In Virginia, a speedometer calibration can be very useful in most speeding ticket cases. Most vehicles on the road have speedometers that are 1-3 mphs off. Even brand new cars and luxury cars have inaccurate speedometers. A speedometer calibration takes about one hour and costs about $75.
A speedometer calibration involves an auto mechanic measuring the accuracy of your vehicle's speedometer. The mechanic then creates a Speedometer Calibration Certificate that states how many miles per hour your speedometer is off.
If your speedometer is low, you can argue to the judge that your speeding ticket is at least partially the fault of your inaccurate speedometer. Some prosecutors or judges may amend a driver's speeding ticket to reflect the inaccuracies in the speedometer. For example, if your speedometer is four mph low and you are charged with speeding 77 mph in a 55 mph zone, some judges will agree to amend the ticket to 73 mph in a 55 mph zone. Even though 73 mph in a 55 mph zone is still speeding, the points and fines are much less. Contact the law firm of Nichols & Green pllc learn if this tactic may help your case.
Speedometer calibrations can also prove that your speedometer was reasonably accurate. If you want to testify that you looked at your speedometer and you know you were not speeding, you will need a speedometer calibration certificate to prove to the court that your speedometer was not broken.
Make sure you get a speedometer calibrate from a mechanic who will produce a valid speedometer calibration certificate that you can use at court. Avoid using auto-dealers. Most auto dealers do not properly document their speedometer calibration results. Never use any mechanic who offers to generate a fraudulent speedometer calibration certificate. Use only mechanics shops with good reputations for accuracy and honesty.
The following is a list of reputable mechanics who do speedometer calibrations for people going to court: