Charlottesville is stepping up efforts to protect students with the introduction of school zone speed cameras—a move aimed at curbing dangerous driving during key school hours. Though originally slated to go live by April 7, 2025, the rollout has been delayed until the end of April due to permitting issues. With those hurdles now cleared, local drivers should prepare for the cameras to be fully operational soon. Here is a map of speed cameras in Virginia.
Where Will the Speed Cameras Be?
The cameras are strategically placed in designated school zones throughout Charlottesville, and they will only be active when children are likely to be present—typically during school arrival and dismissal times, signaled by flashing school zone lights.
How Do the School Speed Cameras Work?
According to Virginia state law, these automated systems will photograph and track any vehicle going 10 mph or more over the posted school zone speed limit while lights are flashing.
That means if the school zone limit is 25 mph, drivers traveling 35 mph or faster during active school zone hours are eligible for a citation.
Here’s how enforcement will unfold:
-
Warning Period: Through May 2025, violators will receive warning notices instead of fines.
-
Citations Begin: Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, actual tickets will be issued.
-
Fine Amount: Offenders may face a civil penalty of up to $100 per violation.
What About Albemarle County?
If Charlottesville drivers need a preview of what’s to come, they can look to Albemarle County, where a similar program launched in October 2024 on Hydraulic Road. The speed cameras are located near a major school campus that includes:
-
Albemarle High School
-
Journey Middle School
-
Greer Elementary School
As of February 2025, this location alone has generated nearly $300,000 in fines, showing both the high volume of traffic and the urgency of improving driver behavior near schools.
Why Are These Cameras Being Installed?
The initiative comes in response to community concerns about speeding near schools. Officials say it’s about more than tickets—it's about saving lives and making school zones safer for kids and families. The hope is that by automating enforcement, drivers will be more likely to slow down, especially during critical times of the day.
What Drivers Should Do
-
Pay attention to flashing school zone lights.
-
Drive at or below posted speed limits, especially near schools.
-
Remember: going just 10 mph over can trigger a fine.
-
Understand that citations start this fall—now’s the time to form safer habits.
Final Thoughts
Charlottesville’s investment in school speed zone cameras reflects a growing national trend prioritizing student safety through automated enforcement. With the full rollout expected by late April 2025, local drivers should take this opportunity to review their habits and drive more cautiously in school zones.
Safer roads mean safer students. Let’s slow down—for them.