speed traps

[ramadoss]

Just had a couple general questions.

Can LE sit on private property like a driveway or private business entrance/parkinglot to run radar on people passing by? Can they ticket people they catch speeding this way?

I always thought LE was not allowed to sit in the median or off the side of the road at night with no lights on to catch speeders. I was told that it was dangerous to do that and wasn't allowed but I see it all the time. Sometimes you can make out the little red light on the radar gun but that's all.

[Samuel]

And I'm getting kinda tired of wearing this Bell around my neck all the time! :p

[darrell]

That little red light isn't fromt he radar silly its the in car mounted camera. The red LED means it is taping. To answer your question YES they can sit almost anywhere and tag cars with what ever type of speed measuring device that they are allowed and trained to use in that state.

[txinvestigator1]

Just had a couple general questions.

Can LE sit on private property like a driveway or private business entrance/parkinglot to run radar on people passing by? Can they ticket people they catch speeding this way?

I always thought LE was not allowed to sit in the median or off the side of the road at night with no lights on to catch speeders. I was told that it was dangerous to do that and wasn't allowed but I see it all the time. Sometimes you can make out the little red light on the radar gun but that's all.

Generally LEO's will not sit in a residential drive without prior permission. But business drives ARE open to the public.

In Texas, LEO's can sit without lights on a median, side of the road, wherever.

Of course people observed speeding from these vantage points can be cited.

And how is this a "speed trap". Did they place bait, then wait for you?

[Somebody]

It also depends on agency, there are agencies out there which don't allow hiding. I have yet to come across one, personally.

[Orleander]

...And how is this a "speed trap". Did they place bait, then wait for you?

Exactly!! How is it a trap ramadoss?!

[the other Jon]

I always thought LE was not allowed to sit in the median or off the side of the road at night with no lights on to catch speeders. I was told that it was dangerous to do that and wasn't allowed but I see it all the time. Sometimes you can make out the little red light on the radar gun but that's all.

they do it in florida.


and the guys on here dont like it when you call this setup a speed trap because all the cops are doing is radaring people. its not a speed trap unless they trick you into speeding but then that is entrapment...is this right guys?

[mcsap]

I never encouraged anyone to speed, they always manage to do it all by themselves.

We call it speed enforcement.

Hundreds of cars go byme every day, only a few get my attention. DOn't be one of the few. In other words , don't speed , run red lights etc.

[ramadoss]

Thank you for answering my questions. Kinda what I thought but wasn't positive.

Speed trap is just the common term for a LEO waiting to catch speeders. That's the only reason I used it. Didn't mean to offend anyone.

[mcsap]

Whats not positive about it ? Are you disappointed that we can sit pretty much anywhere we want to do traffic enforcement ? I will even sit on private property late at night without asking permission. If someone really doesnt want me there and comes out to advise, I would gladly leave.

This has happened one time to me in 18 yrs.


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[HiTech]

In California "Speed Traps" are defined in the vehicle code. They are illegal.

[txinvestigator1]

In California "Speed Traps" are defined in the vehicle code. They are illegal.

I would be fascinated to read the statute. How about copying the text here or posting a link.

[mcsap]

Enlighten me HiTech to the Kalifornia definition of a speed trap.

I suspect this is along the lines of taking down speed limit signs ??

[coucousis]

Same here... everywhere is good...

It is all a question of being civilized.... most of the time I will use a quiet yard and try not to importunate anyone. I'de say that 9 time out of 10, people are very happy to see me on their property to reduce speed on their street. Not that I would set myself up there every morning ..... but unless they tell me to go away ... I would give it a try...
I do not like to use private land and will try as much as possible to use public land to do an operation but sometimes for specific need ... I will use private land.

Their is nothing that prevent us from doing so other then common sense and using good judgement when doing so!!!!

It is always funny to see how people are trying to fight a speeding ticket with such argument as this one!!!!

Your speeding...... toooooooooooo bad:D.... be a man and take responsability for your own action!!!(P.S I'm not aiming anyone here!!!!):D

[mcsap]

I have had people ask me on the stand ( never a defense lawyer though) " did you have permission to sit in the driveway to do speed enforcement ?" My reply is pat, " objection your honor, the issue of whether I had permission to sit in a driveway/parking lot etc has no relevance on the issue at hand" . I have always had my objection sustained.