The local NC Highway Patrol is based in this town for North Western NC. Many of their new and younger officers are stationed in this area starting out, so they are looking to prove themselves. This trap runs Hwy. 19-E between Hwy. 19-23 in Mars Hill through the city of Spruce Pine and into Avery County. In the Burnsville area of 19-E (between Burnsville and Madison County line) the NC Highway Patrol is very predatory in their enforcement, especailly at night where they sit along the side of the road with no lights on or hidden where possible. They target older cars and young people in this area mostly.