I-496 is the Lansing business loop of the I-96 expressway which runs from Muskegon to Detroit. Most of the 8 mile length of I-496 is posted at 70 mph. But, for as long as I can remember, there has been a two mile section through downtown Lansing that is posted at 55 mph.

This two mile strip, posted at 55 mph, has been a goldmine for the city of Lansing. Lansing’s finest liked to park their cruisers just on the edge of the speed zone change where they would nab unsuspecting motorists.

Driving 70 mph in a 55 mph is 15 mph over the speed limit and that is an automatic court appearance. However, the Lansing PD is not interested in court appearances, they just want your money. So, out of the goodness of their hearts, they only write you up for 5 over the speed limit though they note the 15 over on the ticket so that you can’t fight it.

Driving 5 over the speed limit is a quick $110.00 and 1 point on your license. Thank you very much! And while I have not personally donated to the Lansing traffic fund, I know those who have.

Well, for some unexplained reason, the state changed the speed limit this summer. It is now 70 mph for the full length of I-496. So, the city can no longer grab motorist who either did not notice the speed change or who had not slowed down quickly enough. So much for their cash cow.

I wonder if they gave a speed ticket to the person in charge of the speeds on I-496?