By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville Police Department’s (HPD) Zero in the Zone initiative, launched to boost school zone enforcement during the first month of the 2025-2026 school year, has led to a sharp increase in enforcement activity.
From Aug. 4–29, officers conducted 249 traffic stops, issued 234 citations, and wrote 72 warnings. During the same period last year, officers recorded 146 stops, 93 citations, and 54 warnings.
“One mistake in a school zone is one too many,” Chief Kirk Giles said. “We’re here to make sure every student gets to school and back home safely.”
The back-to-school push placed officers in school zones during peak morning and afternoon traffic to deter speeding, distracted driving, and other unsafe behaviors.
“Slow down, put the phone away and watch out for our students – it’s just that simple,” Chief Giles said.
Know the Law: School Zone Speed & Fines
- Speed Limit: 15 mph in marked school zones when flashing lights are active, during posted times, or when children are present.
- Fines:
- Standard speeding ticket in Huntsville: $179 (<25 mph over>$199 (25+ mph over).
- School zone violations: fines are doubled.
- Example: A ticket for 10 mph over the limit in a school zone could cost $358 or more.
