How to Avoid Speed Traps in Charlotte—And What to Do If You’re Pulled Over

No one likes getting a speeding ticket. There’s an even greater risk that police will pull you over and issue a citation if you’re caught in a Charlotte speed trap.

In this article, our experienced traffic ticket lawyers at Browning & Long, PLLC, explain where you’ll likely find the most common speed trap locations so you can avoid them. However, if you’ve already been ticketed, we explain how we can defend your speeding charges with successful strategies that may reduce your violation or get it dismissed altogether. 

Where Are Charlotte Speed Trap Locations?

A speed trap is a section of a road or highway where the police are frequently hidden and use radar or other methods to identify drivers exceeding posted speed limits. Law enforcement establishes these zones for many reasons, including: 

• To improve road and highway safety
• Help reduce car accidents
• Generate revenue for the police department 

These locations are often in areas where the speed limit has just changed—for example, from 55 mph to 35 mph. You might also get caught in one in a school zone or on highways where drivers don’t recognize the speed limit drops from 70 mph to 55 mph.

In addition, law enforcement officers could set up a speed trap at a busy Charlotte intersection where there have been lots of collisions to try to get drivers to slow down and drive more carefully.

How Can You Avoid Speed Traps in Charlotte?

Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid speed traps. Here are four ways to reduce your chances of getting caught in one:

1. Slow down. No surprise here—the best way to avoid being pulled over in a trap is to drive the posted speed limit.
2. Check for police cars. Be on the lookout for law enforcement vehicles either hidden or unmarked.
3. Download an app. Another way to avoid Charlotte speed trap locations is to download Waze or a similar app that allows users to notify drivers of police monitoring.
4. Look for high beams. Some people warn other motorists of a speed trap by flashing their high beam lights. 

What to Do If Pulled Over in a Speed Trap Location

If the police stop you, know how to protect yourself and your rights. The experienced defense attorneys at Browning & Long recommend that you take the following actions: 

• Pull over in a safe location. If you hear sirens and see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, put on your turn signal to let the officer know you plan to pull over and then do so at the first safe spot.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel. When an officer approaches your vehicle, make sure your hands are visible. 
• Remain polite and cooperative. Stay calm and be courteous when interacting with law enforcement. If you become argumentative or don’t follow their instructions, you could be charged with a more serious offense, such as resisting arrest, or put yourself in a life-threatening situation.
• Remain silent. You must provide the officer with basic information, such as your name, address, driver’s license, and proof of insurance. However, you should exercise your right to remain silent and avoid making statements that can be used against you.
• Read the ticket. Review the traffic citation carefully so you understand the violation you’re accused of committing. In addition, the ticket informs you of the date and time of a mandatory court hearing you must attend.

Finally, contact our firm right away. Your first step after being issued a speeding ticket should be to retain our traffic ticket lawyers. We’ll raise all your defenses to fight the speeding ticket to help you avoid large fines, hefty court costs, increased auto insurance premiums, and points on your driving record. In addition, we may recommend that you attend traffic school or take other actions to help us reduce the traffic violation to a more minor one if we cannot get the ticket dismissed.