What is the primary function of traffic LIDAR technology?

The primary function of traffic LIDAR technology is to measure speed. LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, utilizes laser light to accurately gauge the distance to a target, and through the timing of the signal return, it calculates how fast an object is moving. This capability makes LIDAR particularly useful in law enforcement for speed enforcement, as it provides precise speed readings of vehicles. The technology operates by sending out pulses of light and measuring how long it takes for the reflection to return, allowing the determination of both distance and speed, but its primary application in traffic contexts is predominantly focused on measuring speed.

While measuring distance is a function of LIDAR, in the context of traffic enforcement, the primary goal is to assess how fast a vehicle is traveling. Recording images and detecting alcohol levels are not functions performed by traffic LIDAR systems, as they are specialized devices with specific applications geared towards speed measurement in vehicular contexts.