Radar Speed Sign: Operation, Installation, Price

Speeding is a widespread issue in US cities, posing danger to both residents and drivers. Installing an educational radar speed sign is a proven solution for raising driver awareness and reducing speeds permanently.

But how does it work? What are the relevant laws? Who is allowed to install such radars, and what are the costs? Let’s explore all aspects of this essential road safety tool.

How does a radar speed display sign work? Does it issue fines?

How is driver’s speed detected?

Preventive radar signs VS punitive radar devices: What are the difference?

Unlike punitive radar devices, which penalise speeding drivers, radar speed signs display a vehicle’s speed in real time on an LED screen, often accompanied by a personalised message such as “Thank you” or “Too fast” to encourage drivers to slow down.

Radar speed signs are purely informational devices and do not issue any fines. Their primary role is preventive, focusing on educating drivers rather than punishing them. By clearly displaying a driver’s speed, they grab attention and make drivers immediately aware of how their speed compares to the legal limit

What is the purpose of educational radar speed signs?

The main purpose of educational radar signs is to raise drivers’ awareness of their speed and encourage them to comply with speed limits. They significantly reduce the average speed on roads where they are installed and have a major impact on road safety.

In addition, speed display signs can collect valuable traffic data, such as vehicle counts and average speeds, which can help local authorities in making informed decisions. The data gathered can also be used to identify peak traffic times and high-risk areas, enabling more efficient traffic management and better implementation of safety measures in the community.

The results of radar speed signs by the numbers

Studies and feedback have shown that radar speed display signs are highly effective in reducing vehicle speeds.

At Elan City, we have observed a speed reduction of approximately 25% following the installation of a radar speed display sign. Many towns equipped with these speed indicator devices report a notable reduction in speeding, leading to improved road safety and motivating further investment in additionnal units. With radar signs in place, drivers become more conscious of their speed and adjust their behaviour accordingly.

How to choose the right radar speed sign?

To choose an educational radar sign that best suits your needs, consider the following criteria:

• Visibility: A clear, easy-to-read display that is visible from a distance, even in poor weather, is an essential factor. Opt for radars with anti-glare screens that remain functional in bright sunlight or rain.

• Power options: Radar speed signs offer various power modes. Most municipalities choose solar-powered models, an eco-friendly alternative that is fully autonomous. At Elan City, our solar-powered radars are designed to operate even on cloudy days, depending on the solar panel’s energy capacity. If solar power is not feasible in your area, the radar can also be battery-powered or connected to the local power grid.

• Ease of installation: Choose lightweight, pre-configured models that are easy to install without requiring significant work or incurring additional installation costs.

• Features: Look for solutions that offer traffic data recording capabilities, connectivity (Bluetooth, 4G/5G), and the ability to display customisable messages for better interaction with drivers. These features are highly beneficial for daily traffic management.

• Mobility: In some towns, the presence of multiple high-risk areas may pose challenges for local authorities and residents alike. In such cases, consider choosing a mobile radar speed sign that can be relocated to address different problem zones as needed.

It’s essential to select a model that meets your town’s specific needs, taking local conditions and safety objectives into account. At Elan City, we prioritise offering the most effective models on the market to encourage drivers to slow down.

The laws govering radar speed display signs

In the US, radar speed signs must comply with local and state traffic safety and signage standards.

They should not be confused with punitive speed cameras, which require specific authorization to issue fines. Educational radar signs are intended to educate and raise awareness among drivers. They have been widely embraced by local authorities as an easier solution without all the extra steps required for punitive technologies.

The regulations governing these devices vary by state and are typically established by the Department of Transportation or local traffic authorities. Some common guidelines include:

• Display colours: The color used to display the legal speed limit should be different from that used for excessive speeds (for example, green or amber for within the limit, and red for over the limit).
  
• Warning messages: An alert message, such as “SLOW DOWN” or “CAUTION,” must accompany excessive speeds to encourage drivers to reduce their speed.
  
• Symbols: A pictogram may also be used, displayed alternately with the excessive speed, meaning the excess speed will only be displayed part of the time. In these cases, only approved traffic symbols are allowed.
  
• Design: The radar’s casing should follow visibility and safety guidelines, often with specific colors and reflective elements to ensure maximum visibility.
  
• Speed thresholds: In many cases, the speed may not be displayed above a certain limit (e.g., 10 mph over the limit in urban areas or 20 mph on highways), though a message and pictogram can still be shown in these cases to promote driver caution.

Who can install a radar speed sign and how does the process work?

Local authorities, particularly city councils, are the main entities responsible for the installation of radar speed signs.

The process typically involves a site study to determine strategic locations, followed by the actual installation. Radars, such as those from Elan City, are designed to be easily installed by municipal staff without requiring advanced technical skills.

The process typically begins with a site study to identify strategic locations, followed by the actual installation. With radar speed signs from Elan City, there are no additional fees, and you won’t need specialised technicians. Our devices are designed for straightforward installation, enabling local councils, police departments or technical teams to handle the set-up themselves.

The installation process includes mounting the radar on a pole or existing structure, configuring the speed measurement and display settings, and ensuring the radar is visible and readable from the road. All these steps can be completed by a single person.

How much does a radar speed sign cost?

The cost of a radar speed sign varies depending on the features and options chosen. Our EVOLIS radar speed signs can be tailored to suit the budgets of towns of all sizes, and our team is available to help guide you in your selection.

When considering the initial investment, it is important to factor in potential savings from reduced accidents and road infrastructure maintenance.

Additionally, our radar speed signs are often eligible for state-level grants funded by traffic fines, providing municipalities with financial support for their installation and making these road safety devices more accessible.

Why choose an Elan City radar speed sign?

Choosing Elan City means partnering with a trusted leader in road safety solutions esteemed for delivering high-quality products and services. Our EVOLIS radar speed sign technology is a reliable and efficient solution that has been proven to help reduce speeding and enhance road safety in your community.

Beyond performance, we offer responsive customer support and tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of municipalities across the United States.

For more details, explore our best selling model, EVOLIS Vision. Investing in an EVOLIS radar is a smart move to achieve safer roads and a better quality of life for your residents.

Still have questions? Head over to our FAQ section to learn more.