There must be laws against camera vendors and cities fur breaking the law.
There must be laws against entrapment.
All zones should have yellow lights.
Vendors and cities should be fined and criminal charges against vendors for rigging zones with no yellow lights working when lower limits apply.
This is the Florida school zone camera FRAUD!
Residents of Hillsborough County, Florida, argue that they’re being fined when the school zone rule is not in action, ABC affiliate WFTS reported.
Summary of Legal Loophole Leading to Speeding Fines in School Zones
Quick Overview
Drivers in Hillsborough County, Florida, are expressing outrage over a new school zone speed camera law that they claim is unfairly penalizing them with $100 fines. The law, which allows for the implementation of speed cameras in school zones, has led to confusion regarding speed limits and the operation of warning signals, prompting calls for reform.
Key Points
- Unfair Fines: Many drivers report receiving speeding tickets even when school is not in session, citing unclear signage and non-functional flashing lights.
- Legal Loophole: The law requires only that school zones post signage indicating when speed limits are in effect, without mandating operational flashing lights.
- Drivers’ Complaints: Residents describe feelings of entrapment and frustration, arguing that the law is misleading and difficult to interpret.
- Failed Appeals: Drivers who contest their tickets often find that appeals are unsuccessful, leading to a sense of futility in fighting the fines.
- Calls for Change: Some counties, including Manatee County and Palm Bay, have opted to ban school zone speed cameras due to concerns over these unfair citations.
Detailed Breakdown
Unfair Fines
Drivers like Joe Weaver and Juan Calderon have reported receiving citations for speeding in school zones, despite the absence of flashing lights and unclear signage. Weaver was fined for allegedly going 38 mph in a 20 mph zone, believing the limit was 40 mph based on the signage. Calderon echoed similar sentiments, stating that the signs listed multiple start and stop times in small print, making it challenging to discern when to slow down.
Legal Loophole
The 2023 Florida law permits counties to install speed cameras in school zones but only requires signage indicating when speed limits apply. Notably, the law does not require flashing lights, and even if they are present, they do not need to be operational for a driver to be fined. This has led to widespread confusion among drivers, many of whom feel they are being unfairly targeted.
Drivers’ Complaints
Residents have voiced their frustration over the perceived entrapment by the law. One driver stated, “One shouldn’t have to guess or be baffled by what’s right and what’s wrong.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the law is inherently misleading and unfairly penalizes conscientious drivers.
Failed Appeals
Many drivers who attempt to contest their tickets find themselves facing an uphill battle. For example, Karen Bowman paid an additional $75 to challenge her citation, only to be told that the operational status of the flashing lights was irrelevant. This has led to a growing belief among drivers that appealing fines is futile.
Calls for Change
In response to the backlash, some counties have taken action. Manatee County and Palm Bay have banned the use of school zone speed cameras, citing concerns over the fairness of the citations issued. The ongoing debate highlights the need for clearer regulations and better communication regarding speed limits in school zones.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Joe Weaver: “The sign was not flashing and there were no times.”
- Karen Bowman: “When he said, it doesn’t matter if it was flashing or not… there’s no point in even trying to fight for the case.”
- Hillsborough County magistrate Dr. Tom Santarlas: “It can be one or the other; it doesn’t have to be both.”
Context & Implications
The implementation of school zone speed cameras in Florida has sparked significant controversy, revealing a critical gap between legislation and practical enforcement. As drivers continue to voice their grievances, the issue raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of automated traffic enforcement measures. The situation underscores the need for legislative review to ensure that laws protect public safety without unfairly penalizing drivers. As the conversation evolves, it may prompt further reforms to clarify speed limit regulations in school zones, ultimately aiming to balance safety with fairness. nce safety with fairness.