MythBusters Episode 73: Speed Cameras

A speed camera cannot see through a crystallized plate cover.

busted

In the crystals inside the cover did not reflect enough light to fool the camera. Also, the legality of such a device was questioned.

A speed camera cannot see through a lenticular lens plate cover.

busted

While designed to distort the plate from an angle, all or most of the letters of the plate were still identifiable in the tests. Also, the legality of such a device was questioned.

A speed camera cannot see through plastic wrap.

busted

The plastic wrap proved to be ineffective.

A speed camera cannot see through hair spray.

busted

The hair spray was ineffective.

A speed camera cannot see through commercial spray PhotoBlocker Spray.

busted

The commercial spray was ineffective.

A speed camera cannot take a picture of a car if it is going fast enough.

busted*

Neither a normal car nor a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 were able to travel fast enough to outrun the camera.

* This myth was revisited in Myth Revolution with a jet-powered car and it was confirmed.

A speed camera can take a picture of a passing bird.

confirmed

The speed camera managed to catch a pair of trained peregrine falcons passing it at a speed of 40 miles per hour.

Defibrillators can cause medical nitroglycerin chest patches to explode.

busted

Using a homemade defibrillator, the build team attempted to see whether the electric shock it created was enough to cause the nitroglycerin in the patches to explode. However, the defibrillator failed to detonate the patches, as well as patches covered with pure nitroglycerin. The build team was forced to use custom made, high power explosives in order to blow up the body.