A “School Zone” sign indicates that you are approaching or currently in an area near a school where children are likely to be crossing or present near the roadway. These signs are usually fluorescent yellow-green pentagons (five-sided) with the image of two schoolchildren walking, or sometimes just text.
What it means for drivers:
Slow down and be extra alert. School zones often have reduced speed limits during certain hours (for example, 20 mph during school arrival and dismissal times). These reduced limits will either be indicated on a plaque beneath the sign (like “Speed Limit 20 When Children Are Present”) or via separate speed limit signs, sometimes with flashing lights during enforcement times.
Watch for children who may be crossing the street or walking along the road, especially around opening and closing times for the school (morning and afternoon). Kids can be unpredictable, and they might cross not exactly at corners or run out from between cars.
Obey crossing guards if present. In many school zones, crossing guards or school safety patrols help children cross. You must follow their instructions, which might mean stopping even if you don’t see a stop sign, because they may walk into the crosswalk with a stop paddle.
No passing. In some jurisdictions, passing other vehicles or changing lanes in an active school zone is prohibited.
School zone signs are often paired with school crossing signs at the actual crosswalks, but the “school zone” sign itself typically signifies you’re entering the general vicinity of a school.
These zones often exist on weekdays during the school year, typically in mornings and afternoons. Some areas have flashing beacons on the signs that activate during those times.
Fines for traffic violations (like speeding) are often increased in school zones to deter unsafe behavior.
In essence, the school zone sign is warning you: “Children are nearby. Drive with extreme caution and at the posted school-zone speed.” Even if you don’t immediately see children, you should still adhere to the precautions during designated times — often kids can be hidden by parked cars or may suddenly appear.
