School Zone Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras

QUICK FACTS: 

• The cameras are only used in school zones, during school hours.
• The fine is $100, as opposed to normally doubled fines (~$200-300).
• There are no points assessed to a driving record, meaning no insurance hikes, etc.
• The Florida Legislature passed the law with almost 100% bipartisan support – which is nearly unheard of. 
• Citations are only issued at 11mph or higher than the speed limit (ex., if the speed limit is 15, a citation isn’t issued unless going 26mph)
• The program is 100% violator funded, meaning revenues from citations pay for the program. If hypothetically there is a cost deficit, the City still owes nothing.   
• All citations are reviewed and issued by an NBPD officer. 

SCHOOL ZONE ENFORCEMENT: 

General Information

What is the goal of automated traffic enforcement?

The goals of automated traffic enforcement are to encourage a change in driver behavior and to increase driver awareness of the impacts of speed-related crashes in school and work zones. Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. Nearly one-third of all fatal crashes are speeding-related. [NHTSA, 2007]

For school children and other vulnerable road users, it is imperative that drivers stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for certain conditions reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while a driver reacts to a dangerous situation.

Automated Speed Cameras

How do speed cameras work?

The automated speed cameras measure the speed of each passing vehicle. A series of videos and photographs document the vehicles traveling at or above a determined speed threshold. The date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the speed and license plate of the violator’s vehicle, are recorded. Following the proper identification of the registered owner of the vehicle using the license plate number, the registered owner is mailed a citation, which includes the violation photos and vehicle speed.

How will I know if I am in a speed camera zone?

"Photo enforced" signs under speed limit signs on the designated roads will alert drivers that speed cameras may be used in that area.

When are the cameras enforcing?

The cameras are enforcing during school hours when children are going to or from school, as indicated by flashing lights in the school zone.

Where are the cameras located?

Beaches Chapel School, 1 Lane Eastbound on Florida Blvd

Beaches Chapel School, 1 Lane Westbound on Florida Blvd

Neptune Beach Elementary School, 1 Lane Eastbound on Florida Blvd

Neptune Beach Elementary School, 1 Lane Westbound on Florida Blvd

What are the fines for a school zone speeding violation?

Violation fines are $100 by state law.

Will I receive points on my driving record for a photo speed ticket?

No. Photo speed violations are zero-point traffic infractions that are not reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Additional Information

Does anyone review the citations before they are mailed out?

Yes, in addition to being reviewed by the ATE system contractor, each citation is verified and approved by a Traffic Infraction Enforcement Officer (TIEO). The reviewing TIEOs sign a statement on the citation that indicates the vehicle was being operated in violation of the law based on inspection of the recorded images.

Will there be a warning period?

Yes, the warning period is the first 30 days after cameras are installed. Violations recorded within the first 30 days of a camera’s installation will receive warning notices only.

How can an Automated Speed Enforcement Violation be contested?

The registered owner of the vehicle may request a hearing to challenge an automated speed enforcement notice of violation.

The owner has 30 days from the date of the issuance of the notice of violation to contest an automated red light enforcement violation. To request a hearing, sign and mail the form included with the citation you received. You will be notified by letter of the time and date of the hearing. If you request a hearing and the local hearing officer concludes that an infraction has been committed, the local hearing officer will uphold the notice, and you will be responsible for the payment of $100.00. If you elect to go to court, there may be additional administrative fees if you are found guilty. If a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) is issued, there may also be additional court fees applied.

If I receive an Automated Speed Enforcement Citation, can I see images of the alleged violation?

Yes, still photographs will be made available to the registered vehicle owner. The recorded speed will also be made available. Instructions on the violation will show you how to access the still photographs on a secured website.

How do I pay the citation?

To pay online: You may view your citation images and pay your fine at onlinecitationpayment.com.

To pay by phone: Please call the Automated Enforcement Division Customer Service Call Center toll-free at (866) 271-1171 to pay by credit card 24/7. Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday, a representative will assist you with payments or questions.

To pay by mail: To pay the citation, mail the return coupon from your fine notice along with a check or money order [NO CASH] payable to The City of Neptune Beach. To ensure proper processing, print the citation number on your payment. Send payment to: The City of Neptune Beach, FL Police Department, PO BOX 750113 ATLANTA GA 30374-7913

Other Helpful Resources:

• http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1895.html
• https://www.iihs.org/topics/speed#overview
• https://www.iihs.org/topics/speed#speed-safety-cameras

MORE INFORMATION: