Getting pulled over for speeding can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure how fast you were going. However, the officer may have used radar to measure your speed. A common question drivers ask is: “Does a police officer have to show you the radar?”
In Illinois, the answer is no, a cop does not have to show you the radar when pulling you over for speeding. However, many drivers think law enforcement is legally required to share the radar reading during a traffic stop.
While some officers may choose to show the radar reading as a courtesy, there is no law that mandates they must do so. In most cases, the officer will simply inform you of the alleged speed and issue a ticket.
To learn more about speeding tickets in Illinois and how too many can impact your driving privileges, continue reading.
What Is a Radar Traffic Ticket?
A radar traffic ticket is a citation issued based on a police officer’s use of a radar gun to measure your speed. Radar guns bounce radio waves off your car to detect how fast you’re moving. These devices are considered reliable when properly maintained and calibrated.
For the radar reading to be used effectively in court, the officer must typically be able to show that:
- The radar device was recently calibrated and tested (you may request calibration records).
- The officer is trained in using the radar equipment.
- There was no interference (such as nearby large vehicles or poor weather conditions) that could skew the reading.
While you can ask for this information in court, you are not entitled to see the radar reading at the time of the traffic stop.
Can a Cop Give You a Speeding Ticket Without Radar?
Yes. Radar is not required for a speeding ticket to be issued.
Officers are trained to visually estimate vehicle speed with reasonable accuracy. Courts in Illinois have ruled that a police officer’s visual estimate— even without radar confirmation —can be enough to support a speeding citation. However, radar and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) devices are commonly used and strengthen cases.
Often, for minor speeding violations, a radar reading is necessary. A visual estimate alone is rarely enough to confirm speeding unless it’s obvious and substantial.
What Happens If You Contest the Ticket?
In traffic court, the prosecution must prove that you exceeded the speed limit. This can be done through the officer’s testimony about their observations, their training in speed estimation, and any other supporting evidence. The officer’s credibility and the quality of their testimony often play a crucial role in these cases.
How Do Speeding Tickets Affect Your License?
Speeding tickets add points to your driving record, which can lead to a suspended license in Illinois.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Each moving violation adds a specific number of points to your record (e.g., 20 points for driving 15–25 mph over the limit).
- Too many points in a short period (especially for drivers under 21) can result in automatic license suspension.
- Points do not go away if you simply pay the ticket. In Illinois, when you pay a traffic ticket, you are pleading guilty to the offense, and points are added to your driving record.
This is why even a minor radar speeding ticket should not be ignored— the points add up quickly. For a detailed breakdown, see our blog on how many tickets you can get before a license suspension in Illinois.
Key Takeaways: Radar, Speeding Tickets, & Your License
Let’s review the main points:
- Does a police officer have to show you the radar when they give you a ticket for speeding?
No. Illinois law does not require officers to show radar readings during a stop.
- Can a cop give you a speeding ticket without radar for speed detection?
Yes. Visual speed estimates by trained officers are allowed and can hold up in court.
- Do speeding tickets affect your license?
They can, as each ticket adds points, which can lead to suspension if enough accumulate. The Secretary of State uses points to evaluate how long a driver’s license should be suspended and to determine whether license revocation is needed.
What To Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket
If speeding violations are going to impact your license, don’t wait until it’s too late. One ticket may seem minor, but multiple violations can result in license suspension, higher insurance rates, and a tarnished driving record.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we focus exclusively on driver’s license reinstatement. Our deep understanding of Illinois Secretary of State rules allows us to defend your driving privileges and work toward reinstatement when needed.
Contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C.
If you need help protecting your license or getting it back, we’re here for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Illinois driver’s license reinstatement attorney. Let us guide you through the process and help you stay on the road legally and confidently.