Yemassee, South Carolina Speed Traps

On the left side of the road a Cop sits under a tree. Its near the dollar store. The speed goes from 45 to 35 but the sign is hidden by a bush. He nails you at 46 MPH.

This little town makes a ton of money from milking the I-95 / Hwy 17 corridor traffic for all they can get. The State of South Carolina should do something about this speed trap as it is an embarrassment to the entire State. They have annexed the SC State roads solely for the purpose of lining their own pockets.

Yemassee SC town police are patrolling with radar 4 miles outside the town’s municipal boundaries. SC Code of Laws Section 17-13-40-A prohibits expanded jurisdiction of local police based solely upon exceeding posted speed limits. Of course you must appear in Yemassee municipal court to defend this position. Ticket issued was 4 point violation with a fine of $185. Obviously a small town fleecing of travelers NOT even driving through this town or anywhere near its municipal boundaries!

Yesterday morning my 9 Yr old son and I were going Fishing at the Hunting Island Pier, from Aiken, SC. It was a nice peaceful morning drive until I crossed the Train Tracks, on Old Sheldon Church Rd. going towards the SE. I saw the Cop in front of me in the distance on the left parked in a nice Dodge Charger. I saw a sign just past him that said “55”, I knew I wasn’t speeding, but as I approached him, he flipped on his lights, and I pulled over immediately! He asked me if I knew why?, when he approached the car, and after I said “Good Morning to the Officer”, then I responded …no, I am not sure why? He said I was doing 53, in a 40 MPH Zone. I looked back about 100′, and saw a sign in the opposite direction saying 40 MPH, and on my side about 125′ back, on my side the sign said 55??? Really Officer? I’m not from this area, and wasn’t aware of the quick change…He then said “Lic., and Registration please” ! I gave it to him thinking that I may just get a warning, or a lesser fine…. I asked him what he was going to charge me with, and he said… wait til I return. He came back with a ticket for 53 in a 40 MPH zone. As I don’t get a ticket very often, I asked him how many points it was, and he replied that he didn’t know??? Why don’ you know that?… I thought to myself? I realized that I would not get anywhere by doing that so I left it. He asked me if I had anymore questions, and I said no………. But, I just commented to him that I thought it was an obvious speed trap ! He replied………” Yes sir…………have a nice day, and drive safe” Thanks officer……….But, I was driving safe as I usually do ! How do I enjoy my day now with 4 Bogus points, and a $133.00 fine??? That just wrong, and they know it !!!

Wife and I were on vacation coming in from Beaufort, SC on Old Sheldon Church Road. I drove under the speed limit on the interstates getting to Beaufort, while 9 out of 10 vehicles passed us. It was a relaxing ride until arriving in Yemassee Sunday morning. After crossing the R/R tracks in Yemassee, I increased my speed up to 47 as I saw a 45 mph sign ahead. I do not recall seeing a speed sign except for the 45 mph going out of town.
“Town” is a generous description as the limits it claims is only a 2 miles radius and there is not even a traffic light; at least not one I saw. Yemassee’s only claim to fame, an Amtrak Station. Estimated median income about $25,000. Population less than 900 and only 2 full-time paid employees…you guessed it, one is THE cop, the other the garbageman. (city-data.com) I also noted that the cop drove a late model car, possibly a Charger, all painted and shiny and all with a big low profile light bar on top. Got to pay for it somehow so just like in Billy-goat Gruff, the troll takes his toll.
THE cop was driving towards me with a car in front of his car. He flipped his lights on and pulled us over in front of the gas station/convenience store just before the I-95 entrance ramp. Cop asked if I knew why he pulled me over and I honestly said I didn’t know. Cop said that I was doing 47 in a 35. I told the cop that the sign said 45 mph but he informed me that he had clocked me before I got to the sign. I could see that I wasn’t going to win so I just resigned myself to take the ticket without further comment. Vacationing in South Carolina is optional. I haven’t had a speeding ticket in years…last time I’ll drive through South Carolina…Beaufort is pretty but not that pretty.