The Official Information Act data obtained by MotorBuzz revealed 2 million speed camera tickets issued between 2023-2025, generating $285 million in revenue. What the data doesn't show is how many of those tickets were issued without meeting the legal requirements for enforceable speed detection.
Every speeding ticket in New Zealand must meet specific evidential standards. Cameras must have current calibration certificates. Officers must follow documented procedures. Radar and laser devices require pre-deployment testing. If police can't produce this documentation, the ticket is not legally enforceable. Requesting this information isn't obstruction - it's your legal right and the only way to ensure enforcement meets required standards.
Why Proper Documentation Matters
Speed detection equipment can fail. Cameras can malfunction. Radar can lock onto the wrong vehicle. Laser devices require precise operation. The legal framework acknowledges these risks by requiring strict documentation and procedure. When police issue tickets without following these requirements, they're enforcing fines that don't meet evidential standards for prosecution.
The New Zealand Police Speed Detection Equipment Operators Manual (2015) and associated Code of Operations establish binding requirements for all speed enforcement. These aren't suggestions. They're mandatory procedures that must be followed for a reading to be admissible in court. If police can't demonstrate compliance, the ticket should be withdrawn.
What You're Entitled to Request: Speed Cameras (Fixed and Mobile)
For any ticket issued by speed camera, you can request:
- Photograph showing your vehicle and registration plate clearly visible
- Photograph showing the speed reading at time of detection
- Current Certificate of Accuracy for the camera (must be less than 12 months old per Land Transport Act 1998 s146)
- Calibration records showing when the camera was last tested and results
- Testing logs proving the camera was functioning correctly on the day your ticket was issued
- Operator certification (for mobile cameras - proof the operator holds current certification)
- Site approval documentation (cameras must be placed at approved locations meeting specific criteria)
- Maintenance records showing the camera was properly maintained
- Time synchronization records (camera clocks must be accurately synchronized)
If police cannot provide:
- A valid, current certificate of accuracy → The reading is inadmissible
- Clear photos showing your vehicle and speed → They cannot prove it was your vehicle
- Proper calibration and testing records → The reading's reliability is unproven
What You're Entitled to Request: Officer-Issued Tickets (Radar/Laser)
The requirements for officer-issued tickets are more extensive because human operation introduces more variables. For radar or laser stops, you can request:
- Officer's Proficiency Certificate (must be current - officers require periodic recertification)
- Device Certificate of Accuracy (less than 12 months old)
- Patrol Vehicle Speedometer Certificate (if radar used in moving mode)
- Pre-Deployment Testing Records:
- For radar: Tuning fork tests, serial number match between device and forks
- For laser: Distance accuracy tests
- Complete Tracking History documented in officer's notebook:
- Visual: Officer identified and continuously monitored your specific vehicle, confirmed it was within device range, estimated speed based on observation
- Audio: Clear, consistent Doppler tone (radar) matching speed estimate, audio not muted during detection
- Device: Steady reading consistent with visual estimate and audio tone, ground speed matching speedometer (radar only)
- Officer's Notebook Entries showing all of the above for your specific stop
- Device Logbook Pages showing tests passed, serial numbers, shift entries
- Site Compliance Evidence:
- Must be >250m from speed limit change
- Clear line of sight
- Safe stopping area available
- Evidence of Vehicle Identification if multiple vehicles were in the detection beam (largest reflector/fastest vehicle risk with radar)
The Speed Detection Equipment Operators Manual explicitly states these elements form the "chain of evidence" required to eliminate errors and establish reliability. Absence of any element means the reading is unreliable and unenforceable.
How to Dispute A Ticket
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available sources and personal opinion as at the date of publication. Laws, enforcement practices, and court procedures can change over time and may be applied differently depending on the specific facts of a case and the jurisdiction.
Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice, financial advice, or professional guidance. Reading this article does not create a lawyer–client relationship, and you should not rely on it as a substitute for obtaining advice from a qualified legal professional who has reviewed your individual situation and the relevant documents (such as your infringement notice, disclosure, and correspondence with authorities).
If you choose to dispute a fine, communicate with enforcement agencies, or appear in court based on information contained here, you do so entirely at your own risk. The author and publisher make no warranties as to the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content, and expressly disclaim any liability for loss, damage, penalties, costs, or consequences arising from any use of, or reliance on, this article, whether in whole or in part.
