Yes, many traditional speed cameras flash twice in quick succession to capture two images for calculating speed using the distance between white lines on the road, but newer systems use single flashes, infrared, or no visible flash at all, capturing plates or using radar/lidar for speed verification, so the double flash is common but not universal, especially for modern tech.
Many traditional and slightly older speed camera systems flash twice in quick succession. The two flashes are used to take two images—one immediately after the other—for corroborating evidence. The key reason for this double image capture is to verify the movement of the vehicle and rule out errors.
Generally, modern speed cameras do not use a visible flash during the day. They may use a subtle infrared flash or a very low-powered white flash that is often hard to see in daylight. Modern digital speed cameras can capture a sharp, clear image using natural light during the day.
Most police forces have a tolerance of 10% plus 2mph above the limit before a speed camera 'flashes'.
Flash but no ticket? It's possible (though not common) that you might see a flash and never receive a ticket. Older cameras using film can run out, and some flashes are test flashes. That said, most modern cameras are digital and always ready.
Here are possible defense themes for challenging a speed camera ticket:
In some cases, the image will include the face of the driver and the front passenger. Not all speed cameras will flash when they take an image of your car and some speed cameras will track your vehicle over many miles to work out its average speed.
No, you cannot legally go 5 km/h over the speed limit; any amount over is technically speeding and can result in fines, demerit points, or other penalties, though some sources suggest a slight "tolerance" for minor infringements with speed cameras, and police might give warnings for small excesses like 5-10 km/h, but it's never guaranteed.
Speed camera tolerance refers to the margin of error or buffer added to a vehicle's detected speed before a fine is issued, typically around 10% plus a small fixed number (e.g., 2-3 mph/km/h) for guidance, though this varies by region and police force, with some locations having specific rules (like 2 km/h for fixed cameras in Victoria) or no official tolerance at all (like WA). This buffer accounts for speed camera inaccuracies and vehicle speedometer variations, but it's only guidance, and police can choose stricter enforcement.
Seriously though, the two flashes measure your distance travelled between the two flashes which is a set amount of time. They will have two pictures to look at and thus work out the distance you travelled by your position relating to the lines on the road, before and after.
You might see a flash — but often you won't. The only certain sign is receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) in the post, usually within 14 days of the incident.
Syncing from Multiple Devices: If you use multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and cameras, and you have them synced with your computer, duplicate photos may occur. When you synchronize your devices, it's possible that the same photos are copied to your computer multiple times, resulting in duplicates. 3.
How Long Until the Fine? Speed and red-light camera penalties typically arrive within two weeks, although NSW can take up to 28 days. In Tasmania, fines may appear electronically in as little as four days.
Do average speed cameras flash? Unlike traditional speed cameras, average speed cameras don't flash if they detect someone going over the limit. This is due to them using infrared radar to read and register licence plates, meaning they can see perfectly no matter the light or weather conditions!
Speed limits are enforced in all areas of the country. Tolerance is about 6 km/h in urban areas and 9 km/h on highways depending on regulations of respective state such that driver driving on or below the tolerance speed will not receive a ticket.
The "best" excuse for a speeding ticket appeal is usually a legally recognized defense, like a medical emergency, an unavoidable situation (e.g., vehicle breakdown), or proving the speed detection equipment was faulty, as these address the circumstances of the offense, not just an excuse. Common, though less reliable, excuses involve "I didn't see the sign" or "keeping up with traffic," but these often fail in court; being respectful and challenging the evidence (like radar calibration) offers a better chance.
You can get a speeding ticket for going any amount over the limit, but most places have a small tolerance (like 10% + 2 mph or a few km/h) before enforcement cameras consistently catch you; however, a police officer can ticket you for even 1 km/h over, especially in school zones or for higher speeds, leading to fines, demerit points, or license suspension.
The minimum speeding fine varies significantly by location (state/territory in Australia, for example) and how much you exceed the limit, but generally starts around $100 AUD for exceeding the limit by the smallest margin (e.g., less than 10 km/h), with some areas like Western Australia having no demerit points for this smallest infraction, while NSW might have a $93 fine for similar minor speeding, and South Australia starts at $187 with points.
Average speed cameras work by recording your speed at two different points. They don't capture your speed in a single flash.
A Band A speeding fine would be appropriate if you were caught speeding between 31-40 mph in a 30-mph zone. Providing you accept responsibility for speeding, you will be required to pay a minimum £100 fine and receive three points on your licence.
How are speed cameras triggered? Speed cameras record a vehicle's speed by using detectors in the road or radar technology. Some are connected to traffic light cameras to monitor lights and junctions. If a vehicle exceeds the limit or travels over the stop line on a red light, the camera is triggered.
You can:
Speed camera margins of error vary significantly by location and camera type, but generally involve a police-applied "buffer" (often 2-3 km/h or 3%) for calibration, meaning you might not get fined for going slightly over the limit; however, some authorities claim zero tolerance, while others don't publicize their buffer, so it's best to assume any infringement can result in a fine, with GPS apps often showing true speed better than your car's speedometer.
Your options are to contest the speed itself (whilst conceding that you are travelling too quickly) or to deny the allegation in its entirety. Either tactic will require Court proceedings and in all probability a full hearing at which you will have to attend or be represented.