Michigan School Zone Driving Laws – What You Need to Know

School is about to start for thousands of Michigan children. And with the new school year comes lots of children walking, bicycling, riding a bus, or getting a ride to and from school. Children are susceptible to car accident injuries, especially as pedestrians. Because of this reality, there are special laws designed for driving in school zones and near school buses.

What is a School Zone?

Under Michigan law, a school zone is school property and adjacent property, extending up to 1,000 feet from the property line. This includes roads and streets next to the school property. If

Does a Lower Speed Apply in School Zones?

Yes. In general, during specific times, the posted speed limit may be reduced up to 20 mph but not below 25 mph during the school day in a school zone. This time usually applies up to 30 minutes before school begins and lasts until 30 minutes after dismissal. The reduced school zone limit also applies during lunch time when school is in session. MCL 257.627a.

If a school is in an area that requires children to cross a state trunk highway (e.g., Gratiot, Grand River Ave., Woodward, M-20, M-46, M-57), then the school superintendent can ask the state or local authority for special school crossing and a reduced speed limit.

What is the Penalty for Speeding in a School Zone?

The penalty for violating the posted speed limit in a school zone is a civil infraction. This will usually include a fine and potentially points on your record.

School Crossings and Crossing Guards

Road authorities must create school crossings if needed for student safety. While on duty, a school crossing guard must wear an outer vest. They must stop traffic when necessary. This is done by using a hand-held stop sign as approved by the Department of State Highways and Transportation. Failing to stop is a misdemeanor. MCL 257.613a and MCL 257.613b.

Stopping for School Buses

Driving cautiously around school buses is extremely important. It’s also the law, and failing to properly stop for a school bus can lead to heavy fines and points. If a school bus has alternating flashing red lights, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and remain stopped until the lights stop or the bus moves.

State Regulations that Apply to School Zones

In addition to statutes or laws, various state departments have promulgated various rules that pertain to driving in a school zone. These administrative regulations have the force of law.

For example, the Michigan Department of State Police has created a Uniform Traffic Code (UTC). The UTC is an administrative code that many cities adopt and authorize local traffic engineers to issue traffic-control orders and require drivers to obey posted devices. This includes school zone signs. Administrative Rules, R 28.1101 et. seq.

Violating these rules can also result in a civil penalty, such as a fine.

What are Safety Tips for Driving in a School Zone?

It is always mandatory to be vigilant and pay extra attention while driving in a school zone. The following are some practical safety tips for driving a car in a school zone in Michigan.

• Drive Slow. Make sure to obey the law and drive under the speed limit.
• Yield at Crosswalks. Stop before the line and never block the crosswalk. It is important to give children a lot of room to cross the street.
• Scan the Road. Kids are unpredictable – check not only the roads, but the sidewalks, grass areas, parked cars, and other traffic.
• Stop for School Buses. Come to a complete stop when you come across a school bus with flashing red lights or the affixed stop sign extended out. This is the law. Stay put until the bus continues to move ahead.
• No Passing or U-Turns. Don’t pass other cars inside the zone or make a quick U-turn inside the school zone.
• No Distractions. Don’t play with your cell phone, the radio, the windows, or anything else while traveling in a school zone. Keep your eyes only on the road and the surrounding areas.
• Watch for Bikes and Scooters. Kids riding bikes often fail to stop when they should. Be mindful of this and understand you need to give generous space and be patient.
• Obey Crossing Guards. Follow the rules and obey what a crossing guard is telling you. If a guard has a hand-held stop sign, come to a complete stop and wait until you have permission to move.

What are the Consequences for Violating School Zone Traffic Laws?

In Michigan, there are serious consequences for failing to obey the law in school zones. For example, fines double for any moving violation committed in a school zone from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after school ends. In addition, points apply per the regular schedule. MCL 257.601b.

The amount of a civil infraction will vary depending on how far over the speed limit a driver is or on other factors. In general, failing to stop for a school bus under MCL 257.682 will result in a fine that is not less than $100 but not more than $500.

As for points, under Michigan law, the following are the points allotted to a driver based on speed violations:

• 1 point (1-5 mph over)
• 2 points (6-10 mph over)
• 3 points (11-15 mph over)
• 4 points (over 15 mph+)
• 4 points (if speeding results in an at-fault crash)

Hitting 9 points can trigger a Secretary of State interview, while 12 points in 2 years can trigger license restriction or suspension.

Can I Use a Cell Phone in a School Zone?

Yes, but you can only use a cell phone hands-free. Failing to obey this law can result in a fine, which is doubled in a school zone. MCL 257.602b.

Injured by a Driver in a School Zone? Call the lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm

Driving a car in a school zone requires extra care and caution. Negligent drivers who cause injuries in school zones can be held accountable. Call now at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) for a free consultation with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer. There are no costs and we never charge a fee until we win your case.