Six Notorious Speed Traps in the Twin Cities Area (Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota)

It's happens so quickly. You're cruising along, listening to a lively debate on the radio, or perhaps enjoying the unusually nice weather, when suddenly--blazing red lights behind you. You've been caught in a local speed trap.

Throughout the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), there are several spots that have become notorious speed traps. If you traverse a particular path regularly you become aware of them. But if you're just visiting or new to the area, you can easily get caught. Here are a few (but not all), of the most notorious places the cops

Highway 394 east into downtown Minneapolis - If you're traveling east on 394 into downtown Minneapolis, BEWARE! You will see several large signs reading, "Speed Limit - 40 MPH." Ignore them at your own risk! Police often set up camp just around the corner at the bottom of the ramp and pull people over at will. It's not unusual to see two or three people pulled over at a time.

Highway 94 north of downtown Minneapolis - The speed limit along here is 60 mph. Because of several lanes the area is almost never congested, and it is very easy to sail down the road. WATCH OUT!

This has to be the most consistently patrolled stretch of freeway in the Twin Cities area. I almost never drive through this area without seeing someone pulled over. Northbound is the most heavily patrolled, but be very careful going south as well.

Edina - Xerxes just south of Crosstown 62 - Thousands of people take this route to get to the popular Southdale mall. And the coffers of Edina City Hall keep growing as a result. You will see 30 mph signs, and then the road widens out. By the time you see the police, it will be too late. They often pull over three or four people at a time. Whatever you do, take those 30 mph signs seriously! Believe me, Southdale will still be there.

Highway 169 near Rockford Road - Local police are often out of site at the top of the exit ramp. Better to be slow than sorry!