Speeding in a School Zone
My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of Washington
So today upon coming home from school, I passed by a local high school at about 3:05 PM. I was going 25+ mph on a 20 school zone, and was given a traffic infraction for speeding in a school zone by an officer. I however have reasons to feel reluctant to this infraction.
First of all was the time of the day. School typically comes out at 1:50 PM and 2:45 PM in the high school. Passing by about 20 minutes later and not seeing an abundance of children present, I felt that the school zone speed did not have to be enforced, since dismissal was long ago. In addition, the school zone signs have no blinking lights, so there is no clear indication to whether the speed must be enforced or not.
However, after stating these to the officer, he simply stated that I must abide with the rule as long as children are present. In the scene I could probably count less than five children, half of them waiting for a bus. I assumed it was due to some after school activity.
Is that valid evidence to provide me an infraction for speeding in a school zone? If for say students were coming out of football practice at 5pm, would i still be required to go 20 in the zone?
Re: Speeding in a School Zone
I asked an officer that question. His response was that, basically, even if there is ONLY ONE child present, the school zone is in effect. He also told me that it can be enforced ANYTIME -- weekends, holidays, even during the summer.
He said the sign tells the story: "When Children are Present". End of issue. But, just for fun, here is the WA Administrative Code which defines it:
Quote:
Quoting WAC 468-95-350
WAC 468-95-350 When children are present.
Amend MUTCD Section 7B.11 by adding the following supplemental paragraph to the second Standard:
The supplemental or lower panel of a School Speed Limit 20 sign which reads When Children are Present shall indicate to the motorist that the 20 mile per hour school speed limit is in force under any of the following conditions:
(1) School children are occupying or walking within the marked crosswalk.
(2) School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway and are about to cross the roadway by way of the marked crosswalk.
(3) School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or, in the absence of sidewalks, on the shoulder within the posted school speed limit zone extending 300 feet, or other distance established by regulation, in either direction from the marked crosswalk.
You'll notice that, as the officer said, there are NO time constraints.
So, to answer your question: Yes, if there are children present, you are required to go 20 until you pass the "End school zone" sign.
Sorry to give you the bad news,
Barry