Arlington County is significantly expanding its PhotoSPEED program, installing 10 additional school zone speed safety cameras to enhance student safety during the upcoming 2026-27 school year, bringing the total number of operational cameras to 35. This initiative aims to protect students commuting to and from Arlington Public Schools, with classes set to begin on Monday, August 31.
Ticketing for speed violations at existing camera locations will commence on August 31. For the newly installed and relocated cameras, a 30-day warning period will be implemented starting August 31 to raise public awareness and encourage compliance with posted speed limits. Following this period, vehicle owners will face a $100 civil fine for each infraction.
The PhotoSPEED program is a key component of Arlington County's Automated Safety Enforcement Program and supports the County's Vision Zero initiative, which targets the elimination of severe injuries and fatalities in the transportation network by 2030. Camera locations are selected based on factors such as crash history, vehicle speeds, volumes, school walk zone coverage, and equity areas. Cameras operate when school zone lights are flashing, capturing digital images and video footage of speeding vehicles, which are then reviewed by the Arlington County Police Department before tickets are issued.
The County staff will actively review and assess these school zones to evaluate the safety impacts of the cameras and guide the future development of the PhotoSPEED program, reinforcing its commitment to safer routes for students.