Time to Refresh Your School Zone Laws Before School Starts Back

(Tyler, Texas) - Yes, school is about to be back in session across East Texas. That means the yellow lights will be flashing as we enter a school zone and school bus red lights will be flashing as they pick up kids. That means we must slow down or stop during our commute to work.

Yes, it's inconvenient. Yes, we don't want to stop. Yes, Texas law says we must slow to the posted speed limit and/or stop for a loading and unloading school bus. If you don't, you will have to pay a very steep fine.

Texas Law Requires Us to Yield or Stop for School Buses

We get it, it can be frustrating to get stuck behind a school bus on Loop 323 when you're already running late for work. But remember, those buses are transporting children. Those buses will be stopping to pick up or drop off those children. So you will either have adjust your commute to avoid the buses or find an alternate route.

No matter how much of a hurry you're in, you MUST follow the law when it involves school buses when their lights are flashing. Also remember, most school buses are equipped with cameras. If you think you won't be seen going around a stopped school bus with its lights on, you will, and could face some serious penalties if you do.

Fines for Violating School Bus / Zone Laws

There are some penalties to be aware of if you do not follow the rules regarding a school bus (codes.findlaw.com):

A first conviction can result in a fine of $500 up to $1,250
A second conviction can result in a fine of $1,000 or more than $2,000
A Class A misdemeanor if an accident occurs and results in serious bodily injury
State jail felony if you cause a second accident that results in serious bodily injury

When a school zone is active, meaning the yellow lights are flashing, you are required by law to slow down to the posted speed limit until you reach the end of that school zone and are prohibited from using your cell phone. Penalties do vary by city if caught but below is a good starting point (monsourlawfirm.com):

Speeding in a school zone can be $220 or more
Caught using your cell phone in a school zone can be up to $200 or more

You could also face having your driver's license revoked for up to six months if caught violating school bus laws on multiple occasions. More important than the fines involved, however, is that you are putting the lives of children getting on or off the school bus in danger.

But "I'm Late for Work" or "I Can't Stand Driving So Slow"

Tough luck dude and dudette. When the school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing or the school zones lights are flashing yellow, you must stop and you must slow down to the posted speed limit.

Put away your phone, pay attention to your surroundings, follow the speed limit and be a courteous driver. It's not very hard to do. Especially now that kids will be heading back to school over the coming weeks across East Texas.