Readers are strongly encouraged to seek independent legal advice (for example from a practising lawyer or Community Law Centre) before taking any action or making any decision regarding infringement notices, court hearings, or related matters.
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Do not pay the fine at this stage. If you pay the fine you lose the ability to dispute it. The ticket will say you have the right to defent it but in the author's experience once you've payed you're done. They ignore you.
NOTE: You can choose to pay your fine at any time and that will cease the request/dispute.
If you choose to go to court and lose you may be orderd to pay costs.
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Template 1: Speed Camera (Fixed or Mobile) Disclosure Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]New Zealand Police Infringement Processing Centre
RE: Infringement Notice [NUMBER] – Request for Full Disclosure Prior to Court Hearing
Dear Sir/Madam,
I dispute Infringement Notice [xxxxx] issued on [DD/MM/YYYY] for alleged speeding detected by [fixed/mobile] speed camera.
I hereby reserve my right elect a court hearing pursuant to section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
Prior to any hearing, I require full disclosure of the following evidence within 14 days pursuant to my right to natural justice and fair trial:
1. Clear photograph showing my vehicle with registration plate visible
2. Photograph showing the speed reading at time of alleged detection
3. Current Certificate of Accuracy for the camera (Land Transport Act 1998 s146)
4. Calibration records showing:
- Date of last calibration
- Results of calibration test
- Name and certification of person who performed calibration
5. Testing records proving camera function on [date of alleged offence]:
- Pre-operational tests
- Any tests conducted during the operational period
- Post-operational verification
6. Camera operator certification (mobile cameras only):
- Copy of operator's current certification
- Expiry date of certification
7. Site approval documentation:
- Evidence this location meets approved site criteria
- Distance from any speed limit changes
- Road characteristics justifying camera placement
8. Maintenance records for 6 months prior to alleged offence
9. Time synchronization records proving camera clock accuracy
If the above evidence demonstrates non-compliance with ANY legal requirement for speed camera operation, I request immediate withdrawal of this infringement as the prosecution lacks a prima facie case.
If disclosure reveals:
- Expired or absent Certificate of Accuracy
- Inadequate calibration or testing
- Unclear photographic evidence
- Non-compliant site placement
- Equipment malfunction
Then this infringement is not enforceable and must be withdrawn.
Failure to provide complete disclosure within 14 days will be raised at hearing with application for dismissal and costs.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
Template 2: Officer-Issued Ticket (Radar/Laser) Disclosure Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]New Zealand Police Infringement Processing Centre
RE: Infringement Notice [NUMBER] – Request for Disclosure prior to Court Hearing and Full Disclosure
Dear Sir/Madam,
I dispute Infringement Notice [xxxxx] issued on [DD/MM/YYYY] for alleged speeding detected by [radar/laser] device operated by [Officer Name/Number if known].
I hereby reserve the right to elect a court hearing pursuant to section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
The NZ Police Speed Detection Equipment Operators Manual (2015) and Code of Operations establish mandatory procedures for enforceable speed detection. These require a complete "chain of evidence" including visual observation, audio confirmation (radar), and device reading, all documented in the operator's notebook.
