Heads Up, Drivers: School Zone Speed Cameras Are Coming to James City County

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (August 6, 2025)

Big changes are coming to your school-day commute. James City County is installing automated speed-enforcement (ASE) cameras in seven school zones across the county, and the system goes live August 25, just in time for the first day of school.

Which Schools Are Included?

• Toano Middle – Richmond Rd (U.S. 60)
  
  
• Norge Elementary – Norge Rd
  
  
• Stonehouse Elementary – Fieldstone Pkwy
  
  
• D.J. Montague Elementary – Centerville Rd
  
  
• Clara Byrd Baker Elementary – Ironbound Rd
  
  
• James River Elementary – Route 60 East
  
  
• Lafayette High School – Longhill Rd
  
  

Each of these zones has posted speed limits of 25 mph (35 mph for Lafayette), and enforcement only happens when the yellow flashers are blinking.

How It Works

• Activation: August 25, 2025
  
  
• Warning Period: 30 days of mailed warnings (no fines)
  
  
• Citations Start: Late September
  
  
• Penalty: $100 fine for going 10+ mph over during flashing-zone times
  
  
• No DMV points or insurance penalties
  
  

Why Now?

A recent study showed 91% of drivers at Norge Elementary were speeding by over 10 mph. County police can’t be everywhere twice a day, but these cameras can—offering consistent, fair enforcement every school day.

What to Watch For

• New “Photo Enforced” signs
  
  
• Digital speed displays
  
  
• Slim roadside pillars with radar and high-res cameras
  
  
• Flashing beacons = camera is active
  
  

Stay Ticket-Free with These Tips

• Assume zone enforcement between 7–9 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.
  
  
• If the lights flash—slow down
  
  
• Set your navigation apps to alert for school zones (coordinates provided by the county)
  
  

What’s Next

Over the next year, James City County will track how the cameras are working, looking at speed data, number of tickets issued, and where the revenue goes (hint: traffic safety projects). If it works, more schools may be added in 2026.

Looking to buy near a school where safety’s a priority? Let’s find a home that checks all the boxes. I’m Jackie Berberabe, your local Williamsburg REALTOR®. Call or text for homes near the schools that matter to you.