What happens if you speed in a school zone?

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — As students head back to school, drivers need to be extra aware to keep kids — and their bank accounts — safe in school zones.

According to Ohio law, speed limits drop to just 20 mph in school zones. As school zone speeding laws are in effect to protect children who might be near a road, reduced speed times will vary from school to school, so it is important to be diligent.

School zones should be marked clearly with signs indicating the start and end of school zones. If you do not see signage but can clearly see a school, stay on the safe side and slow down.

What are school zones?

Ohio law defines school zones as the portion of a street or highway passing a school that sits along that roadway, and school zones typically follow school property lines. Some school zones may emphasize their boundaries with lights or flashes, but Ohio law does not require districts to have any special notice indicating when school zones are in effect.

School zones can also expand past property lines if there is a crosswalk within 1,320 feet of the school that children use frequently. In these cases, school zones can extend up to 300 feet in both directions of the crosswalk to ensure student safety.

Rose Hill Elementary in Reynoldsburg and Annehurst Elementary in Westerville are just two examples of extended school zones, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. According to ODT data, many cities and townships in Franklin and Delaware counties do not have extended school zones; however, drivers should always check for extended school zone boundaries.

What happens if you speed in a school zone?

If Ohioans speed in a school zone, they will most likely receive a minor misdemeanor and a citation. Typically, a first or second violation in Ohio is accompanied by a fine of up to $150. If a driver goes over 35 mph in a school zone and it is their first or second speeding violation in a year, they can be fined up to $250.

Consequences increase further if a driver has had other speeding violations in the past year, per typical Ohio law. However, school zone speeding violations have a doubled maximum fine, meaning things can get pretty expensive.

Generally a third speeding violation within a year in Ohio is considered a fourth degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $250. If a third violation happens in a school zone, fines can reach up to $500.

If an Ohioan has four or more speeding violations within one year, they usually face a third degree misdemeanor and punishments that can include up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 fines. In a school zone, a fourth or further violation can cost drivers up to $1,000.

When are school zone limits in effect?

Generally, Ohio law states school zone speed limits are in effect during recess, and when children are leaving or arriving. These times can vary from school to school, and drivers should be on alert whenever they pass a school during the typical school day.

Some school zones may indicate specifically when reduced speed limits are in effect, like signs that list hours and days when drivers are expected to slow down. Other speed limit signs may use vague verbiage like “when children are present,” indicating reduced speed anytime children may be on the sidewalk or trying to cross the street.

School zone violations can bring also citations even if drivers do not see immediate consequences. According to Ohio law, officers do not have to be present at the time of the speeding violation to issue a citation.

Many school zones have traffic cameras, and Ohio law states tickets can be issued based on traffic footage if the offense is severe enough. Typically, this is any speeding violation of 10 mph or higher above the limit caught by a camera. In a school zone, the limit is just 6 mph over the 20 mph limit, or anyone going 26 mph and above through the regulated zone.

Generally, it is a good idea to slow down when nearing a school, especially during hours that school is reasonably in session. Even if a driver does not see signage, if they can see students they should slow down and stay safe.

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