HB 651 rewrote Georgia's school zone speed camera rules, with tickets only during school hours and voter approval needed for new programs from 2027. HB 1161 updated traffic stop and emergency vehicle laws.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
Georgia's biggest 2026 change for drivers is HB 651, which tightens school zone speed cameras: tickets only on school days during school hours, large warning signs within 500 feet, and camera money spent on public safety. From July 1, 2027, new camera programs need local voter approval. HB 1161 also updated rules on yielding to emergency vehicles, fleeing police and traffic stops.
Most laws started
July 1, 2026
School zone cameras
HB 651
Voter approval for new cameras
From July 1, 2027
Window tint changes
July 1, 2027 (HB 1161)
Georgia's new laws usually take effect on July 1. In 2026, the ones drivers felt most were about cameras near schools, which had become one of the most argued-over traffic topics in the state.
July 1, 2026
Bill
What it does
HB 651
School zone speed cameras can ticket only on school days during school hours. Large warning signs must stand within 500 feet of the zone. Revenue must go to public safety. Misuse of a program brings penalties, and prosecutors can pursue unpaid camera penalties.
HB 1161
Updates the laws on yielding to emergency vehicles, fleeing or eluding police, and traffic stops. Its window tint section starts July 1, 2027.
SB 293
Makes odometer tampering a felony and raises penalties for mileage and title fraud.
SB 433
Creates an autism awareness license plate and adds police training on interacting with people with autism or developmental disabilities.
Still new: the 2024 school bus law
Addy's Law, which took effect July 1, 2024, set a minimum $1,000 fine for passing a stopped school bus, including violations caught on stop-arm cameras. It is now enforced statewide, and many districts have added cameras to their buses.
What to do now
Watch for the new large signs before school zones. If you see one, slow to the school zone limit during school hours.
If you get a camera notice, check that it was issued on a school day during school hours.
If your town votes on cameras after July 2027, the ballot decides whether new programs can start.
Good to know
Camera notices are civil penalties, but ignoring one is a bad idea. Under HB 651, prosecutors can now pursue unpaid camera penalties.
Check yourself3 questions
Under HB 651, when can a Georgia school zone camera issue a ticket?
Answer: B. Tickets are limited to school days during school hours.
How close to a school zone must the new warning signs be?
Answer: B. Large warning signs must be placed within 500 feet.
What is the minimum fine for passing a stopped Georgia school bus?
Answer: C. Addy's Law set a $1,000 minimum in 2024.
Your questions
Are school zone cameras going away in Georgia?
Not right away. Existing programs continue under the new rules. From July 1, 2027, new programs need local voter approval.
When do Georgia laws usually take effect?
Most start on July 1, after the legislative session that runs from January to spring.
Where can I read the bills?
On the Georgia General Assembly website at legis.ga.gov. Search by bill number.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Georgia DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
