Sterritt
People v. Sterritt
Opinion
Opinion
COLE, Acting P.J.
(1a) We decided in People v. Halopoff (1976) 60 Cal. App.3d Supp. 1 [ 131 Cal. Rptr. 531 ], that in the trial of speeding cases where radar is involved "it is incumbent upon the People, without request from the defendant, to disclose to the court and to the defendant that radar is involved and further, where such is the case, to demonstrate the existence of the engineering and traffic survey required by section 40802, subdivision (b) [of the Vehicle Code]." (60 Cal. App.3d Supp. at p. 5.) In the present matter we hold that Halopoff is to be applied retroactively to cases whose judgments had not yet become final on appeal on the date Halopoff was decided, June 15, 1976.
Appellant here was convicted of driving at a speed of 45 miles per hour in a section of roadway posted for 25 miles-per-hour speed. The arresting officer made his observations by looking at a handheld radar unit.
We have related in some detail in Halopoff , and need not repeat here, the clear and unmistakable legislative policy against the use of "speed-trap" evidence in cases involving the speed of a vehicle (Veh. Code, §§ 40801-40805). Suffice it to state here, that a speed trap is…