Jurisdiction

Chaffee County, Colorado

Speed Trap Location

285 US Highway

Nearest Reference Point

State Highway 291

GPS Coordinates

n/a

Time of Day

Mid-day

Level of Enforcement

Moderate

Type of Enforcement

Radar, Airplane

Date

7/2005

The State Patrol often runs a speed trap on US 285 between Nathrop and the junction with State Highway 291. The speed limit in this section is 55, increasing to 60 near the 291 junction. I was traveling southbound on 285 and observed an airplane flying directly over the highway south of Nathrop. After passing Centerville, three state troopers were pulling people over. I travel this route several times a year, and summer weekends seem to be the prime time for this trap, although I have seen it in the winter. Drivers are often pulled for only a few mph over the limit, which is underposted for the road conditions. Motorists need to be alert from Johnson Village to Poncha Springs (traveling in either direction), as the location of the trap can vary by a few miles north or south. I just set the cruise on 55 in this area and make up time elsewhere.

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.

Jurisdiction

Chaffee County, Colorado

Speed Trap Location

State Highway 285

Nearest Reference Point

Mile Marker 140

GPS Coordinates

n/a

Time of Day

PM Rush Hour

Level of Enforcement

Moderate

Type of Enforcement

Radar

Date

8/2005

Traveling northbound on 285 on a Sunday evening. Police were sitting below the crest of the hill 3 miles? after speed limit changes from 65 mph to 55 mph. There are no curves in the road or towns nearby that would require reduction in speed for safe driving. Please note speed limit continues 55 mph for several miles thereafter so could encounter state patrol anywhere along that section of road

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.

Jurisdiction

Chaffee County, Colorado

Speed Trap Location

State Highway 285

Nearest Reference Point

Between Pancho Springs and Jefferson Landmark

GPS Coordinates

n/a

Time of Day

Mid-day

Level of Enforcement

Moderate

Type of Enforcement

Radar

Date

4/2006

Do not exceed the Speed limit by more than 5 mph for any reason (not even to pass) in this area. State "super" troopers drive Silver sedan's often with no lightbar. 15 over will get you a measly $68.80 fine and a ridiculous 4 points on your license. When I got my ticket I over heard the troopers talking on my scanner, they were as giddy as school girls to be giving out tickets.

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.

Comment (4/2006): I live in Buena Vista and 285 from Buena Vista to Pancha Springs is patrolled heavely, I do not think they use aircraft. I have been told that it is a training ground for new troopers from the police academy - don't know. It is heavely patroled all year long. tourists in the summer months and skiers in the winter months. The southbound area south of Centerville descends a long hll and it is easy to exceed the posted 55, near the bottom of the hill hill the speed limit goes to 60.

Comment (5/2006): I originally posted this entry, and if airplanes are not used to clock speeds here, I stand corrected. That much said, I don't think the state troopers in this area would give you 15 mph over. I once was traveling southbound at about 60 mph, with another vehicle behind me doing the same speed, and a state trooper going northbound made a U-turn and pulled over the vehicle behind me. I also do not see a lot of drivers doing 80+ mph here. If people are going that fast, then they should get a ticket. But this area is an obvious speed trap. To anyone visiting our state, beware of this area!

Comment (3/2006): I travel this route frequently and agree with above description. It is important to stay the speed limit, especially when coasting downhill in this area. I have never recieved a ticket, but always see several people stopped.

Comment (3/2006): I drive this at least once a month year round for business, and this is the most heavily enforced trap I have seen in the state. I have been pulled over for 58 mph in a 55 (just after the limit drops from 60mph). I would heavily advise to set the cruise control through here.

Comment (4/2006): Im sure you probably won't post this comment, however I thought it might be useful for those reading this site. As an officer working highway 285 I can tell you that there never has, at least in the last nine years, an airplane used in Chaffee County to check vehicle speed. As anyone who knows about this is aware it reqires the road to be marked with reference points which 285 does not have. As for the speed limit, at no time in Chaffee County is highway 285 posted at 65, and common practice for all officers I know is to allow motorists 15 over the posted limit before stopping. If you drive this highway enough you are well aware that people routinely travel at 80+ on this road. The speed limit is set by the state for a reason as it is a high accident area.

Comment (8/2006): This stretch of road is known locally at "the gauntlet" for the heavy polic presence. Do not assume that just because you see one car pulled over that you are home free. I drive the road weekly and sometimes more and I can assure you that at times I have seen as many as four folks getting ticketed. Set cruise control or watch your speed. There's definitely no air patrol at this time but doesn't mean it couldn't start in the future.