NCDOT: ‘New name, same campaign,’ explains ‘miscommunication’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A speeding enforcement campaign kicked off in North Carolina today. “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine” is the newly-branded campaign the NCDOT said they put out every year. This year, however, a portion of the release caused what they call a “miscommunication.”

Earlier this week, the DOT sent out a release previewing the campaign. This portion of the release created a lot of concern among drivers:

Many Americans believe they won’t be ticketed if they drive within a “buffer zone” above the posted speed limit. Law enforcement will be targeting and ticketing speeding drivers at all times.

NCDOT spokesman Jonathan Brandy said that message has always been part of their campaign.

“Not sure where it [the miscommunication] started,” Brandy said. “We used to call it ‘No Need to Speed,’ but we had to re-brand it… The messaging has always been the same. The posted speed limit is the speed limit. We don’t talk to law enforcement officers about how to enforce the laws.”

The release confused both drivers and members of local law enforcement. Adam Schwartzel with the Wilmington Police Department told WWAY last night he thinks it’s a great idea, and the new rules will save lives.

“Every mile you go over the speed limit, it’s that much longer to stop,” Schwartzel said. “Should a hazard come out in front of you, let’s say five miles over the speed limit, that increase your stopping distance 20 or 30 feet.”

Brandy said the DOT  sent out a new news release to clear up the confusion among citizens and members of law enforcement.

“Our troopers still have reasonable discretion when it comes to enforcing our traffic laws. Earlier reports that we would begin ticketing drivers going one or two miles over the speed limit were based on a misinterpretation of the initiative.  Troopers and local law enforcement officers will continue to enforce the speed limit,” said the release.

“We’re going to clarify some things,” Brandy said. “I think there’s some miscommunication of one news release saying this is a new campaign. It’s a new phrase.”

In regards to drivers and their concerns, Brandy said their goal is to reduce traffic fatalities.

“Follow the posted speed limit signs… We hope this fulfills the governor’s vision to have zero fatalities on North Carolina roadways.”