Santa Barbara, California Speed Traps

SBPD uses motorcycles on Cliff Drive between Barranca (near SBCC’s West Campus entrance) and Salida del Sol (just before the fire station). They are usually hiding behind parked cars or on one of the many side roads off of Cliff drive. The speed limit is 40mph and they Will write you up for going faster than 50. They are usually there during the morning, lunchtime, and later afternoons.

They are heavier during the first few weeks of school (SBCC) when they will be there almost daily. The rest of the year it’s about once or twice a week at different times of the day.

SB city motorcycle police, often in pairs 3 blocks apart, set up radar and/or Laser speedtraps beginning in the 1700 block of De La Vina, down to the 1100 block. Speed picks up easily as this is a one-way road downhill with no traffic lights or stop signs.

HWY 101 between Goleta and Buellton (CA, about 30 miles) has received extra funding from the state for enforcement. I drive it regularly and see drivers pulled over every time. Watch your speed.

There is a sign that says "Speed Checked by Radar", where Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass) starts (from the Calle Real side), right after the exit towards Cathedral Oaks. A CHP car usually hides in a spot on the right next to this sign that you can’t see until you pass that spot. In fact, you can see that side of the road deliberated cleared away so law enforcement can hide there. They will pull you over even if you are slightly over the 55mph limit.

Normally 1 to 2 motorcycle police officers using radar, sometimes 3 or 4. Officers citing motorists just as the speed limit drops from 40 mph to 25 mph. Road runs along a city park so 25 mph zone is in effect from sunrise to sunset. Many unsuspecting tourists fall prey.