What must an officer establish to issue a citation based on SMD evidence?

• A. Assumption of vehicle speed
• B. Reasonable certainty that the speed measurement is accurate and reflects the vehicle's speed
• C. Confidence in their personal radar skills
• D. Verification of the vehicle's license plate

Answer: (B)

To issue a citation based on Speed Measurement Device (SMD) evidence, the officer must demonstrate reasonable certainty that the speed measurement is accurate and reflects the vehicle's speed. This involves ensuring that the SMD is properly calibrated, functioning correctly, and that the conditions under which it was used did not compromise its accuracy. Establishing this certainty is crucial, as it provides a legal foundation for enforcing speed limits and ensures that the measurements taken can be relied upon in court.

Additionally, accurate speed measurement is central to the enforcement of traffic laws, as it protects the rights of both the driver and the integrity of law enforcement practices. If a citation were to be challenged, the officer would need to provide evidence that the speed reading was valid and obtained through a reliable and precise method. Therefore, emphasizing the need for accuracy and reflective measurement of the vehicle's actual speed is key to upholding the legitimacy of the citation.