FAQs
How will a photo speed enforcement program be established?
The Blacksburg Town Council would have to adopt an ordinance authorizing the use of photo speed enforcement.
How are violations punished?
Violations are punished by a civil penalty; the maximum penalty is $100. Violations do not result in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigning points to the operator's driving record.
What if I was not driving my car when the violation occurred?
Vehicle owners will be able to contest violations.
Who reviews and processes the charge?
The police department receives the tag number and picture of the alleged violator. A police department employee will review each possible violation. After verifying the tag and vehicle match, the information is sent back to the town’s contractor. The contractor then sends out he civil penalty to the owner of the vehicle for payment (If more than one owner is listed, only one owner will receive the ticket). The owner of the vehicle can contest the violation in court. The contractor sends a representative to court to testify. The state enabling legislation only allows for vehicles traveling 11 mph or above to be ticketed using photo enforcement.
Is posting officers in school zones to help control speeding, being considered?
Officers are posted in the school zones when not on other calls for service.
Studies have shown in other localities, the use of photo enforcement has changed driver behavior and reduced the amount of traffic violations by 90%.
Are there other mitigation strategies already in place?
Yes. Other mitigation strategies have been utilized in this area; some are still in place and have not a significant impact in reducing speeding violations.