Community Corner
Patch Picks: San Juan's Speed Traps
With the rising prices of gas, the last thing you need to add to your transportation budget a speeding ticket.
Editor's note: San Juan Capistrano Patch is running a new weekly featured titled "Patch Picks," a list of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.
With gas prices, consider cutting your transportation expenses by knowing areas you're likely to get caught speeding.
The Department of Motor Vehicle says that the majority of traffic violations in California require a fines of $370 or more (not to mention the likelihood of your auto insurance bill skyrocketing), we're giving you a head's up on some areas where officers are known to post up with their radar guns, waiting for you to zoom by.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Below is a list of San Juan Capistrano's "speed traps," so dubbed by the National Speed Trap Exchange:
- Del Obispo near Camino Del Avion
There's rarely traffic congestion on this part of Del Obispo Street, so it's easy for one's mind to wander and not focus on obeying the speed limit—that's when they'll get you. Be especially aware of the stretch between and .
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Ortega Highway, east of 5 freeway
The portion of Ortega Highway on the eastern side of the 5 freeway is often crowded with motorcycle officers looking for speeders, particularly up to La Pata Avenue when is in session. But be careful once you've passed La Pata and think you're in the clear, as the curvy highway leading to has some ideal spots for officers to go unnoticed.
- Rancho Viejo Road between Junipero Serra and Village Road
Officers can easily avoid detection on the side streets along Rancho Viejo Road, giving them a clear view of any oncoming speeders, and giving you no chance of seeing them.
- 5 freeway south after Junipero Serra
It's easy to lose track of your speed when the traffic around you is whizzing along, but just because other cars are going faster than the 65 mph speed limit, doesn't mean you can expect to avoid a ticket with the "everybody else is going fast, too" defense. It's particularly easy to get noticed traveling fast when you're heading downhill on the ramp exiting the 73 toll road.
