NJ School Zone Law

NJ School Zone Law: A Comprehensive Guide for Drivers

New Jersey has strict laws regarding driving in school zones, with enhanced penalties for traffic violations committed near schools. This article provides a comprehensive overview of NJ school zone laws – discussing speed limits, fines, license suspensions, and other key provisions drivers should know.

What is a School Zone in New Jersey?

A school zone refers to the area near a school where reduced speed limits apply and traffic fines are increased. Under New Jersey law, a school zone includes:

• The area within 1,000 feet of any school property line.
• School crosswalks, even if beyond 1,000 feet of the school property line.
• School bus stops where students are boarding or exiting, regardless of distance from the school.

The 1,000 foot boundary is measured from the outer edge of the school property, including school buildings, athletic fields, playgrounds, parking lots, and other facilities owned by the school.

School Zone Speed Limits in NJ

New Jersey sets a speed limit of 25 mph in most school zones when children are present – including 30 minutes before and after school hours. For school zones on state highways, the limit may be set higher at the discretion of the Commissioner of Transportation but cannot exceed 45 mph.

Some municipalities have set lower speed limits of 15 to 20 mph in school zones. Drivers should watch for posted speed limit signs as they approach schools and reduce speed accordingly. Exceeding the posted school zone speed limit will result in traffic fines.

Penalties for Speeding in a NJ School Zone

Speeding fines in school zones are doubled in New Jersey compared to regular speeding tickets. The base fine for exceeding the limit by 1 to 14 mph is $50. But in a school zone, the fine jumps to $100.

Fines continue rising sharply for higher speeds:

• 15 to 29 mph over: $200 (vs. $100 outside school zone)
• 30 mph or more over limit: $500 (vs. $250 outside school zone)

In addition to doubled fines, drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within 24 months face a license suspension of up to one year in New Jersey. Many school zone violations carry 2 to 5 points.

Additional School Zone Traffic Violations

Along with speeding, other common traffic offenses like running a stop sign or red light, improper passing, failure to yield, and careless or reckless driving also carry doubled fines and enhanced point penalties when committed in a school zone.

New Jersey also prohibits U-turns in school zones. Making an illegal U-turn in a school zone carries a doubled fine of $100 plus 2 points.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is banned in school zones, subject to fines up to $800.

Penalties for Drug Offenses in a School Zone

Under New Jersey’s school zone drug law (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7), the penalties for drug possession or distribution are significantly increased within 1,000 feet of any school property. Charges can be upgraded from a disorderly persons offense to an indictable crime.

Judges must also impose a mandatory minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the regular sentence for a drug offense committed in a school zone. There are no exceptions – even if school was not in session and no children were present when the offense occurred.

Defending School Zone Traffic Tickets

There are defenses that an experienced New Jersey traffic lawyer can raise to fight school zone tickets, such as:

• The vehicle’s speed was not properly measured or radar/lidar calibration was invalid.
• Signage was unclear, obscured, or did not provide proper notice of the school zone.
• The ticket contains factual errors about the alleged offense.
• You were not actually inside the school zone boundaries as defined by law.
• Students were not present and the enhanced school zone provisions did not apply.
• For drug charges, the offense did not occur within 1,000 feet of school grounds.

While fines and penalties are increased in school zones, with legal representation, many drivers are able to negotiate plea deals to reduced charges or avoid points on their license. An attorney can also appear in court on your behalf so you do not need to miss work or other obligations.

Conclusion

New Jersey has extensive regulations governing motor vehicle operation and parking near schools. Drivers face doubled fines, increased points, and possible license suspension for violations committed in a school zone. Understanding the school zone boundaries, reduced speed limits, prohibited maneuvers, and enhanced penalties can help motorists avoid costly tickets. Exercising caution near schools protects the safety of our most vulnerable road users – children.