News Summary
New Orleans has temporarily suspended speed camera enforcement, particularly in school zones, following the enactment of a new state law, Act 107. This act imposes stricter regulations on enforcement cameras and requires better visibility measures for safety. While negotiations with the Orleans Parish School Board regarding revenue sharing are ongoing, red-light cameras will still operate. City’s officials emphasize the importance of adhering to speed limits and traffic laws to ensure safety near schools as the situation evolves.
New Orleans has suspended all speed camera enforcement as of August 1, 2023. This action comes as Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration works to comply with a new state law that significantly changes the regulations regarding enforcement cameras in the city. The temporary suspension affects speed cameras in school zones, although red-light cameras will continue to remain operational.
The new legislation, known as Act 107, prohibits the use of enforcement cameras outside school zones and red lights. Additionally, it introduces further compliance requirements specifically for school zones equipped with cameras. One key requirement includes the need for painted road stripes to enhance visibility and safety. As of the current timeline, New Orleans has not reached a finalized agreement with the Orleans Parish School Board regarding the revenue sharing from school zone cameras, as mandated by a 2024 state law.
This suspension of speed cameras, particularly in school zones, follows the deactivation of these cameras earlier in the summer of 2025 after the conclusion of the school year. City officials, while confirming the suspension, have not specified when speed cameras may be reactivated or estimated the duration necessary for compliance with the new legislation.
Moreover, as a result of Act 107, certain areas of the city will permanently lose speed camera enforcement, raising concerns and questions about traffic safety and regulation enforcement in those locations. It is important to note that drivers who received speed camera tickets prior to the suspension on August 1 are still obligated to pay the associated fines, regardless of due dates.
A recent agreement, which received approval from the City Council, stipulates that 40% of the net revenue generated from school zone cameras will be allocated to the School Board. Last year, speed cameras in school zones brought in $1.375 million in net revenue. However, this revenue has been held in escrow while the city finalizes the agreement with the School Board.
If the proposed revenue-sharing arrangement is implemented, the city is set to receive $800,000, while the School Board would receive $500,000. Additionally, School Board members have expressed concerns regarding the timeline for payments and the specifics of revenue sharing, particularly between public and private educational institutions. The revenue-sharing formula for cameras located in front of both public and private schools remains unresolved, leading to further discussions about equitable distribution.
Furthermore, questions concerning administrative fees and the accuracy of payments from the city to the School Board also remain. Discussions held within the School Board suggest a potential equal split for revenue collected from cameras positioned in front of public and private schools, but final agreements and formulas have yet to be established.
Throughout these developments, city officials have underscored the importance of adhering to speed limits and traffic laws to ensure safety near schools and intersections. With schools starting to resume their schedules, the city aims to prioritize traffic compliance and the protection of students and pedestrians in these high-traffic areas. The ongoing compliance efforts and related negotiations reflect a commitment to reevaluating traffic enforcement measures to align with state regulations while maintaining public safety.
As the situation evolves, residents of New Orleans are encouraged to stay informed about updates related to speed camera enforcement and its implications for driving practices in the city.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8: New Orleans Stops Issuing Speeding Tickets via Cameras
- NOLA: Speed Cameras Turned Off in New Orleans
- WWL TV: Speed Camera Tickets Paused in New Orleans
- Wikipedia: Traffic Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speed Limit
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
