Schools and Residential Zones

If children are present in a marked school zone slow down to

West Virginia law requires drivers to reduce speed to 15 mph in school zones whenever children are visibly present along the roadway.

When school zone warning lights are flashing follow the

Flashing lights indicate an active school zone. Drivers must immediately slow to the posted limit typically 15 mph.

When school zones are located on roads adjacent to school property then,

The school zone includes the area within 125 feet of the road adjacent to the school property.

If no speed limit sign is posted in a school zone, you must assume it to be

Even without signage, drivers must reduce speed if school children are seen nearby.

If you fail to obey school zone speed limits then,

Violating school zone speed limits is a serious offense that carries 6 points on your license and can lead to license suspension.

When children are using a school crosswalk you must

Blocking or ignoring the crosswalk puts children in danger and violates pedestrian safety laws.

If you approach a crossing guard in a school zone then,

Crossing guards have legal authority to direct traffic around schools. Disobeying them is a traffic offense.

When exiting a school zone and children are no longer present then,

Return to the posted speed limit only once you’ve passed the school zone or children are clearly out of view.

When flashing school zone lights are off and no children are present

The reduced speed only applies when flashers are on or when children are present on/near the road.

If you drive through a school crosswalk without stopping then,

Failing to stop for a pedestrian in a school zone is dangerous and illegal under West Virginia law.

At a school zone where children are playing near the street you should

Even if not during school hours, the presence of children in or near the roadway activates the school zone rule.

When approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights you should,

West Virginia law requires all traffic to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, even on undivided multi-lane roads.

If you are turning into or out of a school driveway then,

Always check for crossing children and obey any stop signs or crossing guards before turning.

If you speed 20 mph over the school zone limit

Excessive speeding in school zones results in higher fines, points, and potential court-ordered suspension.

When driving slowly through a school zone Keep to

West Virginia requires slow drivers to stay right so faster or emergency vehicles can pass safely even in school areas.

If a school bus stops on the opposite side of a divided highway then,

Divided highways with a median do not require opposing traffic to stop for school buses. Still, proceed with caution.

When using a phone while driving in a school zone then,

Distracted driving is especially dangerous in school areas. Keep full focus on the road and crosswalks.