What Are the Laws for Driving in a School Zone?
Did you know there are over 100,000 schools in the United States? The sheer number of schools in our country means that sooner or later, you’re bound to drive through a school zone. Whenever you see school zone signs, you can adjust your speed and be alert for children. But what are the speed limit restrictions for Florida school zones? And what happens if you commit an infraction while driving in one of these zones?
If you want to discover the answers to these questions, you’re in the perfect place. This guide will help teach you everything you need to know about the laws for driving in a Florida school zone. That way, you can drive safely whenever you approach a school.
What Are School Zones?
School zones refer to either the immediate areas around a school or crosswalks near a facility. When a driver enters a school zone, they need to pay extra attention to potential children and parents crossing the street.
Sometimes there are crossing guards in school zones to facilitate the safe flow of traffic. A driver will also need to reduce their speed when driving in a school zone.
However, usually these speed restrictions only occur in the morning and afternoon, when kids are being dropped off and picked up. School zones are marked either by school zone signs or flashing lights.
What Do School Zone Signs Look Like?
School zone signs are shaped like an irregular pentagon. That means that it has a triangle on the top, with a square shape on the bottom. The fluorescent yellow signs also contain black symbols of people crossing the street.
These signs are placed all around the school. However, they’re usually confined to crosswalks and places where children often play.
What Are the Speed Limit Restrictions for These Zones?
The laws surrounding Florida school zone speed limits come from the state’s statute 316.1895. This law states that the maximum speed limit in a school zone is twenty MPH. Why is this law needed?
If a child runs into the middle of the street, it gives drivers enough time to react and brake. Additional state school zone driving laws also state that it’s illegal to use your cell phone and text/drive while in a school zone.
You can also get violations if you refuse to follow a crossing guard’s instruction or fail to yield to pedestrians. If you want to read the Florida statutes in their entirety, you can do so by visiting this resource here.
Fines for School Zone Driving Infractions
When you get an infraction in a school zone, it’s counted as a moving violation. Usually, the moving violation fine will start at $50. However, if it occurs in a school zone, then it’s doubled.
It’s also important to note that it can increase depending on how fast you were going by five MPH increments. So if you fly through a school zone going fifty MPH, you can expect some pretty hefty fines.
If you get a traffic ticket in a school zone, we don’t recommend paying it right away. Why? Because it can lead to an automatic conviction and points on your driver’s license.
If you get enough points on your driver’s license, it can result in the suspension of your license. Instead, contact a lawyer who focuses on traffic tickets. They can advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
What Are Common Accidents That Occur in a School Zone
School zones are there for a reason: they are extremely vulnerable to accidents. Not only are people frequently crossing the street, but vehicles are also stopping suddenly to unload children.
Some of the more common accidents you’re likely to encounter include things like:
- Car door accidents occur when a cyclist or vehicle hits an open car door
- Pedestrian accidents occur when someone is hit on a busy road
- Rear-end collisions from sudden stops to drop off or pick up children
- Bicycle accidents from children biking to school
If you’ve been involved in one of these accidents, it’s vital to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you’re able. You can avoid these costly accidents by following the tips laid out in the next section.
Tips for Driving Safely in a School Zone
Obeying the speed limit in a school zone is one of the main things you can do to prevent accidents. However, there are other precautions you can take to drive safely in these zones.
For starters, never try to pass a stopped vehicle in a school zone. There’s a good chance that this parked car is either loading or unloading children. As such, you could hit them if you try to pass. It’s also important to be alert when in these zones.
Children aren’t like adults. They often move unpredictably. They might try to cross in an area that doesn’t have a crosswalk. Or they might run into the street to grab something.
Be on the lookout to avoid these hazards. Lastly, if you stop at an intersection, make sure your vehicle isn’t blocking the crosswalk. This will force children and other pedestrians into the street, which can make them a potential hazard for other vehicles.
Got a Traffic Ticket From Driving in a School Zone? Contact RHINO Lawyers
We hope this guide helped you learn more about school zone signs, speed limits, and infractions. As we mentioned before, if you have multiple points on your license, then a school zone traffic ticket could result in either civil penalties or a potential suspension of your license.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to contact a professional like the kind found at RHINO Lawyers. Our team has extensive experience when it comes to auto laws in the state of Florida.
So, whether you’ve been injured in an accident, or need help dealing with traffic tickets, we can help you. Contact us today to schedule your free video consultation.
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Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
