Do Illinois school zone speed limits apply when no students are present? What the law says

School is back in session , and Belleville drivers may want to be aware of school zones with lower speed limits.

The Illinois State Police reports the majority of children who are injured or killed in student transportation are hurt outside of the school bus , and driving at an appropriate speed, as well as stopping for a school bus that is loading or unloading, are important factors in reducing incidents.

St. Clair County reported 47 fatal road crashes in 2022 , and speed was the most commonly cited factor. Failure to yield, improper lane usage and disregarding traffic signals and signs also contributed to the rate.

Road diets, infrastructure designed to support cycling and pedestrian activity and traffic calming measures can all help reduce crash rates. But regardless of a roadway infrastructure, drivers can help mitigate accidents by following speed limit laws.

Here’s what Illinois state law says about driving through school zones and when those reduced speed limits apply.

When do school zone speed limits apply in Illinois?

Illinois drivers are required to follow a 20 mile per hour speed limit in school zones between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days when children are present, according to state law.

The school zone speed limit applies in areas where school zone signs are posted, and may include public school property or other public roads where students pass through to get to and from school.

“Driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cellular device is strictly prohibited and fines are increased within a school zone,” according to a 2023 press release from the Illinois State Police.

Violating a school zone speed limit in Illinois is generally considered a petty offense and carries a fine of $150 for first violation and $300 for any subsequent violations, as well as possible community service.

Driving between 26 mph and 35 mph in excess of the school zone speed limit is considered a Class B misdemeanor, while driving 35 mph or more above the limit is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois.

Local ordinances may also apply in school zones.

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