Law sets school-zone times, traffic penalties, and pupil privacy rules

Local governments and the Department of Transportation must set periods for certain driving actions in each school zone and school crossing zone they designate. The periods cover speeding above the school-zone limits, speeding above the school-crossing-zone limits, U-turns, and passing another vehicle. A single period may cover one or more of these actions. The period may not include the 30 minutes after school ends or the 30 minutes before school begins. Permanent signs must show when the speed limit applies or that it applies when children are present. Portable signs may be used only while pupils arrive at or leave regularly scheduled school sessions. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

A court may impose an additional penalty equal to the main penalty for certain traffic violations committed in an active school zone or active school crossing zone, and the Department of Motor Vehicles must double the assigned demerit points. The rule covers listed violations, including speeding, unsafe passing, distracted driving, failure to yield, some pedestrian and bicycle violations, and impaired driving, when they occur in an active school zone or active school crossing zone. For a criminal offense, the added penalty may not exceed $1,000, six months in jail, or 120 hours of community service. For a civil infraction, the added penalty may not exceed $250. A zone is active when its beacon is flashing during the stated school hours or when its sign says the speed limit applies. These penalties apply beginning July 1, 2026.

Public schools must limit pupil directories and generally may not disclose a pupil’s or parent’s phone number or address to third parties. A directory may include only a pupil’s name, grade level, and school photograph; the disclosure rule covers public schools and school districts. Schools may disclose phone numbers or addresses when federal law, a court subpoena, warrant, or order requires it. Disclosure is also allowed when needed for instructional, student, or wrap-around services. A third party requesting directory information must submit a written request stating the date and purpose. Nonjournalistic requesters must promise not to sell, transfer, or distribute the information. These privacy provisions take effect July 1, 2026.