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

See Examples For:

speed trap

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

Now, if you mention a speed trap to someone responsible for traffic enforcement, you’ll likely get a blank stare or an annoyed brow furrow.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 2, 2020

The camera is not a speed trap, said Capt. Tom Didone, director of the Montgomery County traffic division, adding that drivers should simply slow down in the 30 mph zone.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 16, 2015

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

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols