Harnett County, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Camera type
- School bus stop-arm only
- Authority
- G.S. § 153A-246 / § 20-217
- First offense
- $400 civil penalty
- Second offense
- $750 civil penalty
- Third+ offense
- $1,000 civil penalty
- Late penalty
- $100 added
- Appeal window
- 30 days
Summary
Harnett County has no red-light or school-zone speed camera program; its only automated traffic camera targets drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Under §§ 132.01-132.06, the Sheriff's Office issues civil citations from bus-mounted stop-arm cameras, with penalties running $400 to $1,000 per offense.
§ 132.02 AUTHORITY. This subchapter is adopted pursuant to G.S. § 153A-246 and for the purpose of providing for the civil enforcement of G.S. § 20-217 by means of an automated school bus safety camera installed and operated on any school bus located within Harnett County (hereinafter referred to as the "county"). ...
(B) The amount of the civil penalty shall be the following:
(1) First offense: $400.
(2) Second offense: $750.
(3) All subsequent offenses: $1,000.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-7: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through 11-18-2024; and State Legislation current through 2024 Legislative Service #2).
Full Breakdown
02. 03, include the violation image, a supporting statement from a Harnett County Sheriff's Office deputy or partner agency, and instructions for contesting liability. The registered owner is presumed responsible unless someone else had custody of the vehicle. § 58-36-65. § 20-54(11), can cause the DMV to refuse to register the vehicle. 05 allows a written appeal with a supporting affidavit within 30 days of the citation.
Violations & Fines
A civil (not criminal) penalty of $400 applies to a first stop-arm camera offense, $750 to a second, and $1,000 to each offense after that under § 132.04(B). Missing the 30-day window to pay or contest adds a $100 late penalty under § 132.04(C), and unpaid penalties can trigger the DMV's refusal to register the vehicle under G.S. § 20-54(11) as referenced in § 132.04(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harnett County have red-light or speed cameras?
How much is a Harnett County school bus camera fine?
Can I contest a school bus camera citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harnett County
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