What is the required calibration accuracy for a RADAR unit?

The required calibration accuracy for a RADAR unit is crucial for ensuring that the speed measurements it provides are reliable and can be used in various applications, such as traffic enforcement and safety assessments. A calibration accuracy of plus or minus 1 MPH indicates a high level of precision that allows for confidence in speed readings within that range. This level of accuracy is generally satisfactory for most enforcement scenarios, where slight variances can still support the validity of the speed readings in court or for report purposes.

In contexts where engineering, legal, and safety considerations are paramount, maintaining this level of precision helps to avoid the potential for disputes over speed readings. A tighter calibration standard, such as plus or minus 0.5 MPH, while more accurate, might not be necessary for all applications and could complicate the calibration process without significant benefit. On the other end of the spectrum, options with less precision, such as plus or minus 2 MPH or plus or minus 3 MPH, may lead to less reliable measurements and potentially undermine the unit's effectiveness in law enforcement or road safety evaluations.