The western Chicago suburbs host some of Illinois’ most aggressive traffic enforcement, with Naperville ranking #2 statewide (72 reported traps), followed closely by Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village at #3 and #4 (44 traps each). Research reveals coordinated multi-agency enforcement campaigns, strategic placement at speed limit transition zones, and several suburbs with documented patterns of ticketing non-residents at significantly higher rates than locals.
I-355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway) earns the designation of “largest speed trap in Northern Illinois” according to local surveys. The southbound stretch between Lake Street and 75th Street sees constant Illinois State Police presence using moving radar. A particularly notorious spot exists at the I-88 underpass, where officers position themselves in the right shoulder under the tunnel, invisible to approaching traffic until it’s too late.
I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway) features several concealed enforcement positions. The most dangerous sits under the I-355 on-ramp in the eastbound lanes near Downers Grove—officers park in a niche beneath the elevated ramp during a downhill gradual left turn. Drivers in the leftmost lane cannot see them until they’re already clocked. Additional officers frequently park in the median wall divider about two blocks east. Work zone enforcement vans using photo radar operate throughout the corridor with $375 minimum fines for exceeding 45 mph limits.
Route 59 experiences annual multi-agency saturation enforcement through the “Route 59 on 5/9” campaign each May. More than 10 police departments from Lake County to Will County flood the corridor simultaneously. A February 2024 joint Aurora–Naperville operation resulted in 94 stops and 99 citations in a single day. Daily traffic volume exceeds 40,000–55,000 vehicles between Ferry Road and 95th Street.
Route 53 has multiple trap locations. At the northernmost end near Lake Cook Road, officers park under the overpass with an angled shot at motorists—particularly dangerous at dusk with sun glare. Near Bolingbrook, police sit in a commercial driveway just before Boughton Road, using laser on approaching southbound traffic, especially on Saturday afternoons.
Route 38 at Butterfield Road (Oak Brook) presents a classic speed-drop trap. The entrance ramp from Butterfield to Route 38 passes under the Butterfield overpass where officers wait invisibly. Speed limits drop from 55 → 45 → 35 mph in quick succession, catching unfamiliar drivers.
Naperville’s 72 documented speed traps reflect aggressive but notably fair enforcement—Chicago Tribune analysis found both residents and non-residents receive tickets 72% of the time when stopped, showing no bias.
Route 59 Corridor serves as the primary enforcement zone, with collaborative Aurora–Naperville operations year-round plus the annual May 9th saturation event. Ogden Avenue (Route 34) participates in a 13-agency enforcement corridor stretching through multiple DuPage municipalities. Key intersections include Fort Hill Drive, Benedetti Drive, and Jefferson Avenue.
75th Street sees heavy enforcement at Naper Boulevard (over 70 crashes annually), Washington Street (60+ crashes yearly), and Route 59. Arrest records show drivers regularly clocked at 82–93 mph in 45 mph zones. Washington Street running north-south through the city generates numerous speeding arrests, particularly near Ogden, Hobson Road, and the 75th Street intersection.
Wheaton maintains a dedicated Traffic Unit specifically tasked with speed enforcement. A 2018 change dropped residential speed limits city-wide to 25 mph (from 30+), and downtown streets carry a 20 mph limit that frequently surprises drivers.
Roosevelt Road at Main Street ranks among the most dangerous intersections per IDOT data, with extremely common crashes. Main Street downtown enforcement is strict due to the 20 mph commercial district limit. Live speed signs with radar enforcement target residential streets throughout the city.
The village participates in a massive 11-agency Ogden Avenue corridor enforcement campaign using both marked and unmarked squad cars throughout day and evening hours. The Downers Grove Field Court at 4000 Saratoga Avenue processes traffic tickets for 11 surrounding municipalities, indicating the region’s high ticket volume.
Ogden Avenue is the primary enforcement zone. I-355 at Ogden Avenue and Maple Avenue see regular Illinois State Police stops. Finley and Butterfield intersection is crash-prone and heavily patrolled. 75th Street corridor through the Woodridge border carries heavy retail and commuter traffic with corresponding enforcement.