Presentation of the Slovak Institute of Metrology’s Laboratory for the Verification of Road Speed Measuring Instruments in the VAT Magazine
The Slovak Institute of Metrology (SMÚ) presented the laboratory for the verification of road speed measuring instruments in the VAT magazine focused on science and technology, which was broadcast on STVR.
Pursuant to Act No. 157/2018 Coll. on Metrology and on Amendments to Certain Acts, the SMÚ is the sole authorised body in the Slovak Republic responsible for the verification of specified measuring instruments, including road speed measuring instruments and breath analysers.
Road speed measuring instruments are used primarily by the Police Force of the Slovak Republic, as well as by other entities, to monitor compliance with traffic regulations on public roads and within certain specific enclosed areas.
An amendment to Act No. 8/2009 Coll. on Road Traffic is currently under review by the legislature. The proposed amendment would allow Slovak towns and municipalities to operate stationary road speed measuring instruments under the principle of objective liability of vehicle holders.
Various types of road speed measuring instruments may be used in the Slovak Republic, including radar measuring instruments based on the Doppler effect, laser speed measuring instruments, section speed measuring systems, and average-speed measuring instruments.
Road speed measuring instruments, as designated measuring instruments under metrological regulation, are subject to type approval, initial verification, and periodic verification at annual intervals. Without fulfilling these statutory requirements, a road speed measuring instrument cannot be used as a designated measuring instrument to enforce traffic regulations and impose fines.
Official verification of road speed measuring instruments is carried out by the Slovak Institute of Metrology using a working standard at its laboratory for the verification of road speed measuring instruments located in Nová Dubnica. The maximum permissible errors are determined by the relevant Slovak legal regulation and by the type-approval decision. If a road speed measuring instrument does not comply with these criteria, it cannot continue to be used for its designated purpose as a designated measuring instrument.
The SMÚ laboratory for the verification of road speed measuring instruments performs its activities with the utmost diligence and accuracy, aiming to strengthen confidence in measurement results that play a crucial role in protecting life, health, and traffic safety in the Slovak Republic.
You can watch the VAT program on the STVR archive at: