South Carolina police/Speed traps

[Sassy8722]

Well I sure hope you never drive through South Congaree then.

I lived in Pelion for maybe 6-8 months and drove through South Congaree to get there, during that short amount of time, I was pulled 6 times, all by the same cop. I don't blame them though. South Congaree is very tiny, but I heard they bring in more than the whole city of Columbia every year. I believe it too, when I went to court it was too full for everyone to fit inside. And one of my tickets was $270, I was hoping it would drop, they dropped it to $220 after I sat there for 5 hours waiting. But it was my fault for speeding lol. After the 6th time getting pulled, I started driving around South Congaree to get to Pelion, way out the way, but way worth it lol.

This was years ago, but back then, SC only had 2 real speed traps (that tell you your speed), and I saw one in South Congaree/Pelion numerous times while living there. Since moving to Sumter, I have only seen one of them, once, and I have been here over 2 years. It was during the Iris Festival at Swan Lake.

I personally have never been pulled here in Sumter, but my fiance has, he used to take a friend of his home from work every day, he lives off Miller Road in what some people would call the "ghetto". My fiance had seen a cop watching them on several days, and one day he finally pulled him over as he was leaving the house, I know it was because he thought there was some drug dealing going on, so I feel some of the cops here are somewhat racist.

On another note, my brother is currently driving home from California, all the way to SC, he got pulled going 5 over crossing into AZ (the cop said he was suspicious since he was speeding over the border lol), and then he got pulled going 10 over crossing into OK. Since he is a Marine, they let him go both times with a warning.

[ReluctantGardenStater]

Originally Posted by motonenterprises

You don't think 44 in a 30 zone is too fast? The road my neighborhood is on is posted at 35, you think I want you buzzing by at close to 50 when I'm trying to turn out? What about if someone is trying to cross the street to go downtown to get ice cream? You don't think a stop sign means stop? These are here for people's safety, thats why we have so many accidents. Follow the rules as closely as possible and you don't risk getting a ticket, break them and you do or maybe even worse you cause an accident! Thats just the risk you take. The word limit means that as high as you can go. Everyone thinks they are a better driver than they really are, and those are the ones I see wrecked from losing control on the interstates.

The reality is that many of the posted speed limits throughout the country are nonsensical and posted for the purposes of generating revenue. For example, in New Jersey, the highest posted speed limit is 65. In certain states, such as Tennessee and Montana, it is 75. It is a sad state of affairs when the police in our society exist not to protect the average citizen, but harass them; Many are glorified tax collectors. And people such as yourself with a holier than thou attitude, ignorantly proclaiming "It's the law so it must be for our own good" are not helping the situation in any way, shape, or form.

[Skyliner]

Perhaps some people just have a problem obeying the law - unless they believe law enforcement officers are watching. Simply stated, if you break the law, then YOU are responsible for any directly related consequences that follow. Arguing that it isn't fair or right won't help your case if you are caught breaking a posted law.

[NewYorkBorn]

Originally Posted by ReluctantGardenStater

The reality is that many of the posted speed limits throughout the country are nonsensical and posted for the purposes of generating revenue. For example, in New Jersey, the highest posted speed limit is 65. In certain states, such as Tennessee and Montana, it is 75. It is a sad state of affairs when the police in our society exist not to protect the average citizen, but harass them; Many are glorified tax collectors. And people such as yourself with a holier than thou attitude, ignorantly proclaiming "It's the law so it must be for our own good" are not helping the situation in any way, shape, or form.

I can definitely relate to what you are saying here. The police are definitley tax collectors.........they do more speed ticket writing then regular police work. I have often said that they get paid to do nothing but sit on the side of the road all day!

[jersgrl1969]

Originally Posted by revrandy

I was stopped last year in Calhoun Falls for not coming to a complete stop on my motorcycle. It was a bogus stop. I had stopped at the intersection and put 1 foot down on the ground. The cop told me that unless both feet touch the ground it doesn't count as a stop

He did let me off with a warning though when he found out I was heading just up the road to guest preach. Only time I minded answering the question of where I was going.

That's always irked me: asking where I'm headed. Why does it matter? I figure the cop's already made up his mind whether or not to ticket me, so why ask where I'm going??

One word of advice: Don't go cruising through South Congaree-they are notorious for handing out tickets. There's a 4-lane road (SC-302) going through there and the speed limit jumps from 45 to 35 in the blink of an eye. After getting pulled over myself, I no longer go through there-I go up SC-6 and take Platt Springs Road if I'm heading to Columbia or Cayce.

[jersgrl1969]

South Carolina is listed as the 33rd worst state to be most hostile to drivers. New Jersey is #1, Ohio #2.







We're #1!!! Gotta love my homestate! Just stay the hell out of our way and you'll be just fine!

[porchlight]

Originally Posted by gaflsc

Cottageville, Colleton Co. 'Nuff said.

LOL That is so true. And our former mayor was clocked going over 100 in a 55zone at another small town. But as someone who lives on that main road in the 55mph section of Cottageville, I appreciate anyone who actually does drive the speed limit. My windows don't rattle...
but the tickets that really hurt are the reckless driving fines.... and Cottageville is famous for those too.

[betelee]

I have a ticket for careless operation in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. There is no offense code on the ticket. Just in the corner 65/45 and $237.50. I have my CDL license and can not afford this on my drivers record. The officer said he would change to a 4 point violation and the judge would probably reduce to a 2 point violation. However that would be on my record also. I want to know if the careless operation will go on my drivers record. I have been told since there is no offense code they will not file on my drivers record. What do you think?

[gamecock1]

Originally Posted by myrc60

Don't visit Iowa then! Laws are made for a reason. 14 over the limit is a bit reckless in my book. It doesn't matter what you thought it was; he clocked you 14 over! Pay the fine and get over it. Don't want to come back; then don't; someone else will line the coffers next time.

I agree. Sounds like that police were doing thier job. If you know, these small towns don't get hardly any of the money from speeding tickets. They end up getting about 8% of the fine after the state takes 88% and also the rest going to academy.