Ritzville, Washington Speed Traps

The “Lind Speedtrap” is well known by those who travel I-90 from Spokane to points west of there. A WSP detachment is stationed out of Ritzville and loves to hide on the Lind, WA onramps and offramps. I was traveling SB to get onto I-90 EB to Ritzville/Spokane and came across 2 WSP patrol units, hunkered down and out of site from the Interstate – always wondered where they “hid” and just stumbled upon them by accident. I waved, knowing now where they hid – one trooper didn’t look too happy, but he couldn’t nail me for just waving. They must be the “spotters” and the “chase unit” is somewhere down the highway, or at the onramp EB to I-90. Do not go over 5MPH of the speed limit and stay in the right lane if at all possible. Once you get past that 20 mile corridor, you’re fairly safe, although I have spotted a Spokane County Sheriff’s unit & WSP while crossing the county line into Spokane County from Adams County, also another trap.

Note: Ritzville’s major source of revenue is Speed Trap Money (according to their own court prosecutor). They run several totally unmarked cars including a Volvo station wagon. A smart motorist would set their cruise control at least 5 mph under the limit and stay in the right lane. The Volvo (or other unmarked unit) will try to start to push drivers faster by tailgating.
Don’t fall for it. If you do get a ticket, absolutely talk to the prosecuting attorney, Ticket fees ARE negotiable!

Ritzville is "Police Pirates".
Extortion is their game.

There are hills in this area. There are little turnarounds for emergency vehicles. They sit in there where you can’t see them. When I went to court for mine there were 9 other people in there for the same location. It’s not a big town so I think 9 in one place in a short period of time is speed trap..

U-Turns for Authorized Vehicles Only are put in all along the freeway E and W of Ritzville for aggressive enforcement of speeds. They have the U-Turn spots almost hidden from view but are posted with small signs. Watch for those. They also use rest stop ramps and intersecting freeway ramps, then sit back out of view. These actions are due to a heavy accident rate in the past. Very aggressive enforcement for 25-30 miles each way. Have a safe trip..

Was lost looking for a Starbucks at about 7:00, went for the second loop around downtown after receiving directions….and I went 35. Speed limit is 25 MPH downtown! $450 ticket! Was able to contest fine, got it lowered to $250. Paid extra to have it Not put on my record for a year. Watch out when driving around in town. This was a County cop, not a city or State.

4/2008