
Georgia lawmakers are considering changes to the school zone speed cameras. Changes include limiting the time when they can operate.
The school zone speed cameras have been a major source of frustration for Georgians since their introduction a few years ago. Many residents have voiced complaints about receiving tickets outside of school hours.
Changes to School Zone Cameras
House Bill 348 would update the Georgia code for school zone speed cameras. The most recent version includes the following changes:
Operating Times
The bill would limit school zone cameras to operate during the following times:
The speed limit within any school zone…may be enforced by using recorded images for violations which occurred only one hour prior to and one hour after the school’s official starting time and one hour prior to and two hours after the school’s official dismissal time and when such violations are in excess of ten miles per hour over the speed limit;
provided, however, that, when any portion of a school’s property is bisected by a highway, such enforcement may occur on a school day during the time in which instructional classes are taking place and one hour before such classes are scheduled to begin and for one hour after such classes have concluded.
Georgia House Bill 348, Senate Committee Substitute February 22, 2024
Right now, school zone cameras may operate throughout the school day. This timeframe would remain in place for schools which property is bisected by a highway.
No Lights, No Tickets
In addition, the bill would now require there be flashing yellow lights where a school zone camera is present. They must flash when the school zone camera is active. This would alert motorists to the reduced speed limit and camera’s presence.
State Fines for Improperly-Issued Tickets
Next, House Bill 348 would add new oversight to improperly-issued tickets. It would allow the state department of public safety to investigate counties & cities, and issue fines if automated tickets have been improperly-issued. An example would be tickets issued outside of the approved times. The fine is $2,500 for an initial violation and $5,000 on a second offense. The state could suspend the local jurisdiction’s permit to operate automated speed cameras upon a third offense.
Next Steps
HB 348 passed out of the senate public safety committee on Thursday, February 22. It is now eligible for a vote by the full senate. If the senate approves the bill, then it would return to the house. There, house members would vote whether to agree to the senate substitute. House Bill 348 originally passed out of the house by a unanimous vote in 2023.
State lawmakers are in session this year until March 28, 2024.
Featured image shows a school zone speed camera. Rahul Bali/WABE photo.
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