Handheld Speed Gun Speed Camera
Handheld laser speed devices used by police officers, often from roadside positions or bridges.
Manufacturer
Various (Prolaser, TruCam)
Detection Method
Handheld infrared laser (LiDAR)
Flash
No visible flash
Enforcement Threshold
No guaranteed tolerance
How Handheld Speed Gun Cameras Work
Officer points laser device at approaching vehicle. Device measures speed using infrared laser. Officer can then stop the vehicle or record details for postal prosecution.
Key Facts
Does It Flash?
No visible flash
Typical Locations
Bridges over motorways, roadside positions, speed enforcement operations
Detection Method
Handheld infrared laser (LiDAR)
How to Identify a Handheld Speed Gun
- Officer standing with handheld device
- Often on motorway bridges
- TruCam devices also capture video evidence
- May be accompanied by marked police vehicle downstream
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Handheld Speed Gun cameras flash?
No, Handheld Speed Gun cameras do not produce a visible flash. They use handheld infrared laser (lidar) without any flash unit.
How accurate are Handheld Speed Gun speed cameras?
Equipment used as evidence must meet the applicable type-approval and operating requirements. There is no legal tolerance: any speed above the posted limit can be enforced, although operational guidance and police discretion affect how individual cases are handled.
How do Handheld Speed Gun cameras detect speed?
Officer points laser device at approaching vehicle. Device measures speed using infrared laser. Officer can then stop the vehicle or record details for postal prosecution.
Where are Handheld Speed Gun cameras typically found?
Bridges over motorways, roadside positions, speed enforcement operations
Other Camera Types
Gatso
The most common fixed speed camera in the UK, named after inventor Maurice Gatsonides.
Read the guide →
Truvelo
A forward-facing fixed speed camera that photographs the driver. Unlike Gatso, it uses infrared flash invisible to drivers.
Read the guide →
SPECS (Average Speed)
Average speed camera system using ANPR to calculate speed over a distance. Cannot be beaten by braking at camera locations.
Read the guide →