TPD Implements School Zone Camera Safety Program

The Tallahassee Police Department began the implementation of the School Zone Speed Enforcement Program. The program is an initiative by the City of Tallahassee to enhance the safety of school zones by using cameras to enforce speed limits throughout the school day.

The cameras are slowly being rolled out in 25 Leon County school zones. They will be active during the entire school day. Cameras were activated this week near Raa Middle School, Ruediger Elementary, and DeSoto Trail Elementary.

Owners of vehicles caught on camera going more than 10 miles above the school zone speed limit will receive a $100 citation in the mail.

The program was made possible by House Bill 657, a Florida law approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 31, 2023.

According to TPD, the primary goal of the program is to enhance the safety of children, staff, and pedestrians in school zones by deterring speeding and promoting responsible driving. By encouraging drivers to adhere to posted speed limits, the program aims to reduce the risks associated with speeding in areas where children are present, creating a safer environment for everyone.

What does “photo enforced” mean?

Photographic evidence will be used to issue a “Notice of Violation” to the registered owner of a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit by more than ten (10) mph. The Notice of Violation will include the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the violation.

The camera enforcement system will be active during the entirety of the school day session. The exact times vary depending on the individual school schedule.

Which School Zones are being camera-enforced?

The following schools zones are being camera-enforced.

Buck Lake Elementary School
Bond Elementary School
Conley Elementary School
Cobb Middle School
DeSoto Trail Elementary School
Fairview Middle School
Gilchrist Elementary School
Griffin Middle School
Hartsfield Elementary School
Hawks Rise Elementary School
Kate Sullivan Elementary
Lincoln High School / Apalachee Elementary School
Nims Middle School
Oakridge Elementary School
Pineview Elementary School
Raa Middle School
Rickards High School
Riley Elementary School
Roberts Elementary/Montford Middle School
Ruediger Elementary School
Sabal Palm Elementary School
SAIL High School
Sealey Elementary School
Spring Wood Elementary School
Swift Creek Middle School

Notice of Violation

There are three options offered to the registered owner of the vehicle who receives a notice of violation: Pay the fine within 30 days from the date of issuance or request a hearing within 30 days of the date of issuance

If the registered owner was not the driver at the time of the violation, the registered owner may submit an affidavit identifying the other driver.

If the violation is satisfied, there is no adverse impact to the alleged violator’s driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance.

However, the failure to action within 30 days of an issuance of a notice of violation will result in a Florida Uniform Traffic Citation.