Speed Zone Cameras: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

(From the Vidalia Police Facebook page)

Question: Why are Speed Zone Cameras being installed?

Answer: Over the past 10 years there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated enforcement as a means of encouraging motorists to follow speed limits and pay attention. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Safety Council. Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if he or she is struck by a vehicle traveling 30 mph versus one traveling 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20 mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones.

Question: How will I know where the cameras are?

Answer: The Police Department has placed new signage in the school zones that are clearly visible, warning drivers that the roads are enforced by cameras. (The Police Department provided a 30-day warning period for drivers to get used to the new signs and speeders received warning notices in the mail.) Question: I received a warning notice. What do I do?

Answer: Warning notices are courtesy notices extended by the Police Departments, in addition to new clearly visible signs, to put drivers on notice of stepped up enforcement in school zones. If you received a warning notice, no further action is required. All drivers are encouraged to obey speed laws. Question: What are the hours of enforcement at each school, and what speeds are being enforced at what times?

Answer: J.R. Trippe Middle School (School hours 8:00 a.m.-3:05 p.m.) Photo Enforcement starts at 7:00 a.m. (45mph) Reduced speed enforcement – 7:10 a.m.-8:10 a.m. (35mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 8:10 a.m.-2:35 p.m. (45mph) Reduced speed enforcement – 2:35 p.m.-3:35 p.m. (35mph) Regular speed enforcement – 3:35 p.m.-4:05 p.m. (45mph) Photo Enforcement ends at 4:05 p.m. Vidalia Comprehensive High School (School hours 8:05 a.m.-3:18 p.m.) Photo Enforcement starts at 7:05 a.m. (45mph) Reduced speed enforcement – 7:30 a.m.-8:30a.m. (35mph) Regular speed enforcement – 8:30 a.m.-2:50 p.m. (45mph

Reduced speed enforcement – 2:50 p.m.-3:50 p.m. (35mph) Regular speed enforcement – 3:50 p.m.-4:18 p.m. (45mph) Photo Enforcement ends at 4:18 p.m. J.D. Dickerson Primary School (School hours 7:40 a.m.-2:20 p.m.)

Photo Enforcement starts at 6:40 a.m. (35mph) Reduced speed enforcement – 7:15 a.m.-8:15 a.m. (25mph) Regular speed enforcement – 8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (35mph) Reduced speed enforcement – 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (25mph) Regular speed enforcement – 3:00 p.m.-3:35 p.m. (35mph) Photo Enforcement ends at 3:35 p.m. Question: What are the criteria for receiving a speeding ticket?

Answer: According to state law automated school zone tickets are issued to drivers exceeding more than ten (10+) miles per hour over the speed limit. Question: How much is the fine? Answer: The first violation is $75 and $125 for subsequent violations. Payments are due by the “pay by” date listed on the citation. Question: Can I view my violation? Answer: Yes. Log in to https://secure.speedviolation. com and enter your citation number. You will be able to view photos and video of the violation.

Question: What hours do the cameras operate?

Answer: From one hour before school until one hour after school. All monitored school zones and speeds are clearly marked.

Question: I received a school zone speeding ticket. How do I pay it?

Answer: You may mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and preprinted return envelope.

For faster credit card payments, you may pay securely online at https://secure. speedviolation.com. Electronic payments post the same day and you can receive a confirmation by email.

For PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 833-917-7333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question: If I get a ticket will my insurance go up?

Answer: Citations are civil offenses, not criminal infractions. No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations; however, fines do escalate for repeat offenders.

Question: How do the cameras work? Are they accurate?

Answer: The enforcement program utilizes state of the art multi-dimensional radar that tracks and monitors up to 350 cars simultaneously. Radar is accurate within .1 miles per hour. A detailed maintenance and testing log is maintained at all times. No tickets are issued within any possible margin of error.

Question: What happens to ticket revenue? Answer: According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for law enforcement activities that will make communities safer, such as police equipment and new school resource officers. Question: Where can I read the law on automated enforcement?

Answer: See the Official Code of Georgia. O.C.G.A. § 40-14-18.