With students heading back to class, Texas authorities are sounding the alarm: obey school zone speeds and school bus laws or pay steep consequences.
School Speed Zones: Slow Down or Pay Up
When schools are in session, posted speed limits can drop as low as 15 mph in designated zones, and often hover around 20–35 mph.
Speeding in these zones doesn’t just hurt your wallet—it doubles your ticket. Drivers can face fines of $200 or more, plus an extra $25 court cost each time school crossing guards are on duty.
School Bus Laws: Big Trouble for Passing
Passing a stopped school bus displaying red lights and stop signs is illegal in all directions unless you’re on a divided highway.
Violators face fines ranging from $500 to $1,250 for a first offense - with higher fines, up to $2,000, license suspension, and even jail time if serious injury or repeat offenses occur.
Statewide Enforcement & Safety Push
The Texas Department of Transportation’s new “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign - ongoing through back to school - is stepping up enforcement in school zones. Last year alone, there were 781 school zone crashes and 2,480 involving school buses, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions - like cell phones - in active school zones. Under state law, even using a phone while driving on school property during active hours can be a violation.
Bottom Line for Drivers & Parents
Take school zones seriously - slow down, obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and be patient.
School buses are not your lane: stop for flashing red lights, no matter the direction you’re coming from.
The penalties are no joke: from hundreds in fines to potential license loss or jail time - save the seconds, avoid the risk.
Parents, make sure your kids know how to safely cross roads and behave waiting on buses. Drivers, drive smart.
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