# Speed Traps- are they legal? **URL:** \ **Category:** PittSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [August 11, 2009, 11:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429 "2009-08-11T11:59:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![2toneishot](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2toneishot/32/6010_2.png) [@2toneishot](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2toneishot)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 11:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/1 "2009-08-11T11:59:15Z")
Are they legal? I know there was a big thread on DUI traps etc. 1. are speed traps legal? 2. Is it legal for police to set up a speed trap in the parking lot of a business during normal business hours? 3. is there anywhere online that has a police manual in pdf format or something of tha tnature? ---
**Author:** ![BigMack\_Srt8](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bigmack_srt8/32/6025_2.png) [@BigMack\_Srt8](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BigMack_Srt8)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 12:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/2 "2009-08-11T12:40:29Z")
the police wouldn’t do anything that isnt legal. Duh! ---
**Author:** ![OLDS\_ROCKETMAN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/olds_rocketman/32/5942_2.png) [@OLDS\_ROCKETMAN](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/OLDS_ROCKETMAN)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 1:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/3 "2009-08-11T13:00:43Z")
> [@FS/FT: \*SOLD 93 Civic Si/LS SOLD\*](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-ft-sold-93-civic-si-ls-sold/34548/118): > > Are they legal? I know there was a big thread on DUI traps etc. > > 1. are speed traps legal? > 2. Is it legal for police to set up a speed trap in the parking lot of a business during normal business hours? > 3. is there anywhere online that has a police manual in pdf format or something of tha tnature? its technically not a trap…there is no bait to make you speed… they are just observing. ---
**Author:** ![T34418L31](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e56c9b/32.png) [@T34418L31](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/T34418L31)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 4:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/4 "2009-08-11T16:00:39Z")
Not sure, but if I remember the law correctly, they have to clock you at 10mph or more over if using VASCAR to ticket you legally. /somewhat off-topic statement ---
**Author:** ![BlkP42E](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blkp42e/32/5938_2.png) [@BlkP42E](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BlkP42E)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 4:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/5 "2009-08-11T16:20:07Z")
Where did you get pulled over? ---
**Author:** ![imported\_SINISTER](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/imported_sinister/32/5970_2.png) [@imported\_SINISTER](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/imported_SINISTER)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/6 "2009-08-11T16:23:14Z")
yes its legal… and yes its legal in a parking lot… speeding in parking lot where there is predistrian traffic…yes you are screwed ---
**Author:** ![Shaggy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shaggy/32/5945_2.png) [@Shaggy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shaggy)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/7 "2009-08-11T16:27:17Z")
> [@WTRENT/HIRE](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/wtrent-hire/40188/39): > > its technically not a trap…there is no bait to make you speed… they are just observing. ---
**Author:** ![tom\_vito](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tom_vito/32/6000_2.png) [@tom\_vito](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tom_vito)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 5:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/8 "2009-08-11T17:24:44Z")
Hell I ebven know of places that have signs posted “Speed trap ahead”. So I’m guessing legal all the way. ---
**Author:** ![SMort38](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/smort38/32/6008_2.png) [@SMort38](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SMort38)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 6:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/9 "2009-08-11T18:14:39Z")
pulled over twice in two weeks? that new car must be a beast! ---
**Author:** ![flyinglow57](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/flyinglow57/32/5978_2.png) [@flyinglow57](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/flyinglow57)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 6:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/10 "2009-08-11T18:45:25Z")
> [@Motor Trend: Evo X vs. New Sti](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/motor-trend-evo-x-vs-new-sti/40818/3): > > Not sure, but if I remember the law correctly, they have to clock you at 10mph or more over if using VASCAR to ticket you legally. > > /somewhat off-topic statement 5 is where its at… gives allocation of speedometer error. ive been pulled over for 6 over. ---
**Author:** ![starboy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/starboy/32/5985_2.png) [@starboy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/starboy)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 7:08pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/11 "2009-08-11T19:08:55Z")
[http://trapster.com/](http://trapster.com/) ---
**Author:** ![MaliciousIntent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@MaliciousIntent](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MaliciousIntent)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 7:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/12 "2009-08-11T19:13:48Z")
star boy, does that work? > [@Motor Trend: Evo X vs. New Sti](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/motor-trend-evo-x-vs-new-sti/40818/3): > > Not sure, but if I remember the law correctly, they have to clock you at 10mph or more over if using VASCAR to ticket you legally. > > /somewhat off-topic statement i’m pretty sure thats pending, if its 4 inches of snow on the ground, then that would be different, i think thats considered “driving too fast for conditions” buddy got pulled for that ---
**Author:** ![Shaggy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shaggy/32/5945_2.png) [@Shaggy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shaggy)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/13 "2009-08-11T20:07:38Z")
> [@What are you listening to RIGHT NOW? Pt. NYSpeed](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/what-are-you-listening-to-right-now-pt-nyspeed/183/892): > > Hell I ebven know of places that have signs posted “Speed trap ahead”. > > So I’m guessing legal all the way. speed enforcement, not speed trap :hsugh: ---
**Author:** ![thrillissues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@thrillissues](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/thrillissues)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/14 "2009-08-11T20:44:05Z")
There MAY be a defense in the fact that the parking lot was most likely private property, but even so you would probably need the property owner on your side. Does the parking lot have posted speed limits? ---
