Golden, Colorado Speed Traps
South Golden Road near Sunset Drive
South Golden Road, from its intersection with Ford Street south to the strip malls, is in places a very wide thoroughfare — four lanes or more — with unnaturally low speed limits. One would suppose a far greater speed limit given the size of the road, the excellent visibility, and the general lack of pedestrians, bicyclists, or homes.
A squad car will often be stationed at the intersection of South Golden Road, East St., and Sunset Dr.
Ford Street near 10th Street
This speed trap goes almost the entire length of Ford Street. Often a squad car may be parked at the location listed. The entire street (and feeder streets such as East St.) have unusually low speed limits, or limits that vary up and down as much as 10 mph from block to block). This is quite common throughout Golden, which gets a disproportionately high percentage of revenue from such "law enforcement."
The speed trap is democratic, however, targeting tourists and locals alike. (I am a local.)
As in other Colorado municipalities, "speeders" are offered the "option" to go to court and contest the ticket, with the possible addition of court costs to the fines, or to admit guilt and mail in a fine of $100 + $25 "administrative fee." This results in a reduction from 4 points to 2 points on one’s license and a notation of "unsafe vehicle" rather than "speeding."
State Highway 6 near 1/2 mile West of 15th
Groups of motorcycle police officers will tag drivers as they drive down into a low point before climbing up a hill. The speed limit is 45 mph and shortly thereafter is 55 mph.
State Highway 58 near Boyd Street
When heading westbound on Hwy 58, you crest a hill, and the speed limit abruptly changes from 65 to 55. The police will also commonly wait until you’ve entered the 55 zone to pull you over and ticket you for that zone eventough they clock you at the top of the hill in the 65 zone.
State Highway 93 near Washington Street
The trap is just north of Washington Ave. on 93. The way the trap works is 2 to 3 officers Use the only reduction in speed from 55mph to 45 on Hwy 93. One officer hides on the side of the highway ( NOT IN A CAR ) on foot and uses laser to� record your speed� then radios his partner in his car parked ? mile down the road and over a hill. The Golden police are well known for exacerbating the �recorded speed�. I drive this route almost every day and know what to look for. I was doing no more than 50mph but they �recorded� me at 61mph. The game is to let you off with a �lesser charge� of �unsafe vehicle� and only 2 points on your driver�s license. In hopes you will take deal. Don�t do it if you fight it all the officers must appear and that cost the city far more than the $100.00 ticket and they will drop the case.