speed trap

noun

1. a section of a road where hidden police, radar, etc., carefully check the speed of motorists and strictly enforce traffic regulations: sometimes characterized by hard-to-see signals, hidden traffic signs, etc.

speed trap

noun

1. a section of road on which the police check the speed of vehicles, often using radar

Word History and Origins

Origin of speed trap¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Joined by his "proud but also slightly bemused" partner Emilie, Dylan completed two runs through a speed trap on the 100m course in the machine that's part wheelbarrow, part scrap scooter.

From BBC

Delaware State Police will pay a $50,000 judgment to a man who filed a lawsuit after they stopped him from warning motorists about a radar speed trap by tearing up his sign.

From Washington Times

Zaid represented himself in a similar case in Montgomery County in 2009, when he himself was ticketed for flashing his lights to warn oncoming drivers of what he viewed as a speed trap.

From Washington Post

It’s clearly a “speed trap,” and there has even been a class-action lawsuit filed against it.

From Washington Post

It’s not as if Rochester wants to keep the lower limit as a speed trap.

From Washington Times