March 19, 2025 | From City of New Orleans
****UPDATE****City of New Orleans Provides Updates Regarding School Zone Cameras (Note activation date change)
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW) will activate school zone beacons at additional locations starting Monday, March 24. This phased activation underscores the City’s commitment to enhancing safety for students and drivers while ensuring compliance with state law.
During the City Council’s regular meeting on Thursday, Mar. 13, the Council unanimously passed Ordinance Calendar No. 35,005, introduced by Councilmember Joe Giarrusso at the request of the Administration. This ordinance, signed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell today, updates the City Code to align with state law governing school zone speed limit enforcement.
Key Amendments Include:
- School zone signage schedules will now correspond with individual school days rather than uniform codified hours.
- Placement requirements for school zone signage.
- Operational requirements for flashing beacons to ensure effective notification of speed limits.
Additionally, the ordinance amends Section 154-534 of the City Code to regulate speed limits within school zones as follows:
- Motorists must not exceed 20 mph in school zones one hour before and one hour after the start and end of the school day.
- Flashing beacons will not serve as warning systems at all school zone locations. However, violations will only be enforced at locations with operable flashing beacons.
- These regulations apply exclusively on school days during times when children are present, focusing enforcement on high-traffic periods.
The DPW Sign Shop and Traffic Teams have been diligently working to ensure compliance with Act No. 103 of the 2024 Regular Session. This law mandates that school zone cameras operate only during specific times. Efforts include reprogramming flashing beacons and updating school zone signage across the city.
Stay Informed
Residents can find detailed information about school zone cameras, active school zones, and operational hours at nola.gov/get-school-zone-times.
Locations Activated with Proper Signage
School zones with proper signage at both entrances and exits, even in the absence of flashing beacons, will have cameras activated to enforce speed limits. A list of these locations is available at nola.gov/get-school-zone-times.
Existing Locations with Active Beacons
Automated traffic cameras with previously active school zone beacons will remain operational. Residents can also view these locations at nola.gov/get-school-zone-times.
Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and adhere to posted speed limits in school zones during designated times. Speeding violations will result in citations. School zone safety remains a top priority for the City. Any tickets issued in school zones outside of designated legal hours will be voided.
For ticket-related inquiries, residents may contact the Parking Adjudication Office at parkingadjudication@nola.gov.