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talltex wrote:

srothstein wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:What, exactly, is a "speed trap"?

But as I said, those are very rare now and most people use the term speed trap for any place that strictly enforces the speed laws.

I agree that "strict enforcement" comprises the majority of the definition, but would also add that the volume of tickets written on a per capita basis, along with the amount of revenue generated, plays a big part in the perception of most people of it being a "speed trap". The state does track the volume and dollar amounts of traffic violations by town...and some of the figures will amaze you. The leader in the revenue per capita category goes to Westlake...with over $18,000 in fine revenue per resident. Thats over 10 times the average property tax per Texas household. The second place is a town with only 156 residents that generates almost $15,000 per person...you can lower the property tax and utility bills pretty easily with that amount of additional revenue. The other factor in the revenue equation is the amount of the fines...the Texas Administrative Code provides guidelines, but the municipalities can pretty much do what they want. The state recommends that a school zone violation have an additonal penalty from $25.00-50.00 above the regular fine for speeding and they also have guidelines for speeding on non school zone violations such as for 5 to 10 miles over posted limit $50-75 plus court costs....with fines increasing as violation goes farther over limit. The example I posted from Texline was a base fine of $185.00 for 1 to 10 mph over posted limit, plus $200.00 add on for school zone. I can't imagine anyone thinking that a $385.00 fine for driving 29mph on a 4 lane road, with no traffic and during a time period when all the children are in school, is not excessive, and designed more as a revenue enhancement then a safety measure.

fishman wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:What, exactly, is a "speed trap"?

It's a place where they trap people who are violating the speed limits. I can't say for sure if they skin 'em and eat 'em after they trap 'em. I've never been trapped. Cruise control is a beautiful thing. Plus, I just look so sweet and innocent that nobody wants to give me a ticket anyway.

Just what speed do you set your cruise control on? Exactly the speed limit, just over, or just under???

Jumping Frog wrote:

talltex wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:What, exactly, is a "speed trap"?

I would describe a "speed trap" . . .

Yep, that's a speed trap. One other characteristic is that locals usually don't get nailed, just like out-of-towners are never given "just a warning".