Update (October 2024):
A recent presentation on the Speed Camera Safety Program: School Zone Locations is now available.
Read the School Speed Camera Program Evaluation report here.
Automated Speed Enforcement in School Zones
Program Description
To support the City’s Vision Zero goals to increase traffic safety, the Alexandria City Council included funding for 5 speed cameras in school zones as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 City Budget. Speed cameras were deployed in select school zones to reduce speeding violations near schools.
Program Timeline
Spring 2022: Budget Adoption
Summer 2022: Program Development
Fall 2022: Program Adoption
Spring 2023: Camera Installation + Warning Period
August 21-September 17, 2023: Warning Period
September 18, 2023: Program Goes Live
Speed Camera Locations
Speed cameras are located on three streets in Alexandria, serving four schools. The school zone speed limit is 15 MPH when the school speed limit signs are flashing.
- Francis Hammond Middle School (Seminary Road, between Kenmore Avenue and North Jordan Street)
- John Adams Elementary School and Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School (North Beauregard Street, between North Highview Lane and Reading Avenue)
- George Washington Middle School (Mount Vernon Avenue, between Braddock Road and Luray Avenue)
Information on Violations
Per the Code of Virginia, the maximum fine for a speed camera violation is $100. Here are some resources if you receive a citation in the mail:
Payment Options
Pay Online
Visit http://www.violationinfo.com and log in with your violation and PIN number referenced on the top of your Violation letter. There is an additional convenience fee for online payments.
Pay By Mail
Send bottom portion of your violation along with a check or money order payable to the following address. Be sure to include the license plate and notice number on the face of your payment.
City of Alexandria
Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program
P.O. Box 35131
Seattle, WA 98124-5131
Please do NOT mail cash.
Pay By Phone
Call (toll free) 1-866-790-4111 and select option 1. Available 24/7. A fee may apply for phone payments.
Additional Resources
Lost Violation Notices
Please call 1-866-790-4111 and have your license plate number readily available. You can also email info@violationinfo.com.
Disputing a Violation
The owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for this Notice of Violation. If you don't agree with your speeding violation you have the right to contest the violation by:
- AFFIDAVIT: Submitting an Affidavit of Non-Liability or Non-Operation. Review the forms on www.violationinfo.com and follow the directions on submitting your Affidavit. Your affidavit and documentation will be reviewed. You will be notified in writing of any action taken.
- REQUEST A HEARING: If you would like to request a hearing, sign the coupon on your Notice of Violation and mail it in the enclosed envelope. By requesting a hearing, you acknowledge that if found liable, you will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you fail to attend your hearing, you will be found liable and will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you choose to pay the civil penalty before your hearing date, you do not need to attend the hearing.
Handling Violations Where You Were Not Driving
Notices of Violation are mailed to the registered vehicle owner. If your vehicle/plate was stolen or you are a rental/lease car agency, you may complete an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility and attach supporting documentation found on www.violationinfo.com. The Affidavit must be received by the due date of your Notice. The Affidavit and supporting documentation will be reviewed and you will be notified in writing of any action taken.
Background
What is Automated Speed Enforcement?
Automated Speed Enforcement (also known as speed cameras) is a technological tool for enforcing the legal speed limit. Speed cameras may be fixed or portable, and are placed along the roadway to automatically record speed limit violations. After a sworn law-enforcement officer affirms the violation, a speeding citation is mailed to the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle as determined by the license plate.
Speed Camera Programs in the Region
In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a law authorizing the use of speed cameras in school zones and work zones. Alexandria is joining several communities across Virginia in implementing a speed camera program, including Arlington County, Fairfax County, and the City of Fairfax. Speed cameras are also widely used in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
Speed Camera Safety
Speed is a primary factor in how often crashes occur and how severe they are. The likelihood that a crash will kill or severely injure a person increases as speed increases. The City’s Vision Zero goal is to eliminate fatal and severe crashes by 2028, because no loss of human life is acceptable on our roadways.
Speed cameras are a critical tool in improving traffic safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation has identified speed cameras as a proven safety countermeasure. According to USDOT, speed cameras can reduce crashes by over 50%. Speed cameras also free up traffic safety officers in the City to handle other duties and provide better enforcement coverage citywide.
Speeding is a significant contributor to deaths on our roadways and is particularly hazardous to people walking, especially older adults and children:
Higher speeds increase a driver's reaction time and braking distance:
Higher speeds reduce a driver's field of vision:
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are speed cameras?
