Code? Understand!
• You commit these 5 infractions every day and you don’t even realize it

In this article, you can check out what the Law says about the operation of the equipment, what are the rules for gauging and what you, the driver, can do to identify if a radar is within the validity period.

What does the legislation say about the calibration of radars?

Throughout the national territory, speed meters must be subjected to periodic technical checks. This measure aims to ensure both the accuracy of the measurements and the legal certainty of the fines applied.

The requirement to inspect the devices is expressed in Resolution 920/22 of the National Traffic Council (Contran). The text determines that all radars strictly follow the technical standards established by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro).

This rule is valid for all electronic speed enforcement equipment installed in the country, regardless of state or municipality. Far from being just a bureaucratic requirement, the procedure ensures that the fines issued are based on totally reliable measurements and that the equipment operates effectively to reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.

Why do radars need to be checked regularly?

Like any other technological measurement instrument, radars suffer natural wear and tear due to exposure to external conditions, weather and weather, in addition to being subject to interference and changes in their internal components over the years.

Therefore, the legislation establishes the following rules:

• Mandatory annual measurement: all active radars must pass this standard test every 12 months.
• Post-maintenance inspection: a new technical check must take place immediately whenever the equipment undergoes repairs, maintenance or any type of technical intervention that may impact its performance.
• Without the proper up-to-date certification and homologation, the radar is prevented by law from being used for inspection purposes.

How does the equipment testing process work?

The measurement process is practical and comparative. It consists of placing a test vehicle, equipped with instruments properly calibrated and tracked by Inmetro, to travel on the monitored road.

During the test, the vehicle makes several passes through the radar at previously defined speeds. Then, the data recorded by the road’s radar is compared with the data collected by the test vehicle.

If the results are within the allowable technical margins of error, the radar is considered approved and kept in operation. If there are inconsistencies or errors above the tolerated limit, the equipment is rejected, and is immediately removed from operation until the repairs and a new measurement are successfully completed.

Margin of error of speed cameras

Traffic agencies take into account that the accuracy of the radar is not 100% and there may be technical failures. Therefore, when fining a driver for speeding, the so-called “considered speed” is used, which is different from the number recorded by the device.

According to item 2.3.3 of the Technical Metrological Regulation approved by Inmetro Ordinance No. 158 of 2022, speed meters, whether fixed, static or portable, have a margin of error of:

• 7 km/h for speeds up to 100 km/h;
• 7% for speeds above 100 km/h.

“Expired” speed cameras and the legal validity of speeding fines

For a traffic ticket for speeding to be considered valid, it is not enough just that the radar is installed on the road. The equipment must simultaneously meet the metrological requirements of Inmetro and the Contran regulations mentioned above.

This means that the radar must be properly homologated, approved by Inmetro and with the annual measurement within the validity period. The regularity of these checks is what ensures the legitimacy of the entire inspection system.

How can the driver check the regularity of a radar?

Every citizen has the right to check if the radars in their region or on the path taken are regular. Drivers can consult this information directly on the official channels of the traffic agencies responsible for inspecting that road.

If the driver receives a notice of fine, it is possible to check if the equipment that identified the infraction has the valid certification and measurement within the legal deadline on the exact date of the fine. In general, these technical and validity data are usually included in the supporting documentation that underlies the administrative process of the fine.

Although most people associate the presence of speed cameras purely with punishment and fines, the main purpose of the devices is the preservation of lives by reducing risky behavior on the roads.