Can a cop pull you over for speeding if he's just following behind you?

I always find it a bit funny when a cop is driving behind somebody, and the person in front always starts going really slow and driving really cautiously. though i laugh when its not me, i also find myself doing the same thing when a cop gets behind me.

but i was wondering, can a cop actually pull you over for speeding if he's simply following you? Me and a group of buddies said "no" because the cop needs to have a record of the speed you were going to give you a ticket.

so the question is, lets say your going approximately, give or take, 15mph over the speed limit with a cop following you. Can he pull you over?
Additional Details
also just wanted to clarify, the reason i thought you couldnt get pulled over was because i thought the cop needs a radar reading. I didnt know know whether or not a cop could just use his speedometer to declare the speed reading.

plus, i also asked because it always seems when a cop does get behind someone, and they start going slow, the cop will tailgate them horribly, and once the car in front turns, the cop himself starts speeding by about 10-15mph.

thanks for all the answers

trooper3316

Yes, that is called pacing. Speedometers in squad cars are calibrated, so it is recognized by the courts.

The officer will establish a set distance behind you. He will then note the distance between his car and yours. Because it is difficult to maintain the exact distance, he will allow you to pull away slightly. That will make it easy to testify the distance between your cars increased, indicating you are traveling slightly faster than him. He can then issue a citation for the speed indicated on his speedometer.

It is not exact, but because the distance between the cars increases, any error is in your favor.

Citicop

Yes.

It's called "pacing." If I follow you for some minimum distance (differs by jurisdiction) at a speed over the speed limit, then I can say with certainty that you were speeding.

It's just as good as RADAR or LASER.

SmartA$$

Yes, they can pace you over a period of time or a distance, and use their own speedometer to gauge your speed. The ticket will hold up in court.

Plus, modern radar does not require the officer to be parked to get an accurate reading, So he could get an accurate reading of your speed on radar, while driving behind you, or in any direction for that matter.

Neil

Absolutely. Why on Earth could he (or she) not?

Grundoon

Yes.

rmm

Yes - he can use his speedometer and follow at the same speed to know your speed.

You could take it to court - your word against his - judge should believe police.

Benji

Absolutely. Speeding is speeding, whether it's 80 in a 40 or one mph over the posted limit. Modern traffic radars do not need to be stationary.

I was once driving on a limited access 4-lane hwy in South Texas. I had my cruise control pegged at 70. State Trooper pulls onto the hwy in front of me, doing exactly 70. Some knucklehead pulls out and passes me, probably going 71 or 72...and then he passes the Trooper. Ooops.
License, registration, and proof of insurance, please.

Dick C.

is that a serious question? of course they can.

Floyd

Yes. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to determine how fast somebody is going when they're right ahead of you. Cop looks at his speedometer, sees that he's going 15 over, sees that he's not catching up to you, his word counts over yours, doesn't need a radar reading, you get a ticket.

Locke

Yes. I believe he only has to follow you for a quarter mile before he can pull you over. He can obviously tell how fast you are going by matching your speed.

Kellabud

I think that's funny too. In my experience, I've had many cops pass me when I was doing the speed limit. I think they understand. But, yes, they can pull you over, even if they think you're acting suspicious. I know, it's stupid, but they can use that excuse if they want to. I had a cop pull me over for speeding when I wasn't. I got a ticket but didn't have to pay for it because he refused to take me back to his car so I could look at the scanner. I knew I wasn't speeding!

ashpv

i've experiences like all of you. but i have another question. if you are riding around, and a cop gets behind you.. is it legal for him to follow you 10+ miles, annd then you park at your house and they circle the block 13 times(litrerally) waiting on you to leave? and then you get someone else to bring you out as this is happening and they follow that person for 20+ miles? that can't be legal right? same cop the whole time.. ya'll let me know.

blackyc

Can A Policeman Fine you for speeding if he is Hiding in a Bus Stop? Out of Site I thouht They had to be seen, like the Cameras

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: