Yes, speed cameras can and do occasionally issue tickets to the wrong vehicle. While modern systems are highly accurate, errors can occur due to technical glitches, environmental factors, or incorrect data processing. The most common scenario is a miscapture, where the camera misreads a license plate, often because of obstructions like dirt, poor lighting, or an awkward angle. Another issue is vehicle confusion in multi-lane scenarios, where the radar may incorrectly assign the speed of a faster car in an adjacent lane to a slower one.
The reliability of the evidence is crucial. Most systems capture two images or a short video clip to prove the violation. If the photos are blurry, don't clearly show your license plate, or show a different make/model of car, you have strong grounds for dismissal. For example, if you drive a sedan but the photo shows an SUV, that's clear evidence of an error.
Here is a breakdown of common error sources and their likelihood:
| Error Source | Description | Typical Scenario |
|---|
| Obstructed Plate | Dirt, snow, or a bike rack blocking the plate. | Camera misreads a character (e.g., 'O' for '0'). |
| Radar Splash | Radar beam reflecting off a larger, faster vehicle nearby. | A truck in the next lane triggers the camera aimed at your car. |
| Timing Malfunction | Incorrect timestamps between the two evidence photos. | Calculated speed is inaccurate due to a system clock error. |
| Data Entry Error | Human mistake when manually reviewing and inputting plate data. | A clerk misreads a handwritten plate number from a photo. |
| Adverse Weather | Heavy rain or fog interfering with the camera's focus. | Blurry image makes plate identification impossible. |
If you receive a ticket you believe is erroneous, you should always contest it. Request the evidence package, which includes the photographs. Carefully compare the vehicle in the image to your own. Check the time, date, and location for accuracy. While the burden of proof is on the authorities, you must proactively identify the discrepancy. Most jurisdictions have an straightforward online appeals process for such clear-cut cases.
