Sec. 14-219c. Use of speed monitoring devices to support a conviction. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 14-219c. Use of speed monitoring devices to support a conviction. A prima facie presumption of accuracy sufficient to support a conviction under section 14-219 will be accorded to a radar, speed monitoring laser, vascar device or any other speed monitoring device approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety only upon testimony by a competent police officer that: (1) The police officer operating the radar, laser, vascar device or other device has adequate training and experience in its operation; (2) the radar, laser, vascar device or other device was in proper working condition at the time of the arrest, established by proof that suggested methods of testing the proper functioning of the device were followed; (3) the radar, laser, vascar device or other device was used in an area where road conditions provide a minimum possibility of distortion; (4) if moving radar was used, the speed of the patrol car was verified; and (5) the radar, laser, vascar device or other device was expertly tested within a reasonable time following the arrest, and such testing was done by means which do not rely on the internal calibrations of such radar, laser, vascar device or other device.

      (P.A. 79-609, S. 3; P.A. 92-141, S. 2, 3; P.A. 94-189, S. 13.)

      History: P.A. 92-141 added references to lasers, vascar devices or other speed monitoring devices approved by the commissioner of public safety; P.A. 94-189 amended Subdiv. (4), eliminating the reference to "laser, vascar device or other device" since only when moving radar is used is the speed of the patrol car a factor.

      Statute does not set out a test for admissibility of laser readings; purpose of statute is to provide a presumption of accuracy for laser readings when state satisfies the five conditions contained in the statute. 70 CA 223.

      Statute refers to the accuracy of radar readings and does not purport to create any prima facie presumptions with respect to the accuracy of a patrol car's speedometer. 37 CS 601. Court held to be reasonable in time test for accuracy conducted three weeks after the arrest. 39 CS 313.