Speed trap

The term speed trap has several meanings, related to detection of speed limit violations.

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• It can refer to a place where a road-rule enforcement camera is posted.
• California traffic law formally defines a certain kind of "speed trap" which is forbidden to be used by police officers as an evidence.
• Still another meaning is a specific location in which police wait in concealment, hoping to catch unwary motorists speeding. For example, a police car might wait behind a bridge or overpass, out of sight of approaching motorists, then pull out once they pass. Alternatively, an officer hiding in a bush or behind a fence might radar passing motorists, and radio their license numbers to a partner in a car further down the road. Often, this type of operation uses a radar gun to track cars' speeds.
• Most commonly, it refers to strict enforcement of speed limits using techniques or criteria which evidence suggests aren't purely motivated by road safety.
 
Speed trap: Disproportionately strict enforcement ►