School is back in session. Here’s what Texans should know about driving in school zones

School is officially back in session, which means motorists must watch out for children on the road.

School zones are areas surrounding schools where there is heavy pedestrian traffic, particularly children. Speed limits are reduced in these zones for the primary focus of allowing children to safely cross the street.

The Texas Department of Transportation reported that there were 748 school zone traffic crashes that resulted in one death and 14 injuries in 2023. These accidents were caused by speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield, the agency said.

“School zone speed limits are used in specific locations during the hours when children are going to and from school. Most States use a school zone speed limit of 15 to 25 mph in urban and suburban areas,” according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Here is everything you need to know about Texas school zones.

Texas school zone speed limit

In Texas, school zone speed limits cannot be set higher than 35 mph , according to Texas Administrative Code.

“In Texas, the speed limit is 20 mph in an active school zone. You will know it’s an active school zone if lights are flashing on mechanized signs or during certain times in the morning and afternoon. All of this information is signposted, so make sure you’re aware when driving near a school,” says Fleming Law, a Texas-based firm.

Signs that specify the speed limit will have yellow accents with the word “school” and lights on the top and bottom.

According to TxDOT, school zones are only enforced during specific times of day:

• from approximately 45 minutes before school opens until classes begin

• from the beginning to the end of the lunch period

• for a 30-minute period beginning at the close of school.

“Flashing beacons shall also be used with the S4-4 WHEN FLASHING sign to identify the periods the school speed limit is in force,” according to TxDOT. While driving, be sure to stay off your phone and be alert at all times.

Penalty for speeding in a school zone

In Tarrant County, any school zone fines a utomatically get an extra $25 added to the cost.

These are the fines and totals you can face:

• One-way street school zone: around $215.

• School zone speeding in a.m. or p.m.: $147.10 base + $8-16 a mile over the limit.

• Speeding in a school zone with the lights flashing: $147.10 base + $8-16 a mile over the limit.

• $75 accident fee if caused.

“TxDOT urges drivers to be on the lookout for young pedestrians and cyclists as the school year begins and to slow down, stay alert, and follow all traffic laws to keep children safe and avoid costly fines and tickets,” the agency says..