North Carolina Embraces Automated Speed Enforcement for Safer School Zones

North Carolina has taken a significant step forward in traffic safety with new legislation authorizing Automated Road Safety Camera Systems statewide, like Blue Line Solutions' Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) solution. With the passage of SB 391 (Session Law 2025-47), North Carolina now authorizes the use of automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones statewide. The law establishes clear statutory authority through:

• G.S. 160A-300.4 – Authorization for Cities
• G.S. 153A-246.1 – Authorization for Counties

Blue Line Solutions partners with agencies to implement Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) programs that are compliant with state law and tailored to each community’s specific needs. Our programs are designed to reduce speeding and prevent dangerous driving behaviors before a tragedy.

New Authority for Local Traffic Safety

Under the law, North Carolina cities and towns may install automated speed cameras along roadways they control, including designated school zones. These systems are designed to detect and document speed violations digitally when a vehicle exceeds posted limits by a defined threshold.

Importantly, the legislation requires public notification at least 30 days prior to activation and mandates clear signage where cameras are in use which is Blue Line Solutions' specialty through clear communications and public information & education campaigns for our partners.

A Focus on Safety and Equity

The law reflects a thoughtful balance between enforcement and transparency. Automated enforcement does not replace traditional policing but rather enhances it by providing consistent oversight during times and at locations where speeding is a persistent risk. In school zones, where reduced speeds are critical for the safety of students and other vulnerable road users - like pedestrians, cyclists, and multi-passenger vehicles -  this technology gives local leaders a dependable option to reinforce compliance when children are present.

What This Means for North Carolina Communities

With this new authority, North Carolina joins a growing number of states that recognize the value of automated speed enforcement as part of a comprehensive traffic safety strategy. School zones, in particular, are areas where consistent enforcement can dramatically improve driver behavior, reduce excessive speeding, and prevent serious injury or loss of life.

Automated speed enforcement systems operate within defined guidelines and only document violations when drivers exceed posted limits at designated locations. They require clear advance notice, protect motorist privacy, and do not result in points on a driver’s license or impact insurance premiums. These features make automated enforcement a transparent, community-oriented tool for safer streets.

Blue Line Solutions is Ready to Partner

Blue Line Solutions has spent years helping communities across the country implement traffic safety programs with integrity, data-driven insight, and community support - including in neighboring states of Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. As North Carolina towns and cities prepare to deploy their first automated speed enforcement systems under the new law, we stand ready to support strategic planning, pre-program speed studies, public education initiatives, and technology implementation that aligns with local needs as a trusted traffic safety partner for North Carolina.

When you partner with BLS, you gain a trusted advisor that provides:

• Zero cost for permitting, installation, project management, equipment, and lifecycle service
• Turnkey program includes customer support, call center, court services, citation management, and more
• Community-centered communications campaigns based on transparency
• Detailed reporting and performance analytics to measure results

Automated speed enforcement is not about issuing violations. - it is about changing driver behavior, protecting children, and building safer streets for everyone.

If your community is exploring how to implement automated speed enforcement under the new North Carolina legislation or needs support with planning and execution, Blue Line Solutions is ready to partner with you. Contact us to learn more about our approach and begin the conversation.

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