10 New Speed Cameras Locations Announced In Fairfax County, 40 More Planned

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County is planning to expand its speed camera program in school zones, adding 10 more locations in the coming months. The county is ultimately planning for 40 additional speed cameras beyond that.

The speed camera pilot program launched in early 2023 with nine cameras in school crossing zones across Fairfax County. With the launch of phase 1 in the coming months, the county will add 10 more cameras.

While the county is starting with 10 cameras, a total of 50 new cameras in school zones and highway work zones are anticipated in phase 1. The remaining 40 cameras will be installed through the rest of the year. Camera locations will be posted on the county's website as they are made available.

The locations of the first 10 new speed cameras will be:

• Belvedere Elementary School, Falls Church
• Cardinal Forest Elementary School, West Springfield
• Chantilly High School, Chantilly
• Edison High School, Franconia
• Flint Hill Elementary School/Madison High School, Vienna
• Marshall High School, Falls Church
• McLean High School, McLean
• Mount Vernon High School/Riverside Elementary School, Mount Vernon
• Robinson Secondary School/Oak View Elementary School, Fairfax
• Stone Middle School, Centreville

A phase 2 expansion in fiscal year 2027 will plan for 30 more speed cameras in school zones.

In addition to the school zone speed cameras, a school bus arm enforcement program is beginning in the new school year. Cameras will be added to 50 Fairfax County Public Schools bus arms to enforce passing stopped school bus violations. Enforcement will soon begin.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said the county's goal is using 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.