Hillsborough County Expands School Zone Speed Camera Hours All Day

Drivers across Hillsborough County, take note.

 

The rules for navigating school zones have undergone a significant change.

 

Gone are the days when speed cameras only monitored traffic during brief morning and afternoon windows.

 

Now, enforcement is active for the entire school day, a move officials say is aimed squarely at protecting students and staff.

 

This is a dramatic expansion of the county's "Operation Safe Passage" program.

 

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) confirmed the cameras will now issue tickets to drivers exceeding the speed limit at any time during school hours.

 

This change was prompted by feedback that the old system, with different times for different schools, was confusing for drivers.

 

“We were getting some feedback where the signs were rather confusing,” said Undersheriff Thomas St. John.

 

The new policy aims to create consistency and clarity.

 

The cameras, now active at 29 schools, will ticket any driver going more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit.

 

For example, near Riverview High School, enforcement now runs from 7:25 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

The fine for a violation is $100.

 

Officials insist the program is about safety, not revenue.

 

Data shows that between August 2024 and July 2025, the program issued 5,775 violations, generating over $310,000.

 

A significant portion of this money funds public safety initiatives, including the hiring of more crossing guards.

 

The HCSO is in the process of installing new signage to reflect the updated enforcement hours, which should be completed within weeks.

 

Once the signs are up, the expanded ticketing will begin.

 

The move has been met with mixed reactions from the community.

 

Some residents praise the change, citing dangerous driving they witness daily.

 

Others feel the all-day enforcement is excessive, arguing that students are safely inside the school buildings for most of the day.

 

Regardless, the message from law enforcement is clear: slow down in school zones or risk a ticket.

 

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FAQ: Hillsborough School Zone Cameras

 

When are the school zone cameras active now?

The speed cameras in Hillsborough County school zones are now active during the entire school day, from approximately 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after dismissal.

 

How much is the fine for a school zone speed camera ticket?

The fine for being caught speeding more than 10 mph over the limit in a school zone by a camera is $100. These violations do not add points to your driving record.

 

Why did the county change the enforcement times?

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the change was made to increase student safety and to eliminate confusion for drivers caused by varying enforcement times at different schools, especially those on the same road.