Sierra Madre, California Speed Traps

SMPD parks at the city’s border with Arcadia (near the Rec. Center). The first mile of SM Blvd (from Santa Anita) is in the city of Arcadia (25MPH). At the city line, the speed increases to 30MPH. Officers clock you in Arcadia (25MPH) and pull you over and cite you in Sierra Madre. The ticket reads “100 block of SMB, Arcadia”. They wrote me for 44MPH in a 25MPH (that way it exceeds the 16MPH guideline to put you in the higher fee bracket). AND they lie!!!! My speed log on my GPS said my maximum speed was 36MPH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sierra Madre Police usually parcked northbound on Michillinda ave just below Orange Grove using radar for both directions. Also Pasadena motor officers above Orange Grove using radar on southbound traffic.

Usually Sierra Madre Police park on Orange Grove west of Baldwin Ave facing east to catch not complete stops or cel phone use.

SMPD is in the shade of all the trees at the southwest corner looking for stop sign sliders heading southbound on Santa Anita. Make a full stop as the downhill enertia will get you a ticket everytime. Likewise at Grandview, heading southbound on Mt. Trail. SMPD is in the blind zone behind this northeast corner lot’s shrubbery waiting for you.

Sierra Madre CA is the only city in Southern CA that does not own a traffic signal. There are two on the west perimeter owned by Padsadena at Michilinda and Sierra Madre Blvd, and Michilinda and Orange Grove. The City DEPENDS on traffic citations for its existence, and even though the police force is small, its rare that you pass through the town without seeing a black and white unit.

Make FULL stops at every stop sign and obey the posted speed limits. Obedience is compulsory.