Frequently Asked Questions:

General Information

• What are the goals of automated traffic enforcement?

  The goals of automated traffic enforcement are to encourage a change in driver behavior and to increase driver awareness of the impacts of speed-related crashes in school zones, work zones, and residential areas. Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. In 2021, speeding was responsible for 29% of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, the highest percentage since 2013. [NHTSA, 2023]

  The presence of school children and other pedestrians in a school zone makes it imperative for drivers to stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for certain conditions reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. It also increases both the distance necessary to stop a vehicle and the distance a vehicle travels while reacting to a dangerous situation.

Automated Speed Cameras

• How do speed cameras work?

  The automated speed cameras measure the speed of each passing vehicle. A series of videos and photographs are recorded to document any vehicles traveling at or above a determined speed threshold. The date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the speed and license plate of the violator’s vehicle, are recorded. Following the proper identification of the registered owner of the vehicle using the license plate number, the registered owner is mailed a citation, which includes information pertaining to the violation.

• Where are the cameras located?

  The cameras will be located in the following school zones: Gilbert Linkous Elementary School on Toms Creek Road and Blacksburg Middle School on Prices Fork Road.

• How will I know if I am in a speed camera zone?

  "School Zone: Speed Photo Enforced" signs will be present in designated spots before the enforcement area in each school zone.

• When does enforcement occur?

  Enforcement occurs during school hours when children are going to or from school, as indicated by flashing lights in the school zone.

Additional Information

• Will there be a warning period?

  Yes, the warning period begins on August 10, 2026, and will last for 30 days. Violations recorded within this period will receive warning notices only. After the warning period ends, citations will be issued instead of warnings.

• When does enforcement begin?

  Enforcement begins on September 9, 2026.

• What are the fines for a school zone speeding violation?

  Violations will incur a fine of $100.

• Will I receive points on my driving record for a photo speed ticket?

  No. Photo speed violations are zero-point traffic infractions that are not reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Does anyone review the citation before they are mailed out?
  Yes, in addition to being reviewed by the ASE system contractor, each citation is verified and approved by a dedicated person from the Town of Blacksburg Police Department. The reviewing officer signs a statement on the citation indicating that the vehicle was being operated in violation of the law based on an inspection of the recorded images.

• If I receive an Automated Speed Enforcement citation, can I see images of the alleged violation?

  Yes, still photographs will be made available to the registered vehicle owner. The recorded speed will also be made available. Instructions on the back side of the violation will guide you on how to access the still photographs on a secure website.

• How do I pay the citation?
  1. To pay online: You may view your citation images and pay your fine at www.onlinecitationpayment.com
  2. To pay by phone: Please call the Automated Enforcement Division Customer Service Call Center toll-free at (866) 271-1171 to pay by credit card 24/7. Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, a representative will be available to assist you with payments or answer your questions.
  3. To pay by mail: Mail the return coupon from your fine notice and a check or money order [NO CASH] payable to the Town of Blacksburg Police Department. To ensure proper processing, print the citation number on your payment and send it to:

     BLACKSBURG, VA
     PO BOX 831173
     PHILADELPHIA, PA 19182-1173

• How can an Automated Speed Enforcement citation be contested?
  The registered vehicle owner may request a hearing to challenge an Automated Speed Enforcement citation. The owner has thirty (30) days from the date of citation issuance to contest an Automated Speed Enforcement violation. At this point, the vehicle owner has the option to contest the violation either by mail or in person. If no response is received, either in the form of payment or a hearing request, you lose your right to appeal. For more details, please refer to the reverse side of your citation.

Other Helpful Resources:

Code of Virginia, § 46.2-882.1. Use of photo speed monitoring devices, pedestrian crossing violation monitoring systems, and stop sign violation monitoring systems in highway work zones, school crossing zones, high-risk intersection segments, safety red zones, and National Park highways; civil penalty.

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