Over the next couple of weeks, school season will return to Marion and Alachua County. That means your morning commute may be a bit more challenging. Generally, the speed limit in a school zone is 20 mph – but not always. It’s important to be aware of where the school zone is and what the speed limit is in that area.
Florida Statute 316.1895 controls school zones. The statute outlines who sets up and maintains the school zones, what the speed limit is in each one, and the type of signage required. 316.1896(5) says that a speed limit may only be in force 30 minutes before, during and after “periods of time when pupils are arriving at a regularly scheduled breakfast program or regularly scheduled school session and leaving a regularly scheduled school session.”
Florida Statute 318.18 explains speeding penalties. In that statute it says going up to 5mph over in a speed zone will result in a $50 fine rather than a warning. Over 5 mph you pay double the fine listed in this statute.
It’s important to hire an attorney knowledgeable about the law – from speeding tickets to more serious charges. Call Dunham and Ingram for help with your legal questions.