North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

In State v. Royster, how long did the officer observe the defendant's vehicle before determining its speed?

1. 10 - 15 seconds

2. 1 - 2 seconds

3. 3 - 5 seconds

4. 5 - 8 seconds

The correct answer is: 3 - 5 seconds

In the case of State v. Royster, the officer's observation of the defendant's vehicle was substantial enough to make a reliable assessment of its speed. The determination of speed requires a careful evaluation to ensure the observation is accurate. Observing the vehicle for a duration of 3 to 5 seconds allows the officer to gauge whether the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit or operating within legal limits. This timeframe provides sufficient opportunity for the officer to monitor the vehicle's behavior and speed, establishing a basis for their subsequent actions. This choice aligns with the necessity of having a reasonable and observed length of time before making a judgment call on the vehicle's speed. The duration allows for a clearer understanding of the vehicle's performance in relation to traffic laws, contributing to the validity of the traffic stop or citation that followed.