North Hampton, Ohio Speed Traps

The policeman is always sitting next to the road and will gladly give a speedin ticket to anyone going as little as 1mph over the posted speed limit

North Hampton is a small rural community of around 700 population. State Route 41 runs through the Village from one end to the other. 35 MPH signs are posted on either end of the Village in what are legal 50 MPH zones. For years the Village has been vigorously enforcing the 35 MPH speed limit, knowing the signs were incorrect.

At one time this small village had upwards of twelve enforcement personnel and two cruisers with the most modern gadgets, including video taping equipment. Both the Mayor and former Police Chief admitted that the revenue from traffic tickets was a major source of income for the Village.

Arrest patterns have been very predictable, with most violations being listed as 11 MPH over the posted limit and as having occured exactly at the address of the Village Office building. "Violators" are usually followed two to three miles outside the Corporation limits before being stopped. Non-local drivers and especially the proverbial little old lady have been prime targets.

Local residents and businessmen became so concerned about the excessive enforcement and the effect it was having, that they formed an organization known as The North Hampton Speed Trap Association and erected lighted warning signs outside the Village. This organization has also filed a class action lawsuit in the Clark County Common Pleas Court, seeking repayment of the illegally collected fines.

The Village claims to no longer be enforcing the improper speed limits, however the 35 MPH signs continue to remain in place. Motorists are cautioned to be very cautious when passing through North Hampton or to seek alternate routes.