James City County Cracks Down on School Zone Speeding

Starting October 8, 2025, James City County officially began enforcing its new school zone speed camera program — and drivers, it’s time to take those flashing yellow lights seriously. After a 30-day warning period, the county is now mailing $100 tickets to anyone caught driving ten miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit when school zone lights are flashing.

The automated photo enforcement program covers seven schools across the county: Stonehouse Elementary, Clara Byrd Baker Elementary, Norge Elementary, D.J. Montague Elementary, James River Elementary, Toano Middle, and Lafayette High. The cameras only operate on school days when children are present and those flashing beacons are active.

These are civil violations, so the fine won’t add points to your license or affect your insurance—but it’s still one hundred bucks you don’t want to waste. Every image is reviewed by the police department for accuracy before a citation is issued, so the system is fair and thorough.

The decision to move forward with enforcement came after a 2024 speed study that found nearly 38,000 speeding violations across these zones in just five days. During the 30-day warning phase that started in September, more than 7,600 warning notices were sent out. Clearly, too many drivers were treating school zones like racetracks instead of slow zones.

Now, the goal is simple: reduce speeding, prevent crashes, and protect kids. The James City County Police Department and the Williamsburg-James City County School Division are continuing to monitor light operations and signage to make sure everything is working properly. If you notice a malfunctioning light or blocked sign, you can report it by calling 757-565-3838.

As someone who drives through these areas every day, I’m glad to see the county making safety a priority. Mornings around our schools can get hectic, and a few extra miles per hour can make a huge difference in reaction time. Slowing down isn’t just about avoiding a ticket—it’s about making sure every kid, parent, and bus driver gets home safely.

So the next time you see those flashing yellow lights in Williamsburg, Toano, or Norge, take your foot off the gas and remember: safety first. That $100 ticket is one souvenir no one wants from James City County.

And if you’re looking for a new home near one of Williamsburg’s fantastic schools—or relocating here as part of the military community—I’d love to help you find the perfect neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.