SB75: SB75 Speed Detection Devices and Red Light Cameras; standards for signs warning of a reduced speed limit in a school zone and signs warning of the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; provide

Georgia law lets local governments use automated cameras to catch speeders in school zones, but current rules on signage and enforcement timing have led to disputes. This bill rewrites parts of the state law on speed detection devices and red light cameras (O.C.G.A. Chapter 40-14) to tighten how school zones and their speed limits are defined, require additional warning signs including one that shows a driver's actual speed as they approach, and limit school zone camera enforcement to school days during instructional hours plus one hour before and after classes. The bill also changes when a speeding case can be brought using a speed detection device in school zones, historic districts, and residential zones, and it authorizes district attorneys, solicitors-general, and municipal prosecuting attorneys to enforce the civil monetary penalties tied to school zone camera tickets. The law would take effect July 1, 2025, with the new sign rules applying to devices with permits issued before that date starting January 1, 2026.

• Redefines 'school zone' and 'school zone speed limit' so the limit cannot vary for more than one hour, more than twice a day.
• Requires new warning signs for automated traffic camera use, including a device that shows drivers their actual speed as they approach a school zone.
• Limits when automated cameras can ticket school zone speeders to school days during instructional time plus one hour before and after classes.
• Revises the rules for when a speeding case can be brought using a speed detection device in school zones, historic districts, and residential zones.
• Gives district attorneys, solicitors-general, and municipal prosecuting attorneys authority to bring civil actions to collect unpaid camera-based speeding fines.
• Sets the law's effective date as July 1, 2025, with a later January 1, 2026 start for the new sign rules on cameras already permitted.

Drivers who pass through school zones with automated speed cameras, local law enforcement agencies and school districts that operate those cameras, companies that install traffic camera equipment, and district attorneys, solicitors-general, and municipal prosecuting attorneys who handle related civil fines.

Drivers would see new signs, including one showing their real-time speed, before reaching school zone cameras, and those cameras could only issue tickets during a narrower window tied to actual school hours. Local prosecutors would gain clearer authority to chase down unpaid camera fines.

• Section 1 revises the definitions of 'school zone' and 'school zone speed limit' in O.C.G.A. § 40-14-1.1, capping how often the limit can change during the day.
• Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-14-6 to require warning signs for automated traffic enforcement devices and a sign or device showing a vehicle's real-time speed before the school zone.
• Section 3 rewrites O.C.G.A. § 40-14-8 on when a speeding case can be made, adjusting rules for school zones, historic districts, and residential zones.
• Section 4 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-14-18 to restrict camera-based school zone enforcement to school days during instructional hours plus one hour before and after.
• Sections 5 through 8 amend Title 15 court provisions to authorize district attorneys, solicitors-general, and municipal prosecuting attorneys to enforce civil penalties tied to school zone camera citations.
• Section 9 sets the effective date as July 1, 2025, with the new sign requirements applying to already-permitted camera devices starting January 1, 2026.

1. 2026-01-12Senate Recommitted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-04Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
3. 2025-03-03Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
4. 2025-02-04Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
5. 2025-02-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Max Burns (R, SD-023)Primary sponsor
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Colton Moore (R, SD-053)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)

• school zone speed cameras
• traffic enforcement
• speed limits
• road signage
• local prosecutors