**Author:** ![Blackbelt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blackbelt/32/5998_2.png) [@Blackbelt](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Blackbelt)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 5:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/15 "2009-08-12T05:14:49Z")
> [@TW: 32" Westinghouse LCD TV](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tw-32-westinghouse-lcd-tv/40738/6): > > 5 is where its at… gives allocation of speedometer error. ive been pulled over for 6 over. For RADAR it’s 6 over. For VASCAR it’s 10 over. From the PA vehicle code: > 1. Speed timing devices > > (a) Speedometers authorized.–The rate of speed of any vehicle > may be timed on any highway by a police officer using a motor > vehicle equipped with a speedometer. In ascertaining the speed of a > vehicle by the use of a speedometer, the speed shall be timed for a > distance of not less than three-tenths of a mile. > > (b) Testing of speedometers.–The department may appoint stations > for testing speedometers and may prescribe regulations as to > the manner in which the test shall be made. Speedometers shall > have been tested for accuracy within a period of 60 days prior to the > alleged violation. A certificate from the station showing that the test > was made, the date of the test and the degree of accuracy of the > speedometer shall be competent and prima facie evidence of those > facts in every proceeding in which a violation of this title is charged. > > (c) Mechanical, electrical and electronic devices authorized.– > (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the rate of > speed of any vehicle may be timed on any highway by a police > officer using a mechanical or electrical speed timing device. > (2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), electronic > devices such as radio-microwave devices (commonly referred to as > electronic speed meters or radar) may be used only by members of > the Pennsylvania State Police. > (3) Electronic devices which calculate speed by measuring > elapsed time between measured road surface points by using two > sensors and devices which measure and calculate the average > speed of a vehicle between any two points may be used by any > Police officer. > **(4) No person may be convicted upon evidence obtained through > the use of devices authorized by paragraphs (2) and (3) unless the > speed recorded is six or more miles per hour in excess of the legal > speed limit. Furthermore, no person may be convicted upon > evidence obtained through the use of devices authorized by paragraph > (3) in an area where the legal speed limit is less than 55 > miles per hour if the speed recorded is less than ten miles per hour > in excess of the legal speed limit. This paragraph shall not apply > to evidence obtained through the use of devices authorized by > paragraph (3) within a school zone.** > > (d) Classification, approval and testing of mechanical, electrical > and electronic devices.–The department may, by regulation, classify > specific devices as being mechanical, electrical or electronic. All > mechanical, electrical or electronic devices shall be of a type approved > by the department, which shall appoint stations for calibrating > and testing the devices and may prescribe regulations as to the > manner in which calibrations and tests shall be made. The certification > and calibration of electronic devices under subsection (c)(3) > shall also include the certification and calibration of all equipment > timing strips and other devices which are actually used with the > particular electronic device being certified and calibrated. The de > vices shall have been tested for accuracy within a period of 60 days, > prior to the alleged violation. A certificate from the station showing > that the calibration and test were made within the required period > and that the device was accurate, shall be competent and prima facie > evidence of those facts in every proceeding in which a violation of > this title is charged. > > (e) Distance requirements for use of mechanical, electrical and > electronic devices.–Mechanical, electrical or electronic devices may > not be used to time the rate of speed of vehicles within 500 feet after > a speed limit sign indicating a decrease of speed. This limitation on > the use of speed timing devices shall not apply to speed limit signs > indicating school zones, bridge and elevated structure speed limits > hazardous grade speed limits and work zone speed limits. > 1976, June 17, P.L. 162, No. 81, § 1, effective July 1, 1977. Amended 1985 > July 11, P.L. 204, No. 52, § 3, imd. effective; 1986, March 27, P.L. 71, No. > 24, § 2, imd. effective. ---
**Author:** ![ZEX350Z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/87869e/32.png) [@ZEX350Z](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZEX350Z)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 5:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/16 "2009-08-12T05:48:06Z")
Private lots (example the Mall) don’t have PennDot enforced traffic signs. If you blow a stop sign at ross park mall you technically can not be ticketed. I forget the proper term. If you did, it would be thrown out in court. ---
**Author:** ![2toneishot](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2toneishot/32/6010_2.png) [@2toneishot](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2toneishot)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 6:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/17 "2009-08-12T06:40:06Z")
sorry let me clarify. I wasnt in the parking lot. The COP was in the parking lot clocking people on the main road. I was clocked going up the hill into wexford and then the rest of the cops were sitting at the top in the fire hall lot just picking people off left and right. The cop that was clocking people was sitting at the bottom of the hill in the parking lot of an office complex during normal business hours. I thought it was illegal to do that during business hours. Smort- thats my first ticket since our trip to indiana… so its been a couple years i guess. ---
**Author:** ![Shaggy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shaggy/32/5945_2.png) [@Shaggy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shaggy)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 7:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/18 "2009-08-12T07:43:02Z")
Plead not guilty or pay the fine. “I thought it was illegal to do that during business hours” Are you fucking joking ? 🤣 observation is a 24/7 job 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![2toneishot](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2toneishot/32/6010_2.png) [@2toneishot](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2toneishot)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 7:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/19 "2009-08-12T07:44:27Z")
> [@The last movie you've seen, and rate it.](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/the-last-movie-youve-seen-and-rate-it/27425/395): > > Plead not guilty or pay the fine. > > “I thought it was illegal to do that during business hours” > are you fucking joking ? 🤣 no? why would I be. To be quite honest if I owned a business I would not want a cop clocking people from my parking lot during business hours. Its bad for business. are you fucking retarded? :stick: ---
**Author:** ![Shaggy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shaggy/32/5945_2.png) [@Shaggy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shaggy)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2009, 7:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429/20 "2009-08-12T07:47:36Z")
Maybe the business owners wanted cops to observe from their location. Are you fucking naive? [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/speed-traps-are-they-legal/203429.md?page=2)