Abstract: Optical receiving system (20) and method are provided for receiving optical signals used to determine vehicle velocity. The receiver system (20) comprises an optical receiver unit (22) mounted on a vehicle (30) to detect an optical signal incident thereupon. The optical receiver unit (22) includes a radio frequency transmitter (44) for generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal when the optical receiver unit (22) detects an optical signal incident thereupon. The detector system further comprises an indicator unit (24) which includes a radio receiver (46) for receiving the radio frequency generated by the radio frequency transmitter (44) and for providing an indication of the reception thereof. In one embodiment, the indicator unit is a convention radar detection device. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical receiver units (22') are provided for positioning at differing locations upon a vehicle (30'). In another embodiment, a linear array (122) of optical receivers is provided.