Kingsport, Tennessee Speed Traps
Eastman Road approaching the exit ramp on to Lincoln Street.
Several times a week, especially in the summer when the weather is nice, two or three patrol cars full of Kingsport Police Officers will hide on a little side street (heading towards the exits on to and off of Lincoln Street and across the road from Sloopy’s and the Shoe Repair Store) and let one of their comrades pop out from behind a bush and shoot a radar gun at approaching traffic. If they catch you doing anything over the posted speed limit of 30MPH, they will flag you down or, should you be dumb enough to run, they’ll send a patrol car after you. If ever there was an example of speed traps bordering on the level of entrapment, this would be one.
Rock Springs Road
Exit I-26 heading toward Moreland Drive/Sullivan South High School. Just before you get to the bridge that crosses the creek at K&G Driving Range. There is a small cut-out that looks to be an old driveway overgrown with shrubs. A car can back into the cut and completely disappear.
This trap is on a down-hill slope, shortly after people have to quickly accelerate into traffic, which causes your momentum to create a speeding violation. They haven’t been there in a while, but I was pulled there 2 weeks ago. Looks like it’s in use again.
Center Street near Fort Henry Drive
Center Street from the Fort Henry Drive Intersection through town the site of radar traps. Although Center Street is a four-lane thoroughfare,the speed limit is 30. Many motorists have just merged from Fort Henry Drive, where the speed limit is 40 and do not realize the change. Kingsport Police frequently ticket motorists during rush hours, particularly mid day on Center Street.
State Highway 181 near Interstate 26
Coming out of VA. on US 23 in to TN. US 23 turns in to 181, then turns to Interstate 26 with in 6 miles. If you go over 55 Kingsport Police will get you. Kingsport Police also patrol Interstate 81 from mile maker 50 to 69. Tennessee Hwy. Patrol is also very hot all through both these areas.