School zones exist to protect students. But if you’re distracted, you might not notice the change in the speed limit near a school. These areas should be clearly marked with “school zone” signs that indicate changes in driving rules; often, there are even flashing beacons to indicate school zone enforcement. If the signs are not clear, it may be grounds to challenge a speeding ticket.
We’ve created a guide on how to get a school zone ticket dismissed in court, as well as what to expect if you can’t do so.
What are school zones?
A school zone is an area surrounding a school where speed limits for motorists are restricted. They exist to protect school-age children from potential accidents.
It should be noted that school zone rules are only enforceable when the school is in operation, which should be indicated on nearby regulatory signs.
Why would I get a school zone ticket?
If you’re unaware that you’re driving in a school zone, you may wind up getting a ticket since the speed limit for the zone will be lower than that of surrounding areas.
Speed cameras are often used in a school zone, so you might be sent a ticket by mail. If you’re pulled over by law enforcement, you’ll receive the ticket in person.
How to fight a school zone camera speeding ticket
Your first and simplest option, of course, is to pay the ticket — but this may lead to points being added to your driver’s license and the charge appearing on your driving record. As a result, you’ll likely also face an increase in your car insurance rates, as insurers consider zone violations on driving records when pricing policies.
If you decide to fight a school zone speeding ticket in court, make sure you have strong evidence for your case. Here are a few steps you can take.
Step 1: Examine your ticket
Make sure you know exactly when you need to show up in court, as well as the alleged speed and precise location of your car at the time you were ticketed.
Step 2: Determine if school was in session when you received your ticket
Depending on your local district, you can determine if school was in session when you received the ticket by calling or emailing to ask for a school zone schedule. If you received the ticket outside of designated school hours, you may have grounds to successfully fight the charge in court.
Step 3: Locate all school zone markers
If school zone markers are not clear, this can strengthen your case. Return to the school zone to take pictures of all markers, especially those that might have been difficult to see at the time your ticket was issued. Also, you should determine the exact location where you were cited for speeding to confirm it was truly within the school zone and properly marked.
Step 4: Figure out the speed limit surrounding the school zone
Check the speed limit in the area surrounding the school zone compared to your vehicle’s alleged speed at the time you received a ticket. If you were driving within the regular speed limit, you’ll have a better chance of winning your case.
Step 5: Hire an attorney to represent you on your court date
Although you may fight the ticket yourself, your best chance of winning in court is to hire an attorney. An experienced professional who knows the ins and outs of the law can identify the optimal way to fight the charge and the appropriate evidence to present.
An attorney can also negotiate on your behalf to lower the fine or reduce the charge to a lesser infraction if your case can’t be won.
How much is a speeding ticket in a school zone?
The fine for speeding in a school zone depends on the specific rules of your jurisdiction and how badly you violated the speed limit.
Here are some averages from a California attorney’s office:
- $280 for driving 1 to 15 miles over the speed limit.
- $409 for driving 16 to 25 miles over the speed limit.
- $532+ for driving 25 miles or more over the speed limit.
What are my options if I choose not to fight the ticket?
Some states will allow you to attend traffic school to reduce the points on your driving record. You’ll still have to pay the cost of the original ticket, but you’ll be protected from long-term insurance hikes.
FAQ
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How many points is a school zone speeding ticket?
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What is a typical school zone speed limit?
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How long do school zones last after school?
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Do school zone rules apply when school is out?
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
