School zone speed limit enforcement effort to begin

Aug 6, 2026 By CJ HADDAD 3 min read

With the new school year set to begin next week, local law enforcement reminds drivers to slow down when traveling through school zones. 

RedSpeed, photo-enforced cameras, are once again going to be in effect on school days. The cameras are active 30 minutes before school starts, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends. RedSpeed Cameras are not active on weekends, holidays, and non-instructional days. 

“To protect children, staff, and motorists, the City of Cape Coral has implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to reduce speeding and increase awareness in school zones,” said Cape Coral Police Department officials. “Automated enforcement provides consistent and fair enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours.”

Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph will receive a violation. CCPD officials said when school zone lights are flashing, the reduced speed limit is enforced. When lights are not flashing during school hours, the regular posted speed limit applies. 

Violations carry a $100 “civil violation,” where a notice is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. No points are assessed on the driver’s license, and does not impact insurance. Payment instructions are included with the notice, and owners may submit an affidavit if someone else was driving. 

According to Cape Coral police officials, “RedSpeed cameras use radar or laser technology to detect speeding vehicles in active school zones. When a vehicle exceeds the limit by more than 10 mph, the system captures photographic and video evidence. A certified law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer reviews the violation before issuing a citation.”

Officials said 39,033 citations were issued last year.

Of each $100 fine:

•  $39 goes to the city for public safety initiatives.

•  $21 is paid to RedSpeed USA for vendor operations and technology maintenance

•  $20 is remitted to the Department of Revenue for the General Revenue Fund.

•  $12 goes toward supporting school security, student transportation, and walking safety initiatives.

•  $5 goes toward funding the School Guard Recruitment and Retention Program.

•  $3 goes toward the Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.

RedSpeed cameras have been permitted at the following school zones:

•  Ida S. Baker High School – 3500 Agualinda Blvd.

•  Challenger Middle School – 624 Trafalgar Parkway

•  Diplomat Middle School – 1039 NE 16th Terrace

•  Mariner Middle School – 425 Chiquita Blvd. N.

•  Trafalgar Middle School – 2120 Trafalgar Parkway

•  Cape Elementary School – 4519 Vincennes Blvd.

•  Diplomat Elementary School – 1115 NE 16th Terrace

•  Gulf Elementary School – 3400 SW 17th Place

•  Oasis Charter Elementary School (North) – 2817 SW 3rd Lane

•  Patriot Elementary School – 711 SW 18th St.

•  Pelican Elementary School – 3525 SW 3rd Ave.

•  Skyline Elementary School – 620 SW 19th St.

•  Trafalgar Elementary School – 1850 SW 20th Ave.

•  St. Andrew Catholic School – 1509 SE 27th St.

•  Thrive Academy-3301 Chiquita Blvd. S.

•  Cape Coral Christian School – 811 Santa Barbara Blvd.

Police officials state system errors are screened and rejected before notices are sent.

Drivers may contest a notice of violation by requesting a hearing before a local magistrate. Instructions to contest are included with the violation. If no action is taken, the citation is transferred to county court.

Drivers may also contact RedSpeed directly at (630) 317-5700.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com