What does LIDAR stand for in traffic enforcement?

LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This term accurately describes the technology utilized in traffic enforcement to measure the speed of moving vehicles. LIDAR systems emit light waves (laser pulses) and measure the time it takes for these waves to return after bouncing off an object, such as a vehicle. By calculating the time taken and knowing the speed of light, the system can determine the distance to the object and, when used in conjunction with the rate of change of that distance over time, effectively compute the speed of the vehicle.

This precise measurement makes LIDAR a valuable tool in traffic speed enforcement, as it can target specific vehicles even in heavy traffic situations. The options referencing identification, intensity, and information do not align with the technical nature of the actual LIDAR acronym and its functional purpose in law enforcement. Therefore, understanding the correct terminology is crucial for traffic enforcement officers who rely on this technology.