This trap is at the west edge of the city limits. It is on the westbound lane of a 4-lane highway. The last posted limit in town is 30mph. The trap is right as the highway goes into a divided highway and the 65 mph sign is right where he sits with his radar. Any normal thinking person would begin to approach the speed posted on the sign when it is clearly visible. The police in this town are counting on that. They maintain that the new speed limit is not in effect until you pass the sign. Their own statutes state that the 65 mph speed begins at Webster road where the officer sits, the sign is 300 feet past this. I have searched the statutes for both Nevada and Missouri and can find no such mention of the speed limit starting at the sign. I have been taught by Highway Patrol Officers and Driver Safety courses to always anticipate signs and react appropriately in advance, Never after you pass the sign. If anyone knows any case law on this I would appreciate knowing about it.

Also in Missouri law 302.341 (4.010) States that if a city, town or village creates an ordinance that does not expedite the flow of traffic through their town and especially if the ordinance is intended to be or used to trap motorists the Highways & Transportation Commission can declare it void and the City will have to have all future ordinances approved by the Commission. This may be the law in other states as well but it is usually overlooked.