Hallandale Beach starts issuing $100 school zone speeding tickets

The Hallandale Beach Police Department began issuing $100 civil fines for speeding in school zones on October 22. The enforcement follows a 30-day warning period that ended on October 21. During that initial month, police issued approximately 6,000 warnings. Officials reported that this averaged out to roughly 1,500 notices per week.

The city installed five speed cameras near three local schools as part of its School Zone Safety Program. The goal is to reduce speeding and prevent crashes in areas where students travel. The cameras are located near Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach K-8, Lanier-James Education Center, and Hallandale Magnet High School. Drivers receive a citation if they travel 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit during designated enforcement hours.

Not all residents support the new enforcement strategy. Roei Gal, a local driver, told CBS News Miami that he opposes speeding but questions the financial impact of the new fines. He stated that repeated tickets could add hundreds of dollars to a family's monthly expenses. Gal estimated that the cameras are causing him and others to add at least another $400 to $500 a month to their budgets for extra tickets. He described the measure as a little extreme and suggested the city should consider different solutions.

Other residents view the cameras as a necessary addition to existing safety measures. Flora Garrett said she frequently sees drivers traveling too fast, particularly after school dismissal and at night. While speaking with reporters on Monday afternoon, Garrett pointed toward a passing vehicle she believed was speeding. She remarked that drivers often try to beat the crosswalk guards. Garrett said the cameras provide another layer of protection for students alongside the crossing guards.

The police department declined an on-camera interview but provided details about the program via CBS News Miami. Officials said the primary aim is to encourage drivers to slow down rather than simply issue citations. The department plans to monitor speeding violations, crash data, and community feedback over the next six months. This data will help determine if the cameras are improving safety. The first six-month review is expected around April 2027.

Police have not released the number of actual fines issued since enforcement began on October 22. They stated that it is too early to accurately measure the program's results. The cameras are not limited to arrival and dismissal times. According to the city, they operate during regular instructional hours as well. The system enforces the roadway's posted speed limit when the reduced school-zone limit is not in effect. The cameras do not operate overnight, on weekends, or during designated school holidays.