About Automated Speed Enforcement

Automated speed enforcement cameras are located in school zones throughout the City of Thomasville. The cameras are installed along East and West Jackson Street, East Clay Street and South Broad Street. The cameras operate from 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., only on school days. A sworn officer will review and approve each suspected violation before a citation is issued and mailed to the address associated with the vehicle registration. You may contest the citation in municipal court if you wish, by completing the form appropriately and mailing it in. Please note that these forms go to Atlanta, not to Thomasville police department. After they receive your form they will contact us to schedule a court date.  

NOTE: Do not ignore the citation. Failure to either pay the fine or contest the citation will result in vehicle registration suspension for the involved vehicle. The violation may eventually be sent to a collections agency if it is not resolved. These violations do not affect driver's license or insurance status, 

Fines for Citations

• $75.00 for first violation
• $125.00 for subsequent violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why are automated speed enforcement cameras being installed?

Answer: According to data over the past ten years, there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated speed enforcement measures as a means of encouraging motorists to obey speed limits and pay attention. Automated enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governors Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Safety Council.

Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they are struck by a vehicle traveling 30 mph versus 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20 mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones where more children are walking in the area. (Source: ProPublica).

Question: How do the automated enforcement cameras work? Are they accurate?

Answer: The enforcement program utilizes state-of-the-art multi-dimensional radar that tracks and monitors up to 350 cars simultaneously. Radar is accurate within 0.1 miles per hour. A detailed maintenance and testing log is maintained at all times. No tickets are issued within any possible margins of error.

Question: How will I know where the cameras are located?

Answer: Clearly visible signage has been installed that warns drivers that the speed limit is enforced by automated speed enforcement cameras. 

Question: What hours do the cameras operate?

Answer: Cameras operate from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., only when school is in session. All monitored school zones and speed limits are clearly marked. This means the cameras operate from one hour before school starts, throughout the school day, and one hour after it lets out. 

Question: I received a warning notice. What do I do?

Answer: Warning notices are courtesy notices extended by Thomasville Police Department to put drivers on notice of increased speed enforcement in school zones. If you received a warning notice, no further action is required. All drivers are encouraged to obey speed laws. If your notice contains a payment amount, it is not a warning. 

Question: What are the criteria for receiving a speeding ticket?

Answer: According to state law, automated school zone tickets are issued to drivers exceeding more than ten (10+) miles per hour over the speed limit.

Question: How much is the fine?

Answer: The first violation is $75.00 and subsequent violations are $125.00 each. Payments are due by the “Pay By” date listed on the citation.

Question: I received a School Zone Speed Ticket. How do I pay it?

Answer: You may mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and pre-printed return envelope. Click here to make a secure payment online. Electronic payments post the same day and you can receive a confirmation by e-mail. For payment by phone, call 833-917-7333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question: What happens to revenue generated by tickets?

Answer: According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for law enforcement activities that will make communities safer, such as police equipment and new school resource officers.

Question: Can I view my violation?

Answer: Yes. To view the violation, click here and enter your citation number. You will be able to view photos and video of the violation.

Question: If I receive a citation, will my insurance go up?

Answer: Citations are civil offenses, not criminal infractions. No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations. However, fines do escalate for repeat offenders.

Question: Where can I read the law on automated enforcement?

Answer: Please click here for the latest version of the Official Code of Georgia.