Albuquerque, New Mexico Speed Traps

Not so much a speed trap as a light trap. These odd MVD traffic enforcement people jiggered the lights so someone heading northbound sits at a red for about 30 seconds while the other way is *also* red. Designed to trick people who look at the light going the other way to figure out when to go. Not sure about the frequency, but this is the worst kind of trap: one that creates a "crime" when there wasn’t one before. And APD is apparently learning tricks from the state folks (do they have seminars on "Bamboozling hard-working tax-paying citizens?") as I have seen them run a "light trap" on the light going into Wilson Stadium at Manzano here in Albuquerque at least 3 times.

The police have radar out all day and night in this area eastbound they hide out at Montezuma Elementary school in the parking lot .Westbound they are on top of a hill with radar guns drawn downhill at Carlisle and Indian school where the speed limit drops from 40 to 35 but not much notice is given. There was a notice a year ago to reduce speed around the school but it was taken down. Best way to avoid this trap is to use menaul blvd east from University Blvd to get to Carlisle the speed there is 45 mph. And also remember in NM if you have not gotten a ticket in years you are allowed to arrange a court date and there are a number of traffic attorneys in the Albuquerque phone book.

APD Traffic Enforcement and municipal court judges are adhering to a strict "zero-tolerance" procedure around this area and fines are double when construction signage is present. This area is heavily manned both during AM and PM rush hours and are randomly set up around this area seven days a week. The posted speed is 30 MPH but changes frequently without warning.

Westbound traffic is most at risk. Motorcycle officers like to stand on the corner opposite from the school. The speed limit is 35 MPH and must be followed.

Police cruise the two major highways that pass through the city in unmarked Camaros, Mustangs, and Chevy Celebraties. These cars are usually white, but there are red, gray and green units as well. The cars have no give away antannas or lights. I have often seen unsuspecting cars go flying by these units only to recognize them as police units once the dash lights come on. I-25 on the North side of town the units hide past the Paseo Del Norte Bridge. At the same location (facing north bound) I have even seen them use a Department of Highway "cherrie picker" with a cop in the air using a Laser unit and the "Ticketing /chaser" vehicles just past the bridge. Another spot is on Paseo Del Norte (major 4 lane road connecting Albuquerque and the West side of town), they will sit in the unmarked Mustangs on the Railroad tracks behind the highway barracades at a spot where the speed limit goes from 55 mph to 45 mph. Also on that same highway; west bound, they like to set up a cop on the 4th street bridge (laser)with the chase units about a 1/4 mile up on the Rio Grand crossing. One last one also on Paseo; 2nd street on ramp west bound, waiting on the on ramp as traffic comes down the overpass.