Thomaston, Connecticut Speed Traps

There’s a gravel-paved police turn-around just south of Exit 38 on Route 8. On Route 8 South, it’s between a quarter and half mile south of the exit. Heading North on Route 8, it’s within about a quarter mile of the exit. Police will occasionally sit there, facing either direction (or both), and watch for speeders. I don’t see them there often, but every once in a while.

Located right at the bottom of Exit 39 off Route 8 North. It’s not a typical "speed" trap exactly, but several times a year there will be anywhere from one to four or so police cars sitting there, checking for people exiting too fast, drunk drivers, valid registration stickers, safety issues, etc.

This spot is perfect for the cops. The location is at the bottom of the downhill on the southbound side and the exit sign here is very high which allows the cop to park on the side of the sign opposite the traffic. This trap is typically used in the evening hours when even trying to see the car there is very difficult from the high reflectivity of the sign. The easiest way is to look for an extra set of reflectors under the sign (there are normally two to start). However even seeing the car is usually too late since as you round the corner at the top of the hill they’ll start to track your speed. It’s nearly an infallible trap, your best bet is just to slow down until you know no one is there for sure.

The cop will usually sit here gunning one side or the other and ready to chase on either side of the highway. This spot is very difficult to spot the car when heading northbound since the median blocks most of the sight lines. You really can’t see anything until you get next to the spot. On southbound it’s nearly as difficult however you can see a little sooner than you can on Northbound.

The cop cars sit in the exit for the Thomaston High School and will clock you and pull out of the exit to pull you over. Typically it is when you are coming down 109 towards the high school.