"Traffic Traps" vs. "Strict Enforcement"

"Traffic Trap" – AAA condemns traffic enforcement measures and practices which are designed to raise revenue rather than prevent crashes or where there is evidence that enforcement is not justified by sound engineering principles. AAA particularly condemns the use of traffic traps which involve unfair, unethical or illegal law enforcement tactics or traffic control devices, as well as the use of speed measurement devices on roads with speed limits appreciably less than warranted by sound engineering principles.

"Strict Enforcement" – Aggressive, legitimate traffic enforcement for the purpose of reducing crashes along high-risk highways and dangerous intersections. Enforcement is justified by crash data history and/or existing conditions.

Traffic Traps (Nationwide):

1. Florida (Lawtey) - US 301
2. Florida (Waldo) - US 301 & State Road 24

These two small Florida communities are located on U.S. Highway 301 situated about halfway between Jacksonville and Gainesville and still depend on revenue generated by traffic tickets to help meet their annual budget.

Large billboards (see photos below) give motorists extra warning of the traffic enforcement policies of the two towns.

Strict Enforcement Areas (Nationwide):

1. Arkansas - I-55 from juntion I-40 to Missouri state line
2. Florida (Chiefland) - US-19 & US-27 Alt
3. Florida (Gulf Breeze) - US 98
4. Georgia (Lowndes County) - I-75
5. Missouri - US 54 from US 61 west (approximately 30 miles)
6. Washington, D.C. - All roads in Washington, D.C.
7. West Virginia (Summersville) - US 19 (approximately 5-10 miles)