Children are vulnerable road users, so the law gives them special protection:
🏫 School Zone Speed
- When entering a posted school zone while school is in session or children are present, the speed limit is often 25 mph or lower if posted.
- Watch for flashing school zone signs or crossing guards.
- Even if the sign says “25 mph when children are present,” interpret that broadly – slow down if kids are anywhere nearby.
🛑 Crossing Guards
- Always obey crossing guards.
- If a guard is holding a stop sign in the crosswalk:
- You must stop and wait until the guard and all children have completely cleared the road.
- Do not inch forward while they are in the crosswalk.
🚌 School Buses
- If a school bus has flashing red lights and/or a stop sign arm extended, you must stop:
- Whether you’re behind it or approaching from the opposite direction.
- Exception: If the bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway (two or more lanes in each direction), you do not need to stop.
- Remain stopped while the red lights are flashing, until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing.
- Passing a stopped school bus with red lights is illegal and dangerous: you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege suspended for one year.
⚠️ Yellow Lights on School Buses
- Flashing yellow lights on a school bus mean it is about to stop.
- Slow down and prepare to stop, just like a yellow traffic light.
🚗 Dropping Off & Picking Up Kids
- Watch for double-parked vehicles or children darting out.
- Drive with extra caution around schools during morning and afternoon pickup times.
🚫 Illegal Passing in School Zones
- It is illegal to:
- Overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk in a school zone (or any crosswalk) — they may be stopped for pedestrians.
- Pass other moving vehicles in some school zones during school hours — this helps prevent confusion and accidents.
Stay alert and patient around schools — children’s safety depends on it.