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Violations drivers need to be aware of as kids go back to school

Posted at 2:09 PM, Sep 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-06 16:24:35-04

NORFOLK, Va. - The first day of school is here! It is also the first day in several months where drivers are seeing the 'school speed limit' signs flashing.

These school speed limits are 15 or 25 MPH, always lower than the normal posted speed. This is for the safety of students and staff as they make their way to school in the morning, or from school in the afternoon.

If you are caught speeding through a school zone the cost is higher than a normal speeding violation. You'll catch a fine and more serious charges if you pass a crossing guard while they are holding their stop sign as they help the students cross the street. Norfolk police said the charge drivers receive is 'disregard of a stop sign' and comes with a heavy fine.

When you see a school bus and it has its red stop sign out you need to stop. If you are traveling on the opposite side of the road, or following behind the bus you need to heed the stop sign. Getting into another lane and passing will cost you a fine and a reckless driving charge. The only time you can continue driving when a bus has its stop sign out is when you are traveling on the opposite side of the street and there is a median between you and the bus.

Norfolk police are looking for more trained crossing guards. For more information on how you can get involved you can go to the city's website: Norfolk.Gov

For questions about Virginia State Code visit the following sites:

Code of Virginia: § 46.2-873. Maximum speed limits at school crossings; penalty.

Code of Virginia § 46.2-834. Signals by law-enforcement officers, crossing guards, and flaggers.