Huntsville Police Will Increase School-Zone Enforcement Starting Aug. 5

Huntsville police will increase patrols near school zones beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5, as the city launches its monthlong Zero in the Zone traffic-enforcement campaign.

The scheduled operation will run through Aug. 31, with Huntsville Police Department officers and safety patrol aides working primarily during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal periods. The city says drivers should expect added enforcement around school traffic and follow posted speed limits, crossing guidance and traffic-control instructions.

What drivers should expect

HPD plans to place additional patrol officers and safety patrol aides near school zones during peak periods. The city has not said that every school zone or driver will receive the same level of enforcement.

Parents, school staff and commuters should allow extra time near Huntsville schools during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. Drivers should watch for pedestrians, obey directions from officers and safety patrol aides, and avoid using school or private-business parking lots to bypass traffic or signals.

The city also reminds drivers that holding an electronic device violates Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance, which allows officers to make a traffic stop for that violation.

Enforcement increased in 2025

Huntsville reported 249 traffic stops, 234 citations and 72 warnings during the 2025 Zero in the Zone campaign. In 2024, the city reported 146 traffic stops, 93 citations and 54 warnings.

Those figures distinguish among traffic stops, citations and warnings. They show higher reported stop and citation totals in 2025 than in 2024, but they do not establish what the 2026 campaign totals will be.

City recommends alternate route near Morris Elementary

The city is encouraging some Redstone Arsenal commuters to consider an alternate route near Morris Elementary School. Eastbound drivers on Interstate 565 approaching Bob Wallace Avenue may want to take Exit 17A to Jordan Lane to avoid school-zone traffic near the school.

The Exit 17A-to-Jordan Lane guidance is a city recommendation, not a mandatory detour. The city’s announcement does not identify a road closure connected to the campaign.

Campaign runs through Aug. 31

Zero in the Zone enforcement is scheduled for Aug. 5 through Aug. 31. Drivers traveling near Huntsville schools during arrival and dismissal should plan ahead, watch for pedestrians and school safety aides, and obey posted school-zone rules.

Drivers who witness dangerous driving in a school zone can contact HPD’s non-emergency line at 256-722-7100 and provide the vehicle’s location, description and direction of travel.

Sources

• City of Huntsville: Zero in the Zone Returns as HPD Ramps Up School-Zone Enforcement
• WAFF 48: Huntsville Police Train School Safety Aides, Relaunch Traffic Campaign