Why do cops ask if you know how fast you were going?
Asked by: Dr. Susan Kautzer | Last update: December 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)
They're trying to get you to incriminate yourself If you say that, yes, you know exactly how fast you were going, you then admit to breaking the speed limit intentionally and willfully. The officer has that admission on record and it can be used against you.
What should you say if a cop asks how fast you were going?
You're not required to say anything about how fast you were going or not, and you generally shouldn't admit you were speeding. What you should do, is gauge the demeanor of the cop and make an informed decision how to respond.
Does a police officer have to tell you how fast you were going?
Generally, your speed and the officer's measurement method will be on the ticket itself. But you could also ask the officer or later request the officer's notes through a process called "discovery."
How do police know how fast you are going?
Police use sophisticated radar guns to check the speed of vehicles as they travel. The technology at the heart of the radar gun is, of course, radar, which stands for Radio Detection And Ranging. Radar guns feature both a radio transmitter and receiver. A radar gun uses radio waves to detect and monitor moving objects.
Can cops see how fast you're going behind them?
Yes, radar can detect you when you are behind a police car. Our findings show that modern police radar units can emit radar waves in multiple directions, including to the rear.
Get Out of ANY Ticket When You're Pulled Over By Police
How does your car know how fast you are going?
Speedometers work by measuring the rotational speed of the wheels and then translating that into miles per hour (mph). There are two main types of speedometers: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical speedometers use a cable that is connected to the vehicle's transmission.
Do cops have to answer Are you a cop?
No federal or state law requires cops in California to identify themselves as police officers to the public, even if someone asks them directly. This is also true of police officers who work undercover.
Is it illegal to warn drivers of speed traps?
There's nothing that states it is illegal to warn drivers of upcoming hazards or speed traps. But there have been instances where drivers have been pulled over for misuse of their headlights. There are some laws that could be violated.
Why do cops ask "Do you know why I stopped you?"?
"It's kind of that power dynamic that I think scares some people," said Omeed Berenjian. He's a criminal defense attorney and partner with BK Law Group. "I think the most common reason is the officer wants you to admit guilt to some extent."
Can you say I don't answer questions to a cop?
Do I have to answer questions asked by law enforcement officers? No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail.
Why do cops let you off with a warning?
A warning is exactly what it sounds like: a reprimand from law enforcement, given for mild violations. Usually, warnings are for first-time offenders and don't go on driving records. You might receive a warning from law enforcement officers when you drive over the speed limit or with a broken side mirror.
How to answer when a cop asks how fast you were going?
Keep your answers brief.
If asked, “Do you know how fast you were going?” say “Yes.” Answering “No” will to imply to the officer that you are being negligent by not being aware of your speed/ the speed limit.
Why do cops follow you but not pull?
Instead, the general rule is that police are allowed to follow you for a reasonable distance to observe your driving and determine if a traffic stop needs to be conducted. As you might imagine, a reasonable distance is interpretative and will vary based on the specifics of the situation.
Can a cop pull you over if you are behind them?
On a normal traffic stop, say the officer used his radar to clock a car approaching him from the rear and decided to make a stop. The officer would simply slow until the car passed him and then turn on his lights, in the US. Typically, in the US, cops pull over a vehicle from behind.
How do cops know how fast you're going?
Radar guns are commonly used by police for speed enforcement and are operated in areas known for speeding violations. How does police radar work? It sends out radio waves that reflect off the vehicle and provide a reading.
Why do police ask why you were speeding?
They're trying to get you to incriminate yourself
The officer has that admission on record and it can be used against you. It's not just speed that leads police officers to use this tactic. Another example is if the officer suspects that you are impaired and asks if you've had anything to drink today.
What is the best defense for a speeding ticket?
- Inaccurate Estimation of Speed by the Officer.
- Questioning the Officer's Vantage Point and Conditions During the Incident.
- Radar and Lidar Inaccuracies.
- Calibration and Maintenance Records of the Device.
- Operator Error or Improper Use of the Device.
- Driving to Avoid Harm or Danger.
Is it illegal for a cop to say he's not a cop?
The scene builds on the tension of this common misconception, playing into the audience's expectations. But contrary to popular belief, there is no legal obligation that compels undercover officers to reveal their true identity when asked.
Are you a cop you legally have to tell me?
Police officers do not have to tell you that they are police officers, even when asked. As long as the officer is lying in the course of performing his or her official duties (like an undercover drug buy), there is no law prohibiting them from doing so.
How to tell if you're being set up by police?
Signs You Might Be Getting Set Up by Police
Similarly, if someone repeatedly encourages you to commit a crime or makes it easy for you to engage in illegal activity, this could be a sign of entrapment. Another warning sign that you might be getting set up is if you feel pressured or coerced into committing a crime.
Can you tell how fast a car was going when it crashed?
Physical Evidence
By measuring the length and analyzing the nature of skid marks, experts can estimate the vehicle's speed at the time of braking. This method, while traditional, provides valuable insights into the pre-impact dynamics of the accident.
Do speedometers show true speed?
According to the ADRs, car manufacturers are prohibited from under-reporting a vehicle's speed. As a result, vehicle manufacturers often calibrate the speedometers at the factory so that it reads above the actual real speed of the car.
What does the odometer tell you?
The odometer measures the distance travelled by a vehicle, whereas the speedometer measures the vehicle's speed. Odometer readings change every time you travel from one place to another.