Irving School Zone Violations Attorney

Experienced Lawyer for School Zone Violations in Dallas

School zones are designed to protect the safety of children walking to and from school. In Texas, the speed limit in a school zone is typically 20 miles per hour during times when children are present. It is essential to understand the penalties associated with speeding in a school zone, the most common causes of accidents in school zones, and possible defense strategies against school zone speeding violations. You might face significant financial penalties if you are convicted of a traffic violation for speeding in a school zone. Contact an experienced traffic violations attorney to determine your options for fighting the ticket and avoiding the economic burden of paying an excessive fine, as well as any other consequences that could affect your driver's license.

At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, our knowledgeable traffic violations attorney has the experience needed to give you the best chance to fight a school zone traffic violation. We are here to help you every step of the way as you work to resolve your case in your favor.

Speeding Penalties in Texas School Zones

Generally, a speed limit of 20 miles per hour will be in effect in Texas school zones from 45 minutes before the beginning of school until classes start for the day, during school lunch periods, and during the 30 minutes after the school day has ended. These speed limits and the times they are in effect are meant to reduce the risk of accidents and keep children safe as they cross roads and walk on sidewalks near schools.

The specific penalties for speeding in a school zone may vary depending on the city or municipality where a violation allegedly occurred, but they will usually be based on the speed at which a driver was traveling at the time of the violation. For example, the penalties for speeding in school zones in the city of Dallas are as follows:

• 1-10 mph over the speed limit: $221.10
• 11-15 mph over the speed limit: $246.10
• 16-20 mph over the speed limit: $271.10
• 20+ mph over the speed limit: $304.10

These charges include both the fines that apply for a violation and the related fees and court costs. A conviction for a speeding zone violation will also result in points being added to a driver's license, and once a certain point limit has been reached, a person's license may be suspended.

Common Accidents in School Zones

Despite the reduced speed limits in school zones, accidents can still occur. Some of the most common accidents in school zones include the following:

• Rear-end collisions can occur when a driver is following too closely or is not paying attention to the road. These types of accidents can be hazardous in school zones because they can result in injuries to children walking in the area.
• Pedestrian accidents can occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road or are traveling too fast in a school zone. These accidents can be dangerous because children are small and may be more challenging to see, especially if they are walking behind parked cars or other obstacles.
• Intersection accidents can occur when drivers are not paying attention to traffic signals or are driving too fast in a school zone. These kinds of accidents can involve multiple vehicles and pedestrians.
• Parking lot accidents can occur for various reasons, especially when cars are speeding around to find a parking space. They may also occur if a driver backs out without realizing that someone is walking behind their vehicle. These accidents can be very dangerous.

When accidents occur, drivers may face additional charges, including those related to distracted driving or reckless driving. They could also be held liable for injuries to children or others, and they may be required to pay compensation for the damages suffered by those who were involved in a collision.

Defense Strategies Against School Zone Speeding Violations

Several defense strategies can be employed when facing a school zone traffic violation. These include challenging the accuracy of speed measurement devices, arguing that the speed limit was not correctly posted, or questioning whether the reduced speed zone was in effect at the time of the violation. Additionally, a skilled traffic violations attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges, especially if the driver has a clean driving record and is willing to attend traffic school or perform community service.

Contact a Dallas School Zone Violations Attorney

If you have received a traffic ticket for a school zone violation, it is understandable to be annoyed and frustrated. At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, our skilled traffic violations attorney can help you fight your ticket in traffic court, and we will work to ensure that your rights are protected and help you achieve a favorable outcome to your case. Contact us at 469-845-3031 for a private consultation today.