Kansas City, Missouri Speed Traps
State Highway 169 near Interstate 29
Cops park in the "V" where 169 North splits off and exits to the left onto I-29 North so they can radar northbound traffic. Coming north on 169, you crest a hill about 1/4 mile before the split, so it’s almost impossible to see the cop before he can nail you unless you’re going pretty close to the speed limit. (55 MPH)
This is a classic "speed trap" where the cop can see you before you can see him and slow down. The only sure way to avoid being caught is to go no more than 60 or so until you can see the split and make sure there’s no cop waiting there.
The pickings here are so good the cops usually won’t bother with you unless you’re going at least ten MPH over the limit. I pass through this area every day on my way to work, and there are always people getting nailed. Don’t be one of them.
Interstate 70 near Van Brunt Boulevard
I-70 from downtown Kansas City to I-435. I have no idea how this section of I-70 did not make the national top ten list. I have driven all over this country and most of the top ten cities and have never seen any stretch as abused as this one. On the published list from the KC PD this is their #1 moneymaker by far. The only time you won’t see police is during rush hours and that is because 55 is only a dream at those times. Also be aware that they like to use unmarked vans that look harmless. Somebody said something about helicopter enforcement but I don’t believe that happens (helicopters cost way to much to operate). This idea probably is due to the fact the KC PD helicopter home base is close to the intersection of I-435 and I-70. Somebody also stated you have to get a lawyer to plea the tickets in KC, this abusive policy used to be true but is no longer correct. For many years I was a courier in this city driving over 50,000 miles every year and unfortunately know this is just a bizarre stretch of abusive enforcement.
US Highway 71 South
There is a short stretch (e.g. a mile or less) on this highway in Kansas City where the speed limit is 45. There are a couple of stoplights on this stretch. The rest of the highway is limited access and the speed limit in Kansas City is 55. Motorcycle cops sit under the bridge after the second traffic light and look for people speeding. Shortly after the second light the highway goes back to limited access again and the speed limit increases accordingly. The section in question is shortly before the current construction.
Southwest Trafficway Street near 34th Street
Motorcycle cops and occasionally cars will sit on 34th St. running radar against north bound traffic on Southwest Trafficway. They park next to the small church then stand behind the trees or the church sign with the radar gun. Most of the time the cops will just step into the street and flag cars over to write the ticket. I have seen the speed trap set up at most times of the day but more often during lunch hours and afternoon rush hour. Consistently, the speed trap will be in place towards the end of the month.
31st Street near Southwest Trafficway Intersection
West bound on 31st Street, after going through the Southwest Trafficway intersection, there is a steep hill with forest on each side of the road. KC Police wait on a parking lot off Mercier Street. I think the speed limit is 35mph and drivers are usually going faster, and they pull lots of people over and ticket them on a regular basis. This street in in the middle of the city and has no side walks for pedestrians, so they are often in the roadway.