Howard County police issued 650 warning tickets to motorists in the one-month grace period for the speed cameras near schools — and with the end of the warning period, $40 citations start Wednesday.
The citation, a civil fine for driving 12 mph or more over the speed limit, does not lead to points on a driver's license. It can be challenged in court.
Police said their studies last year showed 18 percent of drivers in school zones were speeding. Enacted this year, the speed camera program — strictly for areas around the more than 100 schools in the county — is starting with two mobile cameras. The law allows up to eight mobile speed cameras.