Check this out, an alleged illegal speed trap on Rt. 9 in Natick.
http://www.motorists.org/ma/natick.html

 

Interesting. Can you fight a ticket on this basis?

 

Supposedly, yes...

 

Well, there may be a problem with this. Chapter 90 section 17 is used when the speed of the motor vehicle is "greater than reasonable and propper". Often this is the section used when there is no posted limit. It can also be used when certain conditions dictate that speed should be reduce from that posted, i.e. rainy day.

Chapter 90 section 18 is used generaly for posted speed limits. It is written in legalese which can be confusing, but it states that city councils have the right, amongst many other things to regulate speed. The only requirement be that both the city and the registrar of motor vehicles state in writing that it be in the publics best safety interest. So, unless that guy who made the illegal trap page is holding out on us, I don't see where there is anything preventing a city council from regulating speed in theire own town. Here is the link to C90S18:
Chapter 90 Section 17

Next time you get a citation, look at the speed violation box, all the way to the left. There are two boxes, 90-17 and 90-18. Either can be used independantly.

I don't know, maybe I am missing something.

 

Talking about the experience...huh?

 

Great info on all accounts!!! Thanks, I greatly appreciate it since RT9 is an alternate route for me in my daily commute. I will be sure to insure that I pay more attention in that area.

 

Yeah, I work right down the street from here and I see cops at Speen street regularly on the East Bound side of Route 9 (This is right after you pass the Natick Mall). They hide under the bridge and by the time you see them, its too late. I always thought it was totally ridiculous - 40mph??? From what I hear, they'll bag you for doing 41mph too -

 

Hee, hee....

I think this is funny. Why? Because... I know this section of road very very very very well. Enough very's? You guys get the idea.

Not sure if anyone here remembers how Speen Street was before they changed it... but it was kaos! And as Natick expanded... the roads on Rt.9 just got worse.

My father was the one that designed that section of road... and one of the initial design requirements were for 55 MPH zone... but as in this area ... there were no 55 MPH areas... Natick decided to keep their Speed Trap... and keep their 40MPH zone... Natick has ALWAYS been notorious for their low speed zones on RT. 9. Why? Revenue... why else.

Is it legal

 

The local jursidiction always sets the speed limits for state and local roads. The interstate highway limits, however, belong to DOT, with due consideration of a specific state's recommendations.

Chapter 90 reimburses road work for all of the cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Stats are collected for accident/incident rates for all roads and are used in the formula for setting the priorities for approved road improvement projects. Basically, the Fed allocates money to the states, which in turn use this pool of money for local projects.

I am sure police enforcement stats somehow find there way into this calculation.

BTW, I work for the RMV and am a member of my town's Finance Committee.

 

HEY JOHN!!!

How's it going?!?!? Hope all is well!