School Zone Laws in Arizona

Arizona school zone laws aim to protect students and pedestrians by enhancing safety near educational institutions. These regulations dictate how drivers should behave in school zones through measures such as reduced speed limits, passing restrictions, and right of way requirements. School zones have special signage to ensure drivers know what is expected of them as they approach the area. Failure to follow these laws endangers lives and can result in significant legal penalties.

How Does Arizona Define a School Zone?

Arizona law defines a “school safety zone” as the area within 300 feet of a school or any school grounds. This definition also includes:

• Any public property within 1,000 feet of a school or its grounds
• Any school bus
• Any bus contracted to transport students on behalf of a school
• Any school bus stop
• Any bus stop where school children are awaiting, boarding, or exiting a bus contracted to transport students to any school

In this context, a school includes any public or private kindergarten, common school, or high school. School zones are usually easily identifiable, with signs marking the entrance and exit.

Are There Special Traffic Rules in Arizona School Zones?

Arizona imposes strict rules on how drivers should behave in school zones throughout the state. This includes traffic rules governing the following in Arizona school zones.

Signs

Marked signs indicate the beginning and end of school zones. They often include flashing lights to alert drivers when they are entering an area with a reduced speed limit during school hours.

Crosswalks

In Arizona school zones, drivers must stop at crosswalks whenever pedestrians are present and yield the right of way to anyone crossing the street within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. This law differs from other crosswalk right of way laws in the state, which allow drivers to go if no pedestrians are on their half of the roadway. Drivers approaching school zone crosswalks in Arizona may only continue once the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Speed Limits

Arizona strictly enforces speed limits in school zones to protect students and other pedestrians. Typically, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour during designated school hours or when the yellow lights on a school zone sign are flashing.

Passing

Passing other vehicles in an Arizona school zone is prohibited. When school zone signs are flashing or children are present, drivers must not pass other vehicles. It is illegal even if the passing driver remains below the speed limit.

Parking

Arizona requires schools to eliminate on-street parking near the entrance and exit of a school zone, including between the signs showing the beginning and end of the school zone and any school zone crosswalks.

School Buses

In Arizona, drivers must stop for school buses that are picking up or dropping off children and have their stop signs out. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus from any direction when it is displaying flashing red lights and a stop sign. Drivers should remain stopped until the bus moves or the bus driver signals that it is safe to proceed.

Are There Penalties for Breaking School Zone Laws?

Arizona imposes strict penalties for breaking school zone laws to protect the safety of children and other pedestrians. Drivers who speed in school zones, ignore stop signs or other traffic controls, or fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can face double fines and points added to their license. Passing a stopped school bus can result in a $250 fine for the first violation. These measures aim to deter unsafe driving behaviors and maintain a secure environment in school zones.

What Safety Tips Should You Follow in School Zones?

Driving safely through school zones is essential to protect children and other pedestrians. Here are some key safety tips every driver should follow to minimize risks and promote safety around Arizona schools:

• Always obey the school zone speed limit.
• Stop completely at all crosswalks when pedestrians are present.
• Follow the directions of crossing guards or any on-duty school safety patrol.
• Do not pass other vehicles in school zones.
• Avoid using your cell phone or any handheld devices while driving.
• Come to a full stop when school buses have their lights flashing and stop signs out.
• Do not block crosswalks while waiting at red lights or in traffic.
• Leave early to allow extra time for slower school zone traffic.
• Follow all parking regulations and avoid parking in restricted areas.
• Watch for children who might suddenly dart into the road.
• Respect and follow all traffic signs and signals in school zones.

What Can You Do If Your Child Is Injured in a School Zone Accident?

If your child gets hurt in a school zone accident in Arizona, your first step should be to get your child the medical attention they need. Next, document all details of the accident by taking photos of the scene and gathering contact information from witnesses. This documentation could be vital for any legal or insurance claims you file later. Also, report the accident to the school and your local police to establish an official record of the incident.

After you address these immediate concerns, consider contacting a trusted personal injury lawyer. They can:

• Investigate the accident to establish another party’s legal fault
• Determine the extent of your child’s injuries and calculate fair compensation
• File insurance and personal injury claims against the at-fault party
• Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company
• Represent your family in court as necessary

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or your child suffered injuries in a school zone accident in Arizona, don’t hesitate to seek help. The team at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. is here to answer your legal questions, handle every aspect of your accident injury claim, and pursue the compensation you need for your recovery. Plus, we won’t charge you a fee unless we secure compensation on your behalf. To learn more, contact us today for an initial consultation.

Visit Our Arizona Personal Injury Law Offices