Requirements to Test Radar at Stop in Washington

[hppver87]

My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Washington

Hi,

Is there a code, or RCW, or whatever it is that states what the officer is required to do as far as testing his radar before and after he sites you?

Is he required to test the radar immediately before and after the stop, the shift, ever?

Just looking for the official word and numbers to reference it.

Thanks,

Hoover

[blewis]

That I know of or can find, there are NO state standards for calibrating SMD equipment (unlike PA, for example, where it's all spelled out by device type). There may be local practices, I don't know. There is some case law that says that as long as the officer tested the SMD device "before and after" the stop, it is sufficient -- how long "before and after" is NOT discussed.

Personally, I've seen hearings where officers stated that testing was done at the beginning and again at the end of a shift. I've seen others where officers testified that they tested the unit immediately prior to and after the traffic stop.

Barry