Speed Cameras in Florida School Zones Legalized
Speeding anywhere is dangerous. However, it can be more dangerous to speed through certain places. For example, speeding through a school zone can have catastrophic consequences. Speeding through a school zone can result in a student or teacher suffering injuries or even dying. It is vital that you never speed through a school zone. Even if no students or teachers are in sight, you should always drive within the posted speed limit when in a school zone. If you speed through a school zone and cause an accident that results in a teacher or student suffering injuries or dying, you could be required to compensate the victim or the victim’s family.
In an effort to keep Florida motorists from speeding through school zones, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new bill, HB 657, on May 31, 2023. HB 657 allows local governments in Florida to install camera-equipped radar detection devices in and around schools to target drivers driving ten mph or more over the posted school zone speed limit. This new law went into effect on July 1, 2023.
According to the new law, the cameras are only supposed to target motorists driving ten mph or more over the posted school zone speed limit. The cameras are not meant to target drivers running red lights, stop signs, or violating other traffic laws. However, this does not mean that running a red light, stop sign, or violating another traffic law in a school zone is permitted.
When a driver is speeding in a school zone, the camera system can capture pictures or a video of the vehicle.
What Happens if You Are Caught Speeding in a School Zone Via Camera Enforcement?
If the new camera system captures you driving ten mph or more over the posted school zone speed limit, a notice of your violation and pending fines will be sent to you via mail. According to HB 657, the notice must be sent to you within thirty days of the offense. Additionally, the notice must include a photo or recorded image showing your vehicle’s license plate, the location, date and time of the violation, and the top speed you were driving.
If the camera system catches you speeding in a school zone, you will be required to pay a monetary fine of $100.
Do Not Treat School Zone Speed Limits as Suggestions
According to one research conducted by a Tennessee-based traffic safety company, Florida motorists appear to consider school zone speed limits as mere suggestions instead of law. It is vital that you do not treat school zone speed limits as suggestions. You should always drive within the posted school zone speed limits, even when no students or teachers are in sight.
Other Causes of Accidents in School Zones
Apart from speeding, accidents in school zones happen for various other reasons. The following are some of the other common causes of accidents in school zones;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Fatigued driving
Legal Help Is Available if You or a Loved One Is Injured in a School Zone
If you or a loved one is injured in a school zone because of another motorist’s negligence, our skilled West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you file your compensation claim against the negligent party.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Ocala, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Naples, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers areas.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/657/BillText/er/PDF
