School Speed Zone Photo Enforcement

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Since the schools have different open and close times, are the school speed zones active times posted somewhere?

   Yes, the times that each school speed limit is reduced and the photo speed enforcement equipment should be operating, are posted here.

   

2. How do I report a flashing light sign that is not working properly?

   Report any issues with the flashing lights, signs, cameras, or solar panels to the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, Traffic Division at Sheriff.TEAM@fauquiercounty.gov

    

3. Can I be cited for 1 MPH over the speed limit. Is there any room for error built into the photo enforcement system?

   There is a 10 MPH window above the posted speed limit.  Photos will not be taken, and citations will not be issued unless the driver is speeding more than 10 MPH over the school zone speed limit when the lights are flashing.   

    

4. Will the system generate a ticket if the lights are flashing when school is closed?

   The school zone photo enforcement equipment is programmed to be active only when the school is open and during the opening and closing time periods.  If a citation is generated by the system when the school is closed, the citation should be deleted by the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office in the normal quality assurance process.

    

5. Will the photo enforcement in the school zones continue during the school vacations?

   The school speed zone photo enforcement is active only when schools are in session.

    

6. Does the citation show a photo of the driver’s face to ensure the proper operator is cited?

   No, the citation includes a photo of the rear of the vehicle and an enlarged photo of the license plate.  The citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. 

    

7. Since the citations are paid by mail to an address in Tennessee, do I have to go there if I want to contest the citation?

   No, jurisdiction for the citation remains in Fauquier County.  The Fauquier County General District Court is the venue.

    

8. How can the registered owner of the vehicle rebut (contest) the citation, if the owner was not the operator of the vehicle who sped through the zone?

   The registered owner can fill out and mail an Affidavit of Rebuttal form (located online, here: WWW.VIOLATIONPAYMENT.NET  Instructions are also printed on the back of the citation. 

    

9. Why do the County schools in the Town of Warrenton and the Town of Remington not have school speed zone photo enforcement?

Both towns are independent jurisdictions and Fauquier County code cannot be enforced within the town limits.