The Defendant appealed a Trial Magistrate’s decision to sustain the charged violations of  R.I G.L. 1956 §§ 31-14-2 (Speeding), 31-15-11 (Laned Roadway Violations), and 31-15-16 (Use of Breakdown Lane for Travel). A Rhode Island State Trooper testified to having seen a vehicle with Massachusetts plates “drive over a curb as it went from route 6 onto 95.” Additionally, the vehicle was seen switching in and out of traffic lanes without using a turn signal and going at an excessive speed. The trooper activated the “radar unit” and noted that the vehicle was going “80 miles per-hour in a 55 mile per-hour zone.”  The trooper testified that  the “radar unit was calibrated internally using tuning forks, and prior to [his] shift, after [his] shift, and found to be in good working condition.” Further, the trooper testified to having received training on the radar unit. At trial, the Defendant argued that the trooper had presented false allegations and believed that his out of state plates were considered “when deciding to conduct a traffic stop.” The Trial Court found the Defendant guilty of all violations, and the Defendant appealed. 

The Appeals Panel upheld the Trial Court’s decision. The Appeals Panel held that the requirements set out in State v. Sprague, 322 A.2d 36, 39-40 (1974), had been met because evidence showed that the radar unit had been checked for accuracy and the Trooper provided testimony as to his training on the use of the radar. Due to these facts the Appeals Panel upheld the Trial Court’s decision sustaining the speeding charge.