Speed cameras are a tool to automatically record speed violations. After a sworn law-enforcement officer affirms the violation, a speeding citation is mailed to the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle as determined by the license plate.
Why is the City launching a speed camera program?
The City’s Vision Zero goal is to eliminate fatal and severe crashes by 2028. Speed safety cameras are a proven tool for reducing speeding, changing driver behavior, and building safer communities. Speed safety cameras also free up traffic safety officers to handle other duties to better meet citywide traffic enforcement needs.
The City of Alexandria utilizes state-of-the-art digital cameras and proven violation detection technology to help decrease potential violations and collisions at school zone locations across the city.
Speed safety cameras have been shown to be effective in pedestrian-related injuries and reducing crashes by more than 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Most importantly, communities that use speed safety cameras consistently report safer roads around their schools. The program helps ensure that drivers pay more attention and obey traffic control devices.
Where are speed cameras allowed?
The Code of Virginia allows the use of speed cameras in school zones and work zones.
Where are school zone speed cameras located?
School zone speed safety cameras are located within 15-mile-per-hour school zones at the following locations. Speed cameras are active when flashing school zone beacons are activated.
- Francis Hammond Middle School (Seminary Road, between Kenmore Avenue and North Jordan Street)
- John Adams Elementary School and Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School (North Beauregard Street, between North Highview Lane and Reading Avenue)
- George Washington Middle School (Mount Vernon Avenue, between Braddock Road and Luray Avenue)
How were locations selected?
The locations were selected following a feasibility assessment and consideration of factors including crash history, traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, age, and the number of students.
Locations were agreed upon by Alexandria City Public Schools, the City of Alexandria Police Department, and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services.
Are there signs posted or beacons flashing where school zone speed safety cameras are enforced?
Locations of school zone speed safety cameras will include flashing beacons notifying drivers when the speed safety cameras will be active. Clear signage is also displayed at each location to inform drivers they are entering a speed safety camera zone.
What is the fine amount for a school zone speed violation?
The fine amount for a school zone speed safety violation is $100.
Who receives the Notice of Violation?
Notices of violation are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Will “points” be assessed on my driving record?
A speed violation is not considered a “moving violation”. No points can be assessed, and it will not raise your insurance rate.
Will the speed safety cameras take a picture of the driver?
No, only the rear of the vehicle will be captured. The registered owner is responsible for the speed violation.
How do I pay the fine?
- PAY ONLINE. Visit www.violationinfo.com and log in with your Notice and PIN number referenced on the top of your Violation letter.
There is an additional convenience fee for online payments.
- PAYMENT BY MAIL. Send the bottom portion of your violation along with a check or money order payable to the following address. Be sure to include the License Plate and Notice number on the face of your payment.
City of Alexandria
Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program
P.O. Box 35131
Seattle, WA 98124-5131
Please do NOT mail cash.
- PAY BY PHONE: call (toll-free) 1-866-790-4111 and select option 1. Available 24/7, 7 days a week.
A fee may apply for phone payments.
Does the amount due require payment from the registered owner?
Anyone can pay the balance due if they are using their own form of payment.
What if I don’t agree with my speeding violation? How can I dispute it?
The owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for this Notice of Violation. If you don't agree with your speeding violation you have the right to contest the violation by:
- AFFIDAVIT: Submitting an Affidavit of Non-Liability or Non-Operation. Review the forms on www.violationinfo.com and follow the directions on submitting your Affidavit. Your affidavit and documentation will be reviewed. You will be notified in writing of any action taken.
- REQUEST A HEARING: If you would like to request a hearing, sign the coupon on your Notice of Violation and mail it in the enclosed envelope. By requesting a hearing, you acknowledge that if found liable, you will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you fail to attend your hearing, you will be found liable and will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you choose to pay the civil penalty before your hearing date, you do not need to attend the hearing.
What if I lost my Notice of Violation?
Please call 1-866-790-4111 and have your license plate number readily available. You can also email info@violationinfo.com.
What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?
The registered owner of a vehicle will be mailed the Notice of Violation. If your vehicle/plate was stolen or you are a rental/lease car agency, you may complete an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility and attach supporting documentation found on www.violationinfo.com. The Affidavit must be received by the due date of your Notice. The Affidavit and supporting documentation will be reviewed and you will be notified in writing of any action taken.
Contact
If you need additional information or support, please contact Alex311.