Speed cameras headed to North Carolina school zones this fall

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/WJZY) — Drivers throughout North Carolina may need to pay even closer attention when traveling through school zones in just a few weeks.

The governor signed a bill into law earlier this summer, authorizing cities and counties to install cameras to catch speeders around schools.

The measure was part of Senate Bill 391, a DOT omnibus effort to improve traffic safety.

In the Tar Heel state, there were more than 700 school zone-related crashes between 2015 and 2019, resulting in 17 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The plan, section 13 of the bill, was designed to crack down using a generally automated process.

Starting on October 1, North Carolina towns, cities, school boards, and counties can begin installing special speed-triggered cameras in school zones. All camera zones must have clear warning signs posted within 1,000 feet, according to the law.

The camera may grab a picture of a speeding driver’s vehicle — in a school zone. The ticket will include the date, time, the recorded speed, and it must be signed by a sworn law enforcement officer.

A flat $250 fine will be issued, but it won’t add points to a driver’s license, the new law said.

Those cited will have 30 days to pay or appeal the ticket. If the ticket is ignored, a $50 late fee could be added and a car registration renewal could be held up until it’s paid.

— WJZY-TV contributed to this report