If a speed camera flashes once, it usually means it captured your vehicle's license plate for potential speeding or a red-light violation, but it's not a definite ticket; it could be testing, capturing another lane's offense, or a single-flash modern system, with fines arriving later by post if reviewed and confirmed. Don't panic, but be aware a notice might come within 14-28 days if it was a genuine offence.
At least then they could go back to the old formula of speed = distance divided by time and have two images to calculate the distance over the time it took two photos. The newer ones flash once purely to photograph the number plate and don't need road markings.
Average speed cameras work by recording your speed at two different points. They don't capture your speed in a single flash.
The best defense to a ticket for speeding is that you were driving the safest rate of speed based on the traffics around you, weather, road conditions, and your own experience along with your personal knowledge of the motor vehicle you were driving.
A speed camera has flashed me, when will I know if I am going to get a ticket? The police will send a notice to the address where the vehicle is registered to. The police must serve the notice to arrive within 14 days on the registered keeper of the vehicle.
If you're caught by a speed camera
Within 14 days of your car being caught speeding you'll be sent a: Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) Section 172 notice.
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:
Speed cameras trigger based on a set limit plus a tolerance, often around 10% + 2 mph (or ~3 km/h) over the posted limit, though this varies by region and camera type (fixed vs. average). While you can be caught at 1 mph over, authorities typically enforce at higher thresholds, like 4-10 mph over in a 30-40 mph zone, with some systems subtracting minor equipment error, effectively giving you a buffer.
Common grounds for appealing speeding tickets include:
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.
Speed camera margins of error (or "tolerances") vary by location and camera type, often allowing a few km/h or a small percentage (e.g., 3 km/h for mobile, 2 km/h for fixed in some Australian states) off the recorded speed to account for device inaccuracy, but this isn't guaranteed and can change, so the safest bet is always to drive the posted limit to avoid fines.
Most drivers believe that they will see a camera flash if they have tripped the speed limit, but this is no longer true, as the newer cameras will have infrared technology, so you could be shocked when a speed fine lands on your doorstep. Learn more about our Pre-Court advanced driving courses.
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.
They are the big yellow boxes that are usually mounted on poles or roadside structures. You'll know if you're speeding because you'll see a visible flash in your rearview mirror when the camera is triggered.
Yes, the tolerance is 10% +1, prosecution begins at 10%+2.
You can't know instantly if a speed camera caught you, but you'll get a notice in the mail, or you can check online via your state's government or transport authority website using your vehicle details. A flash doesn't guarantee a ticket, as cameras can test or catch other cars, but official portals allow viewing photos if you are fined, so check them for updates.
Myth: You won't get caught speeding if you slow down just before the camera. Fact: Average speed cameras measure your speed over a distance, not just at a single point. They calculate your speed by measuring the time it takes to travel between two points using automatic number plate recognition.
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.
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.
How to Remove Violations From Your Driving Record
The best defense for a speeding ticket often involves challenging the accuracy of the speed measurement, questioning the clarity and visibility of speed limit signs, disputing the officer's observations, or proving a necessity or mistake of fact.
The most believable excuses are short, specific, and tied to legitimate responsibilities or unavoidable situations. Examples include sudden illness, a medical appointment that couldn't be scheduled outside work hours, urgent family needs, or car/transportation issues.
Save Lives
Slowing down increases the likelihood of surviving a crash. Researcher Rune Elvik found that a 1% decrease in travel speed reduces injury crashes by about 2%, serious injury crashes by about 3% and fatal crashes by about 4%. Over 12,000 people died in speed-related crashes in 2008.
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.