Zonas Escolares
- 1/18Speed followed in an active Tennessee school zone
Tennessee law requires drivers to reduce speed to 15 Miles Per Hour (MPH) when driving through a school zone during active hours or when lights are flashing.
Required action when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights
When a school bus has red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, drivers must stop from either direction on undivided roads and wait until the lights stop.
Default time periods when school zone speed limits are active
School zone limits are enforced when students are arriving, leaving, or outside during recess. Drivers should watch for children at unpredictable moments.
Legal use of mobile phones while driving in an active school zone
Tennessee prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while driving in an active school zone. Only hands free devices are allowed to reduce distractions.
Legal speed assumption in a school zone without flashing lights
If school zone signals are not flashing and no children are present, the reduced limit is not in effect. However, caution is still expected near school property.
Proper response when a crossing guard signals a stop
Drivers must obey school crossing guards at all times. Their authority is equivalent to a traffic control device, and ignoring them is a serious offense.
Warning provided by a flashing yellow light near a school
A flashing yellow light in a school area indicates that the reduced speed limit is currently in effect and that children may be present on or near the roadway.
Legal consequence of speeding through a school zone
Speeding violations in school zones often carry increased fines, license points, and court appearances. This reflects the priority placed on student safety.
Minimum stopping distance from a school bus with red lights flashing
When a school bus stops for students, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and remain stopped until children are clear and the bus resumes motion.
Driver responsibility when exiting a school zone
Drivers can only return to normal speed after passing the “End School Zone” sign or when flashing lights are turned off. Resuming speed too early is a violation.
Requirement for stopping on undivided highways when a school bus stops
On undivided highways, all traffic must stop for school buses with flashing red lights. This rule protects students crossing the road to and from the bus.
Allowance for passing a stopped school bus in a school zone
Passing a school bus while red lights are flashing is illegal and extremely dangerous. Drivers must wait until the lights stop and the bus moves again.
Minimum age of a crossing guard with legal traffic control authority
Most school crossing guards are trained adults designated by schools or municipalities. Drivers must respect their signals just like stop signs or lights.
Situations when handheld cell phone use is permitted in a school zone
Handheld devices are allowed only when the school zone is not active. Otherwise, drivers must use hands free equipment or avoid usage entirely to prevent distraction.
Action required when children are near a crosswalk
Drivers must stop for pedestrians in or entering a crosswalk in school zones. Children may cross unpredictably, so extra caution is necessary.
Penalty type for illegally passing a school bus
Passing a stopped school bus is considered a misdemeanor in Tennessee. It may lead to points, fines, and even license suspension.
Timing of speed limit enforcement in a school zone with no flashing lights
If flashing lights are absent, school zones may still be active during posted hours. Drivers must observe the times on school zone signs and adjust speed accordingly.
Parking restriction in active school zones
Parking may be restricted in school zones to protect children and ensure visibility. Drivers must follow posted parking signs and avoid double parking or blocking sidewalks.