Does a cop have to tell you how fast you were going?
Noah Mitchell
Published Apr 26, 2026
Simply so, why do cops ask if you know how fast you were going?
" The infraction is what it is. It's a matter of what the radar says. Asking the person whether or not they know if they were speeding makes them admit that they're a poor driver and they weren't paying attention to their speed.
Additionally, does a cop have to show you the radar gun? However, while there's no harm in asking, police officers are not obliged to show motorists what their radar gun says. If you're pulled over by a police officer who used a radar gun, they may explain how they measured your speed.
One may also ask, do the police have to tell you why they pulled you over?
A police officer does not have to tell you why you were stopped, at least not initially. An officer can ask you to get out of the car, or stay in the car. You should do as asked, and remain cordial.
Can cops lie about your speed?
There is an obligation on the police to provide full disclosure, but that does not require them to show you the laser or radar device at the roadside. Some people might say “But that means the officer could write down anything. He could lie and say I was speeding!” Well, that may be true.