Radar/Laser Calibration

Defendant appealed the decision of the trial magistrate sustaining the violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-14-2 (“prima facie limits”). Defendant argued that the trial court erred in allowing the laser unit’s speed reading without hearing expert testimony. Holding that State v. Sprague, 322 A.2d 36, 36 (R.I. 1974), applies to lasers as well as radars, the Appeals Panel held that expert testimony is not required. Accordingly, the trial court’s decision was affirmed.

City of Woonsocket v. James F. Sullivan, No. M15-0042 (June 14, 2016).pdf