speed trap

American  

noun

1. a section of a road where hidden police, radar, etc., carefully check the speed of motorists and strictly enforce traffic regulations: sometimes characterized by hard-to-see signals, hidden traffic signs, etc.

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speed trap British  

noun

1. a section of road on which the police check the speed of vehicles, often using radar

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Etymology

Origin of speed trap

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Decisive evidence came from a grainy black-and-white photo taken by a German speed trap.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

Joined by his "proud but also slightly bemused" partner Emilie, Dylan completed two runs through a speed trap on the 100m course in the machine that's part wheelbarrow, part scrap scooter.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2024

Zaid represented himself in a similar case in Montgomery County in 2009, when he himself was ticketed for flashing his lights to warn oncoming drivers of what he viewed as a speed trap.

From Washington Post • Mar. 13, 2023

Once an area’s heavy-handed approach to speed limit enforcement earns it a speed trap designation from travelers, it’s tough to shake that reputation.

From Washington Times • Sep. 2, 2020

But she was afraid to accelerate for fear of running into a speed trap.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols