The school year has officially started for most students, and, with it, speed limits in school zones are now in full effect. We have all seen the flashing speed limit signs outside of schools. But it is important to know the consequences of going over the designated speed limit. Keep reading to learn more about school speed zones in Georgia, and what can happen if you are caught going over the speed limit.
What are School Speed Zones
School speed zones are designated areas around schools where traffic laws are more strictly enforced to protect students. In Georgia, you will often see these zones marked with flashing lights or brightly colored signs to alert drivers to slow down. Most school speed zones require that drivers operate their vehicles anywhere from 15 to 25 miles per hour or less, but the speed limit can vary depending on the area.
When do School Speed Zones Start and End?
O.C.G.A § 40-14-18 requires that school speed zones remain in effect:
- One hour before classes are scheduled to begin and one hour after classes have concluded; and
- On days where instructional classes are taking place. In other words, school speed zones do not apply on holidays, such as Labor Day.
Is a School Speed Zone Violation a Civil or Criminal Matter?
Most people are surprised to know that going above the designated speed limit in a school zone is considered a civil matter, not a criminal matter. This means that you will not receive points on your license, you cannot be convicted, and nothing will appear on your record for violating the speed limit. Click here to learn more about the points that can be assigned for various traffic offenses in Georgia.
What are the Consequences for Going over the Speed Limit in a School Zone?
For the first violation of the speed limit, you will receive $75.00 penalty. For the second, or any subsequent violation, you will receive a $125.00 penalty in addition to the fees associated with processing the penalty. These fees can vary from county to county, but they cannot exceed $25.00.
There is an exception to this rule. For 30 days after the first automated traffic enforcement safety device is introduced within a school zone (i.e., a traffic light camera), a driver who violates the speed limit in a school zone will not receive a civil monetary penalty and, instead, will be issued a civil warning. In other words, for those first 30 days, a driver who violates the speed limit will only receive a warning, rather than a ticket.
How Will I Receive the Civil Penalty?
If your speed limit violation is caught by a traffic camera or other recording device, you will receive your civil penalty via first class mail no later than 60 days after the date of the alleged violation.
A law enforcement agency authorized to enforce the speed limit of a school zone, or an agent working on behalf of a law enforcement agency or governing body, shall send by first class mail addressed to the owner of the motor vehicle within 30 days after obtaining the name and address of the owner of the motor vehicle but no later than 60 days after the date of the alleged violation.
What Happens if I Do Not Pay the Civil Penalty?
If you fail to pay the civil monetary penalty within 60 days after the penalty is mailed to your address, you will receive a second notice about the unpaid penalty. The second notice must arrive at your address no later than 30 days after the mailing has been sent by a law enforcement agency.
If you fail to pay the civil penalty again, you will waive your right to contest the speed limit violation and will be liable for the full amount of the civil penalty. Then, you will receive a final notice about the unpaid penalty. If you do not pay the civil penalty within 30 days of the final notice being mailed, a referral will be sent to the Department of Revenue. Once the referral is received by the Department of Revenue and entered into the motor vehicle database, the Department of Revenue can refuse to renew your vehicle’s registration until the civil penalty, and any associated late fees, are paid in full.
Have Questions? Give Me a Call.
Georgia’s laws about speed limit violations in school zones can be confusing and difficult to navigate. That is why you need an experienced Georgia Traffic Attorney on your side. Give me a call today.
