Delaware School Zones

Every state has school zone areas in which drivers must follow special laws. Delaware school zones are common in all cities and towns, so if you’re going to drive in this state, you need to understand the special school zone regulations that you must follow. If you don’t, just one school zone ticket could empty your wallet.

State Speed Limits   

Delaware state speed limits range from 25 to 65, depending on the type of road. However, in school a zone, the limit is set even lower than 25 miles per hour. Most Delaware school zones are in residential areas where the speed limit is typically 25 miles per hour. School zone laws usually only go into effect when school is in session. Flashing lights, posted hours, and other warning signs will alert you as to when the speed limit is only 20 miles per hour.

Fines for Speeding in a School Zone

Your fines for speeding in a school zone depend on how fast you were going. Base fees are $1 to $4 per mph over the speed limit you were going. On top of that, you’ll get a higher fine because the speeding took place in a Delaware school zone. Speeding in a school zone doesn’t have cheap consequences.

In addition to fines, breaking school zone laws means heavy driving points on your license. If you get a Delaware school zone ticket for speeding, you’ll automatically be given six points, even if you were only going a few miles per hour over the posted limit.

You will also get six points for failure to stop for a school bus when it is loading or unloading (even if it is not in a school zone) and six points for failure to obey official traffic control devices in a school zone, playground, crosswalk, or park. This one ticket could mean that you’re halfway to losing your license!

Importance of Child Safety

Delaware school zones have such strict laws because these areas are filled with children. In elementary areas, you’ll find children racing out into the street without looking to chase balls and other toys, and even in secondary school areas, you’ll find careless teens walking across the street while texting on their cell phones without looking for oncoming traffic. Children of all ages are unpredictable. Speeding does not allow you enough time to react.

By committing yourself to safe driving in school zones, you’re also doing your part to make school zones safer in general. When Delaware school zones are safe, more parents allow their children to walk to school, which is healthier for the kids and the environment. It also helps to clear traffic congestion from Delaware school zones, making your drive quicker. Leave a few minutes early if you’re going to be traveling through a school zone – you’ll be preventing accidents and promoting healthy habits.

School Zone Identifiers

Delaware school zones aren’t hidden. Many schools hire crossing guards to help at intersections throughout the area, and you’ll also see flashing lights, crosswalk signs, and lots of other identifiers to let you know that school zone laws are in effect. Most school zones also have posted signs that let drivers know what times school zones are in effect, so there is no excuse for speeding in a school zone in Delaware.