School Zone Camera Safety Program

Q. What is the School Zone Camera Safety Program?

A. House Bill 657 is a Florida law that was approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 31st, 2023. Under this law, the use of cameras is authorized to enforce speeding violations throughout the school day. The Town of Bay Harbor Islands will implement the school camera safety program for the 2025 - 2026 school year and beyond.

Q. What does “photo enforced” mean?

A. Photographic evidence will be used to issue a Notice of Violation to the registered owner of a vehicle. The vehicle must exceed the posted speed limit by more than ten (10) mph. The Notice of Violation will include the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the violation.

Q. When and where is photo enforcement used?

A. The camera enforcement system will be active during the entirety of the school day session. The exact times vary depending on the individual school schedule. The speed enforcement allowable time periods are as follows:

•    Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled breakfast program.

•    Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled school session.

•    During the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session; and

•    Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the end of a regularly scheduled school session.

Q. Which School Zones are being camera enforced in the Town of Bay Harbor Islands?

A. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8    1155 93rd Street    7:15am-3:35pm

Q. What are the benefits of photo enforcement?

•     Increases safety of children and staff in school zones by deterring speeding.

•    Encourages drivers to adhere to posted speed limits.

•    Mitigates risks associated with speeding where children are present.

Q. What data are the cameras capturing and is that information secure?

A. Camera enforcement systems are set to capture data specified by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands within local, state, and federal guidelines. This data will include photographic stills of the vehicle, and the license plate. It will also include the date, time, location, and speed.

All data is encrypted and transmitted to a secure central server, where it is digitally signed to prevent interception and manipulation, ensuring top-level protection for the chain of custody. Original images and data are securely stored in a data vault.

Q. How much does the photo enforcement program cost taxpayers?

A. The photo enforcement system is entirely funded by paid violations.

Q. Who issues the Notice of Violation?

A. A State of Florida traffic infraction enforcement officer employed by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands Police Department is the only person that can issue a Notice of Violation. 

Q. What are my options if I receive a notice of violation?

A. There are two options offered to the registered owner of the vehicle:

1.    Pay the fine within 30 days from the date of issuance.

2.    Request a hearing within 30 days of the date of issuance.

•    Failure to follow the Notice of Violation options within 30 days of issuance will result in the issuance of a FLORIDA UNIFORM TRAFFIC CITATION.

•    If the violation is satisfied in the Notice of Violation status, there is no adverse impact to the alleged violator’s driver’s license, vehicle registration or insurance.

•    All options will be included in the Notice of Violation sent to the registered owner.

Q. Will paying a Notice of Violation affect my insurance or driver’s license? 

A. No. A Notice of Violation is a civil penalty and does not affect your driving privileges or insurance. 

Q. What happens if I am the registered owner but someone else was driving the motor vehicle?

A. The registered owner of the vehicle involved in the violation is responsible and liable for paying the Notice of Violation issued unless the owner can show via written affidavit one of the following circumstances listed below:

•    The motor vehicle was, at the time of the violation, in the care, custody, or control of another person.

•    The driver of the vehicle was issued a traffic ticket by a law enforcement officer for the same alleged violation.

Q. How can I pay a notice of violation?

A. Via internet:

https://secure.speedviolation.com

Via telephone:

877-385-3849