Prior to any hearing, I require full disclosure of the following evidence within 14 days:
Operator and Device Certification:
1. Officer's current Speed Detection Device Operator Proficiency Certificate
- Issue date and expiry date
- Device types certified for (radar/laser/both)
2. Device Certificate of Accuracy (must be <12 months old per LT Act 1998 s146)
- Device serial number
- Calibration date
- Certifying authority
3. Patrol vehicle speedometer certificate (if radar used in moving mode)
Pre-Deployment Testing:
4. Device logbook entries for [date of alleged offence] showing:
- Tuning fork tests passed (RADAR): Serial numbers must match device
- Distance accuracy tests (LASER)
- Officer signature and time
- Any equipment issues noted
Complete Tracking History for My Vehicle:
Per the Operators Manual, the following must be documented in the officer's notebook:
5. Visual Tracking:
- How officer identified my specific vehicle
- Continuous visual monitoring from initial sighting to stop
- Confirmation vehicle was within device range/line of sight
- Estimated speed based on observation BEFORE device reading
6. Audio Confirmation (radar only):
- Clear, consistent Doppler/target tone heard
- Tone consistent with visual estimate
- Audio NOT muted during detection
- Tone distinguished from other vehicles if multiples present
7. Device Reading:
- Reading steady and consistent with visual/audio estimates
- Ground speed matched patrol speedometer (radar moving mode)
- No error messages or anomalies
- Reading matched officer's visual estimate
8. Officer's Full Notebook Entries:
- Complete contemporaneous notes for my stop
- All elements of tracking history date stamped and documented IN CONTEXT AT THE TIME OF THE OFFENCE
- Weather/traffic/road conditions
- Any factors affecting detection
Site Compliance:
9. Evidence that detection occurred:
- More than 250m from speed limit change [I note officer indicated a limit change at the stop location]
- With clear line of sight to vehicles
- With safe stopping area available
- Under conditions suitable for accurate detection
Multiple Vehicle Differentiation:
10. If multiple vehicles were in the detection beam:
- How officer ensured device locked onto MY vehicle
- Evidence excluding reflection from other vehicles
- Documented reasoning for target selection
The Operators Manual states these elements form the mandatory "chain of evidence" that eliminates operator error and equipment malfunction. Absence of ANY element renders the reading unreliable and unenforceable.
If disclosure reveals:
- Expired certifications (operator or device)
- Failed or undocumented pre-deployment tests
- Incomplete tracking history in notebook
- Non-compliant site (e.g., <250m from limit change)
- No documented audio confirmation (radar)
Multiple vehicles without documented differentiation
- No tracking history in context. A GENERIC COMPUTER PRINTOUT WITH NO DATE STAMP IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN AT ANY TIME.
Then I request immediate withdrawal as the prosecution cannot prove the reading is reliable or that procedures were followed.
Failure to provide complete disclosure within 14 days will be raised at hearing with application for dismissal and costs pursuant to my right to examine evidence and mount a proper defense.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
What Happens Next
When police receive your disclosure request, they must review whether they can provide all requested documentation. If they cannot produce:
- Valid, current certificates
- Proper testing records
- Complete tracking history (officer-issued tickets)
- Clear photographic evidence (camera tickets)
Then they have three options:
- Withdraw the ticket (most common when evidence is inadequate)
- Provide partial disclosure and proceed (you can challenge adequacy in court)
- Ignore the request (grounds for dismissal at hearing)
Why This Matters
Every ticket you successfully challenge on evidential grounds sends a message: enforcement must meet legal standards. When police know drivers will request disclosure, it incentivizes proper procedure. If cameras aren't calibrated properly, they shouldn't be issuing tickets. If officers don't follow tracking protocols, their readings aren't reliable.
This isn't about getting away with speeding. It's about ensuring enforcement is accurate, fair, and legally sound. If you were genuinely speeding and police have proper documentation, you'll lose in court. But if police are issuing tickets without meeting required standards, those tickets should be withdrawn.
The Success Rate
Based on anecdotal evidence from traffic lawyers and defendants, disclosure requests result in withdrawal in roughly 20-40% of cases when genuine documentation problems exist. Common issues that lead to withdrawal:
- Expired camera calibration certificates
- Missing tuning fork tests for radar
- Incomplete notebook entries lacking tracking history
- Speedometer certificates not current for patrol vehicles
- Devices used beyond certification date
These aren't technicalities. They're legal requirements that exist because speed detection can be inaccurate without proper procedures.
Your Rights Are Not Frivolous
Requesting disclosure is a fundamental right in New Zealand's justice system. You're entitled to see evidence against you. Police must demonstrate their equipment was working correctly and procedures were followed. If they can't, the ticket isn't enforceable. That's not a loophole - it's how the law is supposed to work.
Every person who challenges inadequately documented tickets makes enforcement more accountable. If this creates "work" for police, that work is ensuring compliance with their own procedures. That's not punishment - it's the job.
Do This Every Time
If you receive a speeding ticket and want to challenge it, request full disclosure. Every time. Make police prove they followed procedures. Make them produce certificates and testing records. Make them demonstrate the reading was reliable and the equipment was functioning correctly.
Some tickets will have all required documentation. Those are legitimate and enforceable. But many won't. Those tickets should never have been issued, and you have every right to demand their withdrawal.
This is your legal right. Exercise it.
