Stiff Fines Coming For Drivers Caught Speeding On Camera As Trial Period Begins Soon

FAIRFAX, VA — Drivers who habitually speed through school zones in Fairfax County, despite signs warning them to slow down, will soon have an extra incentive to do so.

A 30-day warning period for 10 school zone cameras in Fairfax County will begin in a few weeks, officials said. Once that period ends, police will issue citations to drivers who are caught on camera speeding.

The 30-day warning period begins July 2 for the schools below, and citations begin Aug. 18.

1. Cardinal Forest Elementary School: Forrester Boulevard
2. Mount Vernon High School/Riverside Elementary School (Shared): Old Mt. Vernon Road
3. Belvedere Elementary School: Columbia Road

The 30-day warning period begins Aug. 18 for the schools below, and citations begin Sept. 17.

1. Chantilly High School: Stringfellow Road
2. Edison High School: Franconia Road
3. South Lakes High School/Langston Hughes Middle School/Terraset Elementary School (Shared): South Lakes Drive
4. Marshall High School: Leesburg Pike
5. McLean High School: Westmorland Road
6. Robinson Secondary School/Oak View Elementary School (Shared): Sideburn Road
7. Stone Middle School: Braddock Road

The speed camera pilot program launched in early 2023 with nine cameras in school crossing zones across Fairfax County.

A total of 50 new cameras in school zones and highway work zones are anticipated in phase 1, with 40 cameras being installed through the rest of the year.

Camera locations will be posted on the county's website as they are made available.

In addition to the school zone speed cameras, a school bus arm enforcement program began in May, with cameras added to 50 Fairfax County Public Schools bus arms to enforce passing stopped school bus violations.

Related: $250 Fines Begin For School Bus Camera Program In Fairfax County

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said the county's goal is to use technology to protect students from traffic hazards.

"Make sure you remember to stop in both directions, unless separated by a median, when you encounter a stopped school bus unloading and loading children," said McKay in a statement. "Refusing to stop is a criminal offense."

Localities gained authority to use speed monitoring cameras in school zones and highway work zones under 2020 Virginia legislation. Under the legislation, speed cameras may only record violations during active school zone times, and recorded violations must be confirmed by a law enforcement officer. During the county's speed camera pilot program, officials had to work out some kinks, including Winko-matic lighting not being synchronized properly and violations being issued improperly outside active school crossing times.

Violations caught by a speed monitoring device can result in fines but not driver's license points or insurance impacts. Fines in Fairfax County are $50 for 10 to 14 mph over the speed limit, $75 for 15 to 19 mph over the speed limit and $100 for 20 mph or more over the speed limit. Speed cameras start with a 30-day warning period before issuing citations.

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