Things will be changing when it comes to Ga. school zone speed cameras

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new Georgia law addressing school zone speed cameras takes effect July 1, requiring municipalities to disclose how much revenue the cameras generate and where they are installed.

The law comes after years of driver complaints about citations tied to inadequate signage and other issues.

Starting July 1, municipalities using school zone speed cameras must submit annual reports to the Georgia Department of Public Safety detailing the revenue generated by the cameras.

Beginning July 2027, jurisdictions must install warning signs within 500 feet of the school zone speed limit sign. Those signs must include a device displaying a driver’s speed and flashing yellow lights when cameras are actively issuing citations.

The law also requires that cities demonstrate a need for the cameras before permits are issued. It prohibits permits for cameras on certain four-lane school zone roadways that lack pedestrian crosswalks.

Before the reporting requirement took effect, Atlanta News First Investigates was the only entity tracking camera revenue statewide. In 2024, the outlet requested records from 54 Georgia municipalities and found the cameras generated more than $112 million from drivers. Following that reporting, lawmakers called for greater transparency.

Last year, House lawmakers voted to ban the cameras outright, but the measure did not pass the Senate.