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1. Why were the Speed Zone Cameras installed?

The City of Lawrenceville and the Lawrenceville Police Department began implementing an automated speed enforcement program in August 2022. The purpose of the program was to reduce the number of speeding vehicles traveling through school zones, thus reducing the likelihood of crashes, or injuries, especially those involving children. The school zone safety program includes 6 schools. The Lawrenceville Police Department, in conjunction with Blue Line Solutions, LLC, established an extensive program that emphasizes safety, education, and information components not usually utilized in photo-speed enforcement programs.

2. How do the Cameras work? Are they accurate?

The automated speed enforcement technology is 100% accurate in determining exactly which vehicle it is capturing. The stationary cameras use a LIDAR laser beam aimed at a single lane. Vehicles drive through the beam as they travel on the roadway.   This guarantees the vehicle speed recorded matches the proper vehicle. 

3. Were there an excessive number of speeders in Lawrenceville School Zones?

The total traffic count during the hours of 7:20 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. in Lawrenceville school zones was 153,682. Of those, 38,247 (25%) were speeding 11+MPH above the speed limit. Our goal is 100% compliance. 

4. Where are the cameras located?

Automated speed enforcement in Gwinnett County is only in school zones. School zones are clearly marked with signage that the school zones are monitored, and speed limits are enforced by automated speed enforcement technology.   Drivers should assume that automated speed enforcement technology monitors all school zones. Visit lville.city/MyCityServices to view the speed camera locations.  

5. What are the hours of enforcement and what speed limits are enforced when?

During active school zone hours, (posted and marked at each school and indicated by flashing yellow lights) the speed limit is reduced to the marked, allowable speed limit. During those hours, the reduced speed limits are enforced. The posted speed limits are enforced 1 hour before and after school is in session and 1 hour before and after school releases.

(a)(1) The speed limit within any school zone as provided for in Code Section 40-14-8 and marked pursuant to Code Section 40-14-6 may be enforced by using photographically recorded images for violations which occurred only on a school day during the time in which instructional classes are taking place and one hour before such classes are scheduled to begin and for one hour after such classes have concluded when such violations are in excess of ten miles per hour over the speed limit.

H.B. 40-14-18 Section 9

6. Will photo enforcement take place in the summer when school is not in session?

Photo enforcement will not take place during the summer while school is not in session or during summer school hours. If the lights are flashing, please reduce your speed to the posted school zone speed limit.

7. Will I be ticketed for traveling 1 or 2 miles per hour over the posted limits?

No. According to state law, automated citations issued in school zones are only issued to drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. 

8. How much are the fines?

First violations are a total of $100.00 and a second or any subsequent violations are $150.00. Payments are due by the “Pay By” date listed on the citation. 

The owner of a motor vehicle shall be liable for a civil monetary penalty to the governing body of the law enforcement agency provided for in paragraph (2) of this subsection if such vehicle is found, as evidenced by photographically recorded images, to have been operated in disregard or disobedience of the speed limit within any school zone and such disregard or disobedience was not otherwise authorized by law. The amount of such civil monetary penalty shall be $75.00 for a first violation and $125.00 for a second or any subsequent violation, in addition to fees associated with the electronic processing of such civil monetary penalty which shall not exceed $25.00.

H.B. 40-14-18 Section 9

9. I received a School Zone Speeding Citation. How do I pay for it?

Please note, citation payments are not handled by the City of Lawrenceville.  Citations can be paid online, mailed, or by phone. 

Online

The easiest and most convenient payment method is via the online payment portal. To pay for your Lawrenceville citation online, please visit:  https://violationpayment.org/lawrencevillegapayment/(S(hglao1ey55v0a15rtrw040hl))/default.aspx?target=citationLookup 

 For additional questions, visit: https://www.violationpayment.net/pay-view-citation.html 

Mail

You may also mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and pre-printed return envelope. 

Phone

Payment by phone: Call 855.252.0086. Please patiently and thoroughly listen to the prompts. If you wish to speak to a representative, press "9" or "0". Representatives can look up your citation by name, notice number, or tag number.

10. I received a violation for speeding but wasn’t driving my vehicle. Do I have to pay for it?

An automated photo speed violation is considered a civil violation and the law says the owner of the cited vehicle is responsible. In Georgia, you may "transfer" the violation to the driver of the vehicle by the below methods, as taken directly from the Georgia law:

A) Testifies under oath in open court or submits to the court a sworn, notarized statement that he or she was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. 

B) Presents to the court a certified copy of a police report showing that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation.

H.B. 978 40-14-18 Section 9

It should be noted that if the violation is not paid, the owner remains responsible for the violation. 

Visit, https://www.violationpayment.net/contest-your-citation.html to contest your citation.

11. If I get a ticket will my insurance go up?

No. Citations are civil offenses, not criminal.  No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations.   

12. What happens to citation revenue and how will it be used?

The revenue is shared between the City of Lawrenceville and Blue Line Solutions, the company that installs and maintains the cameras. Blue Line Solutions receives 35% of the citation and the City of Lawrenceville receives 65%. The city had no out-of-pocket cost to install the cameras and Blue Line Solutions will maintain the cameras.

According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for law enforcement activities and public safety initiatives, such as police equipment and new school resource officers that will make our community safer. Funds directed to the City of Lawrenceville from the School Zone Speed Camera Program will be used for local law enforcement and/or public safety initiatives in compliance with state law. The City of Lawrenceville has no budget set in anticipation of collecting funds for FY 2023 in hopes that drivers will abide by the speed limits and refrain from speeding in our school zones. 

Although there is a monetary component to the speed camera program, it was implemented as a safety and staffing issue. The City of Lawrenceville desires to prevent speeding in our school zones (the cameras will not issue speeding tickets throughout the day) and we lack adequate police personnel to cover all six school zones and provide appropriate police coverage for all other law enforcement needs throughout the city on a weekly basis throughout the school year. Therefore, the City Council chose to utilize this technology in an attempt to keep children, educators, and the community safe.  

13. What is the benefit behind installing speed cameras vs rumble strips or speed humps?

The speed cameras cost the city and taxpayers $0. Blue Line Solutions handle all upfront costs of the program. Speed bumps and rumble strips would cost the city money for installation.

14. I believe my citation is incorrect. How do I contest my citation?

You have the right to contest a citation issued by a law enforcement agency. Due process is provided through administrative hearings and/or court proceedings. To contest a citation, visit https://www.violationpayment.net/contest-your-citation.html to schedule an administrative hearing.