As the new school year starts its second day, our inbox is full of implorings from concerned WS folks who want to remind everyone to SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES. Don’t wait for this to become reality; do the right thing. Also, make sure you know the law — Eric Baer from the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA (their school fronts a busy straightaway on Genesee Hill) pulled up the fine print, including some things that might surprise you:
First, if you are cited for speeding or other violations in a school zone or around a school bus, the fines are doubled:
[Seattle Municipal code SMC 11.31.115 and RCW 46.61.370 (1) and RCW 46.61.440 (3)]
These fines may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. [RCW 46.61.370 (1) and RCW 46.61.440 (3)]
Secondly, I don’t think that many people know how broad the definition of “when children are present is†– from (this city webpage):
“Definition of “When Children are Present”
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 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 which extends 300 feet in either direction from the marked crosswalk.â€Â
Finally, from Washington State , the penalties for violations:
Disobeying school patrol (RCW 46.61.385) $216.00
Passing stopped school bus (with red lights flashing) (RCW 46.61.370): $394.00
Speeding if speed limit is 40 m.p.h. or less:
1‑5 m.p.h. over limit: $113.00
6‑10 m.p.h. over limit: $124.00
11‑15 m.p.h. over limit: $154.00
16‑20 m.p.h. over limit: $195.00
21‑25 m.p.h. over limit: $247.00
26‑30 m.p.h. over limit: $298.00
31‑35 m.p.h. over limit: $349.00
Over 35 m.p.h. over limit: $411.00
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