School Zones
School Zones use special signs and pavement markings to protect children near schools. This domain tests whether you recognize the school sign, understand when the lower school speed limit applies, and scan for children beyond the marked crosswalk.
Core rules and concepts
- The school advance sign is a pentagon, often fluorescent yellow-green, showing two children walking.
- Oregon school-zone signs commonly post a 20 mph limit and are enforceable when the specified condition applies, such as flashing lights or children present, depending on the sign.
- A SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 WHEN FLASHING sign applies when the lights are flashing, not only during school hours.
- School crossing signs and marked crosswalks warn of children crossing; stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- School zone ends signs mark where the lower limit stops applying.
- Children may appear from between parked cars, so scan sidewalks, driveways, and shoulders.
Worked example
At 7:45 AM you enter a school zone with a 20 mph sign and flashing yellow lights. The normal limit is 35 mph. The flashing lights are the condition stated on the sign, so 20 mph applies now. At 4 PM the lights are off and no children are present; the school-zone limit no longer applies, but the basic speed rule still requires a safe speed for conditions.
Traps
Do not assume the school limit applies only during posted school hours; read the sign condition. Do not treat a school sign as merely decorative. Do not pass a vehicle stopped for a school crossing. Do not resume the higher speed until you pass the school zone ends sign or the lights stop, as applicable.