How To Drive In A School Zone
The first day of school is almost here! Whether you're excited or not, one thing is clear: when you have your license, you can get yourself to class on your own, which is a big upgrade from the bus or your mom's minivan.
Back to school also means drivingBack School Driving Safety Tips Dont Skip Blog in designated school zones, which come with their own rules. If you're a new driver, now's the time to brush up on school zone traffic laws so you know how to drive safely — and without penalty — in these high-risk areas.
What Is a School Zone?
A school zoneEngineering The_school_zone.cfm Guide.saferoutesinfo.org encompasses the roads near a school building, including public and private schools. School zones often include the stretch of road with the school's entrance, but they can also cover neighboring streets. These zones will have reduced speed limits (usually between 15 and 25 miles per hour) during specific hours when children, students, and pedestrians will be most active in the area. School zones are meant to keep drivers alert and speed down to avoid accidents.
How Do I Know I'm in a School Zone?
School zones are usually designated by special signs, and almost all school zones will have multiple signals in advance so that you have time to prepare for them. These could include flashing lights, speed limit signs, and school zone signs, as well as speed bumps and crossing guards. Some schools even post a police detail to help keep speeds down.
Fines in a School Zone
If you get caught speeding, you're subject to a citation with a fine — otherwise known as a speeding ticket. You might also earn points on your license, which could lead to higher insurance ratesTeen Driver 10 Easy Ways To Lower Your Car Insurance Blog. Earn too many points, and you could even have your license suspendedWhats The Difference Between A Revoked License And A Suspended License Blog.
Fines vary by state, but they often increase in school zones. In Florida, for example, fines for speeding in a school zone are doubledIndex.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300 0399 0318 Sections 0318.18.html Statutes. In New York, you may be required to appear in courtFine Assessment 1939, where a judge could determine what you pay.
The bottom line? Speeding in a school zone can really cost you.
Tips for Driving in a School Zone
1. Reduce Your Speed
Most school zones have speed limits of 20 mph or less. Pay attention to the warning signs leading up to the school zone so you have time to reduce your speed without having to slam on the brakes.
2. Expect Increased Traffic
The hours between 7 and 9 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. are when you’ll encounter the most traffic in school zones, as this is when most parents will be dropping off or picking up their kids. Foot traffic also increases around a school zone with students walking or boarding buses. Be extra alert during these times, and give pedestrians the right of wayUnderstanding Right Of Way Safe Driving.
3. Yield to Buses
Yield to buses at all times. You must stop if the bus flashes yellow or red lights, and/or the stop arm deploys. It is illegal to pass a school bus that's stopped to load or unload, so stay alert. It's also a good idea to give buses a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a normal car. Children can behave unpredictably, so make sure you’re being vigilant around stopped school buses, too.
4. Obey Traffic Officers
Traffic officers and crossing guards can override any traffic signs or signals, and they often halt traffic for the safety of students and parents who may be crossing the street. You must always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
5. Take Care at Crosswalks
Always come to a complete stop at crosswalks, ideally with room to spare. Make eye contact with pedestrians to better predict their movements. If another vehicle has stopped for pedestrians, be patient. You should never try to pass a stopped car in this situation, as you run the risk of hitting someone. If you're stuck in traffic, remember to keep the crosswalks clear for pedestrians so they don't have to step into traffic to get around you.
If your back-to-school plans include getting your learner's permit or driver's license, Aceable can help! Check out our online driver's ed coursesDrivers Ed to help you learn the rules of the road so you can ace your test.
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Updated September 05, 2023
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