Thorsby, Alabama Speed Traps

On US 31 northbound into Thorsby or upon entering south bound into Thorsby, the speed limit is posted and realistic. Sometimes the county and or state patrol are visible. It well known to the local inhabitants that this is a speed trap area or well monitored area but there are still people that cruise through at higher than posted limits.

The trap occurs heading southbound just past the town’s southern boundary, the point where the four-lane road narrows to two lanes. There is no sign changing the speed limit to 55, although there is a sign across the road slowing traffic to 45 at the beginning of the four-lane. The town’s jurisdiction extends 1.5 miles beyond that point. A typical stop involves an officer traveling northbound, wheeling around and stopping motorists just before they leave the jurisdiction. I personally know five people who have been ticketed for traveling 65 mph in a 45 zone in this area from the same officer. (Apparently, people tend to set their cruise controls at 65 when traveling through Thorsby) I have also talked to three attorneys about defending yourself in Municipal Court – all three declined to even take the case, because the judge there has no regard for what the defendants have to say, and the only way to be successful was to have the case moved up to Circuit Court, which would be prohibitively expensive. I live in a town just south, and I am considering a grassroots effort to boycott the businesses in the town until they become more realistic.