May 2-4 : Probably the busiest week-end so far this year with MiniCoopers dominating the area roads. A power failure in the Deals Gap/Fontana area made things a little difficult on Saturday. We heard NCHP were active on the Cherohala and on the 4-lanes. Remember, the 4-lanes are prime target areas in North Carolina.>> CLICK HERE FOR MAP

We heard a number of cars were ticketed on NC 28 while driving in a group even though only one was actually clocked. Troopers use "probable cause" to write the entire group. We suggest complaining by phone to the Clerk of Court or County DA about such outrageous tickets. Contact us for more information here.

There is an unmarked white BCSO Expedition cruising the Dragon. They also have an unmarked black Explorer and black Mercury Marquis. We have also heard of tickets issued for 42 and 44 mph in the ridiculous 30 mph area.

The prime target area in Tennessee is on US 129 along the Little Tennessee River just to the north of the Dragon. Minor tickets including speeding issued by Blount County SO (not THP) can be settled for $10 .... Call the Blount County TN Clerk of Court for info. Watch your speed on the 4-lanes in North Carolina.

TAIL OF THE DRAGON EXCLUSIVE – The State of Tennessee is spending more than $200,000 of Federal Funds to add overtime patrols at the Dragon this summer. The Tennessee Highway Patrol received a $75,183.75 grant and the Blount County Sherriff Office is receiving $125,022.48. These grants began October 1, 2007 and will end on September 30, 2008.

In 2007 grants to THP and BCSO for overtime totaled $120,000 and were in force from July 1 to September 30. During this period we witnessed unprofessionalism on the part of both agencies CLICK FOR COMPLETE 2007 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL FIASCO. The outright harassment of law abiding citizens cost Tennessee businesses millions of dollars in lost revenue. THP’s reputation was severely blackened, a major detriment to all enforcement agencies. Tail of the Dragon received some 1,000 complaints from riders and drivers many who promised not to spend a penny in the state.

Hopefully this year Tennessee will provide professional enforcement that will encompass both safety and goodwill toward tourists. Tail of the Dragon will be reporting their attitude on this site.

Last year we personally learned the importance of documenting LEO stops on video CLICK HERE FOR OUR EXPERIENCE. We were cited for "holding a video camera while driving". Video proof that my cameras had no display showing resulted in a not guilty verdict by the judge. We recommend that you carry a video camera and turn it on when stopped. You will also likely get better treatment. For your information a LEO has no right to make you turn off your camera unless the area is declared a “crime scene”.

Please report your experiences with LEOs to us. Be sure to determine the correct agency, LEOs name, exact location, nature of the offense and the details surrounding the stop. There are many different enforcement agencies, especially on the North Carolina side. These include HP, SO, Park Ranger, TVA, Cherokee Tribal, Forest Service and Wildlife. We need to know who is involved.