According to research by ROSPA in UK, 1200 children face traffic injuries in a 500 meter radius of school every month. This ratio shows we need to implement speed limit in a school zone that can reduce accidents.
Another study suggests, after the enforcement of 20 mph speed, authorities recorded a decrease in столкновения near schools. So, if you want to know more about the speed range in school zone you can read this article.
What is the Speed Limit in a School Zone?
Ограничение скорости in a school zone means the speed of vehicles that is set by the authorities. Actually, this speed is recommended according to the strength of students that will use the road & number of vehicles.
Furthermore, this limit is defined with the ratio of students who come to school via a van, bike, cycle or car and others that come on foot. For example in Australia, the speed limit of Tasmanian schools is 40km/h in busy hours.
Знак ограничения скорости в школьной зоне
You always see a вывеска “School Ahead” when you cross schools. But you may also find a sign board of speed range near this sign. This sign is installed to inform drivers about the limit that is allowed by the authorities.
Therefore, whenever you see this sign board, read it carefully and set the speed according to it. Always, slow down your car or bike because it is needed for the safety of children.
School Zone Speed Limit Times
School zone speed limit hours are mostly written on the sign board which tells you about the maximum limit in certain hours. Sometimes, you may find this information on a rectangular sign board that is placed under the speed limit sign.
In case when the limiting hours are not mentioned then you should check for the school time of your area. For example, in the US school time is 7:30 to 8:30 AM for the morning and 2:30 to 4:00 PM for the evening.
Furthermore, this duration is limited from Monday to Friday. Because Saturday and Sunday are off days. But in case of any event of function these days can be on. Therefore, keep in mind to check your local festivals otherwise you can face fines and penalties.
School Zone Speed Limit Rules
The rules for speeds in a school zone are suggested for the safety of your kids. Some common rules you have to follow as a driver when you are near a school zone are listed below.
- You should reduce speed from 20 to 25 mph. This is needed to increase safety if a student suddenly comes in front of a vehicle.
- This speed is enforced on you during the arrival and departure of students and school buses.
- You have to keep an eye on the flashing light or beacon that is installed to show you the most important hours. You also see a digital sign board, it provides the exact information about the active hours.
- If there is a знак остановки or you see a guard with stop sign on the road then you should stop here and wait until the students cross the road.
- When you see a school zone or speed range sign you are not allowed to overtake any one. If you do such a thing you can face penalties.
- If you are on your phone then put it down and drive carefully. This action may also lead to fines.
- Always follow the guidelines of the guard who is here for the safety of pedestrains & students.
School Zone Speed Limit UK
Well, the speed value in England since the 2000s has been 20mph. Before that this limit varied from 20 to 30 mph. So, this means right now the speed is 20mph if you are in the UK. But some local authorities and municipalities can lower this limit according to the condition of their area.
Если вы увидите stats of the Department for Transport then about 35% of primary schools in UK now follow the speed range of 20mph. But 42% of schools located on the roads have set a 30 miles per hour limit. But these schools enhance this safety with some advanced tools like flashing warning signs or digital sign boards.
School Zone Speeding Fine
If we talk about the fine of over speeding near school zones then it is more than a normal speeding fine. Because it is considered a more serious violation than others. Each country has its own regulations that tell you about the fine you can get. For example, if you are in England then you get a fine of £100 and 3 to 6 penalty points.
In Florida, a state of America, you can face a fine of $50 to more than $2000. Furthermore, you will get six penalty points on your license. But if speed was higher and you hit someone, it is considered a criminal offence. This is why you face jail with fines as well.
When Are School Zone Speed Rules in Effect?
As we have discussed before, the school zone limit is active when the children are present. Like at morning and evening time. Moreover, you have to follow this limit when the light is flashing or you see a school bus picking up or dropping off students.
For instance, school zone speed range in Indiana (states of US) is in effect when the children are on the road or the маяковые огни are flashing. So, you should follow the speed limit of 20 to 25 mph if you are in Indiana.
Are School Zones in Effect During the Summer?
The answer to this question depends on the specific district you live in, because these regulations can be changed by the local authorities of the district. In some states, it is not considered a crime in summer to speed near school.
But on the other hand, some schools arrange summer camps or programs so you need to be careful always. If we consider Davenport (city of Florida) you have to follow the school zone all year.
Подводя итоги
As legal authority, you should install a visible sign board about the speed value and active hours in front of your school. Don’t forget to mark the school zone with highly visible painted lines.
We also recommend you to hire a guard who can help students to cross the road. Try to make sure everyone follows the law. Because unfortunately there were 12000 violations recorded in Florida even in the presence of security cameras, знаки, сигнальные огни and markings.
Люди также спрашивают
What is the Speed Limit in a School Zone If Not Posted?
The general speed range which you have to follow if there is no sign is between 20mph to 30mph. For example in UK if there is no sign you have to maintain a speed according to the type of road. For further detail you can read the answers of the post published on Quora.
What is School Zone Speed Range When Lights Are Not Flashing?
Well, if the light is not flashing it means the students are not on the road or crossing the street. At this time you can follow the speed limit according to road type. You can also maintain the speed that you have. But be attentive, do not use mobile phones and any other action which might distract you.
Can You Get a Ticket in a School Zone When School is Not In Session?
Yes, you can get an over speeding ticket if there are speed cameras near the school. This actually happens when a state or district makes rules to follow the school zone all the year. Therefore, you should check for the rules of your area first.
How to Get a School Zone Ticket Dismissed?
How to fight a school zone camera speeding ticket? So, if you receive an over speeding ticket you can fight for it if you think it is not your fault. You should gather all the needed evidence: the school has not installed clear signage or error in speed detection devices. You can also check for paint markings which are needed to show the area of the school zone.
