Are Speedometer Calibrations Useful in Court?

In Virginia, sworn speedometer calibrations are required by statute to be admitted into evidence pursuant to § 46.2-882. In speeding cases calibration reports can sometimes be a useful defense, but only in certain circumstances. If the driver can show the judge that he thought he was going a certain speed based on the reading of his speedometer, but that his speed was actually slower than the real speed of his car the judge may agree to reduce the speed in your case down to the speed reflected on your speedometer. Obviously if you weren't aware of how fast you were going at the time the officer captured your speed a calibration will not be helpful to your case.

How do Speedometer Calibrations Work?

When you have your speedometer calibrated, the mechanic will measure the true speed of your car, and determine the reading of your speedometer at certain increments as the speed increases. Often when there is a calibration issue, the disparity between the speedometer and the actual speed of the car will increase as the speed increases. In some cases speedometers can be off by substantial amounts, although in the majority of cases there is little if any disparity.

Where in the Charlottesville Area Should I Get a Speedometer Calibration?

In order to have your car's speedometer calibrated you can go a mechanic that performs this test. In the Charlottesville area here are two mechanic's that perform calibrations:

Bob's Wheel Alignment
923 E Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 296-4523

Tarleton Oak Service Center
815 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 293-7703