Philomath, Oregon Speed Traps
thoroughfare in Philomath, Oregon
Patrols often lay in wait hidden from view, often near the tire store. The incident with me resulted in two citations amounting to $270 for avoiding a car that pulled in front of me, for not using a turn signal when there was no time to do so and speeding to avoid an incident. The officer was not interested in my story but wanted to stress that a court appearance is unnecessary. The only thing that mattered was sending in the money. Unable to appear, mid-week in the middle of the day, I sent a lengthy statement relecting my position [to no avail].
Avoid businesses in Philomath until pressure causes the crooked city leaders, along with their cops and co-operative attorneys [serving on the municipal court] change their ways. It’s troubling when desperate leaders in these towns decide to generate revenue to pad their salaries in this predatory fashion.
On hwy 34 (Oregon) west off the I-5(N/S) fwy.
Exit off the interstate 5 in Oregon at Hwy 34 going west. This takes one to the Oregon coastline. After driving through the town of Corvallis, we entered Philomath. Within 500 yards of entering the township, I noticed a police car behind me with its lights on. At the time, I noticed I was driving at about 32-33 mph and I thought the police were after someone else and that I was in the way, so I pulled over to let them pass. But I was wrong. I soon discovered that it was I who the police were pulling over and was told I was doing 39 in a 25 mile zone. “What?” I said, “I never saw a speed limit sign posted anywhere along the way with a 25mph speed limit.” As I spoke with the officer, I noticed two other police cars pull over two other unsuspecting motorists. It was then I realized that I had been the victim of a speed trap. After receiving the ticket and driving on, , we noticed that there were changes in the speed limit in Philomath at least 3 times in its 2.2mile road through the township. I wrote to the judge to ask that the ticket be dismissed or the fine reduced, but he refused to do either. So beware, drivers! Philomath, Oregon is a speed trap for the unsuspecting motorist just passing through and could end up costing you a good deal of money.
State Highway SR 20 near State Highway SR 20
SR 20 runs E-W through Philomath, Oregon (pop. 4,000). The road is heavily trafficked, as many drivers pass through from Corvallis, Oregon or I-5 on their way to the Oregon coast and back. The speed limit through Philomath is 25 mph on the two-lane SR 20. The speed limit E and W of Philomath may be about 45-55. The police hide on the side streets and pull out behind a car and pace it. When I was caught, the police were hidden on a side street in a marked car at 1:30 am, there were two officers in the car, and there were several cars on SR 20 both behind and in front of me (at least 5-10).
State Highway 34 near Town Pump
approaching from the east, Hwy 34 makes a jog to the left, as you enter the Main Street area of Philomath. There is a gas station (Town Pump) that closes early, and turns out ALL the lights; Cops sit there, in total darkness, with a gracefull view, straight down the highway, visibility of at least a mile. The speed-limit changes 3 times during this stretch, with the Cop only guessing, your location, and the related speed limit. With a distance of less the 200 feet between the last SPEED-35 and the first SPEED-25 sign, AND the SPEED-25 sign being partially obscured untill you are about 150 feet from it; this is like ‘shooting fish in a barrel’ with the local Court ready to assess the maximum fine allowed