Speeding in a School Zone

A traffic ticket for speeding in a school zone are not difficult to understand legally. In an effort to protect our youth, we have enacted laws to increase penalties to those speeding in a school zone. The typical example violation for speeding in a school zone is when someone is charged with speeding at a speed such as 45 in a 25 mph school zone. This same violation not is  a school zone is a two (2) DMV points and one (1) insurance point violation and is eligible for an insurance point waiver if reduced appropriately. However, a 45 in a 25 in a school zone is NOT eligible for an insurance point waiver if reduced to a moving violation and remains in the school zone.

Hiring a lawyer who is knowledgeable of the local county rules regarding speeding in a school zone violations is critical. The attorneys at Law Office of John C . Fitzpatrick in Durham NC serve Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and other surrounding counties have extensive experience in representing those charged with speeding in a school zone.

Increased Fines for Speeding in a School Zone

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20-141.1 reads as rewritten:”§ 20-141.1.  Speed limits in school zones.The Board of Transportation or local authorities within their respective jurisdictions may, by ordinance, set speed limits lower than those designated in G.S. 20-141 for areas adjacent to or near a public, private or parochial school. Limits set pursuant to this section shall become effective when signs are erected giving notice of the school zone, the authorized speed limit, and the days and hours when the lower limit is effective, or by erecting signs giving notice of the school zone, the authorized speed limit and which indicate the days and hours the lower limit is effective by an electronic flasher operated with a time clock. Limits set pursuant to this section may be enforced only on days when school is in session, and no speed limit below 20 miles per hour may be set under the authority of this section. A person who drives a motor vehicle in a school zone at a speed greater than the speed limit set and posted under this section is responsible for an infraction and is required to pay a penalty of  not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).”SECTION 2.  G.S. 20-141(e1) reads as rewritten:”(e1) Local authorities within their respective jurisdictions may authorize, by ordinance, lower speed limits than those set in subsection (b) of this section on school property. If the lower speed limit is being set on the grounds of a public school, the local school administrative unit must request or consent to the lower speed limit. If the lower speed limit is being set on the grounds of a private school, the governing body of the school must request or consent to the lower speed limit. Speed limits established pursuant to this subsection shall become effective when appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon affected property. A person who drives a motor vehicle on school property at a speed greater than the speed limit set and posted under this subsection is responsible for an infraction and is required to pay a penalty of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).”SECTION 3.   This act becomes effective August 25, 2011, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 2ndday of May, 2011.

Speeding in a School Zone Attorney

While the legislation enacted in 2011 regarding speeding in a school zone raises fines, that is still not the greatest financial issue associated with this type of traffic violation. Since insurance points cannot be waive, you will have your insurance increased. I single point on your insurance can raise your cost 25% for three years. Speeding in a school zone may increase it even further since the insurance company is accessing risk. Speeding in a school zone is a major risk of potential injure to children.

If you were charged with speeding in a school zone, the traffic lawyer you choose will make the difference in your spending thousands of dollars more in car insurance. Call 919-683-9500 to speak with an attorney regarding your speeding in a school zone citation.