Driver stories
From Bradford County “Word of Mouth” threads and local letters: people who thought dark beacons meant 45 — and got a $100 camera notice anyway.
Early months after cameras went live, local posts claimed on the order of 800–900 tickets per month. Drivers describe the same pattern: afternoon or late-morning travel, no flashing lights, speeds often in the low-to-mid 30s — over 20, under the highway 45.
“Everyone knows 45 is strictly enforced in Lawtey. We also know school zone is 20 when lights flash… but what about when lights are not flashing and school is in session? Paper said ~900 tickets the first month.”
“I was braking from 45 down to 20 but their camera snapped me at 31 at the crosswalk. Magically 31 is their minimum for a violation. Probably just a coincidence.”
“Lights weren’t blinking at all. I follow traffic laws. I have never known a school zone to be active the whole entire day.”
“I have toddlers — I’m the annoying cautious driver when lights flash. No flashing lights and I had no clue. Robbery. I should have sat at the light 20 more seconds.”
“Ticket at 2:02, Subway receipt at 2:05. No blinking light. Expensive sub.”
“No flashing lights. Speed limit is 45 through there. School was closed for election day. Money racket.”
“In my town yellow lights flash when the limit is in force. I’ve always been careful on that stretch knowing it’s a speed trap. What a racket.”
“Boycott this town. No gas, food, or anything. They treat law-abiding citizens as an ATM.”
“No flashing light. Same trap in the morning commute window.”
“With 45 mph just before the school zone, drivers do not have time to slow down. Signage does not produce enough safety for children and is grossly unfair to through traffic.”
Quotes are paraphrased/condensed from public Facebook discussion and published letters for readability. Original thread: Bradford County Word of Mouth. Letter to the editor: Bradford County Telegraph.