LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Fines for driving violations in school zones will double on July 1 as the “School Zone Bill” takes effect, all in an effort to save students’ lives.
Last fall during the Special Session in the Nevada Legislature, local leaders urged lawmakers to pass the bill in light of the surge of students struck by cars going to or from school and several fatalities.
The bill doubles penalties for traffic violations, speeding and unsafe maneuvers in school zones, mirroring current penalties for construction zones; a first offense can range from $250 to $1,000, and a second offense increases from $1,000 to $1,500. Criminal driving offenses can result in jail time.
The bill also gives local jurisdictions more control over school zones, allowing local changes to flashers from hours of operation to design. State law only allows flashers to operate 30 minutes before and after school, according to bill presenters.
“I’m hoping that, with the double fines and the ability to operate the lights longer, starting earlier or keeping them on longer in places where kids might be or there’s more traffic, we’ll send that message that it is a serious thing… 400-some kids being struck by vehicles on their way to and from school is unacceptable,” said Lt. Mike Campbell of CCSD Police.
CCSD Police increased traffic stops and conducted 16,000 in the 2025-2026 school year, Campbell tells FOX5; officers typically conduct 10,000 to 12,000 stops annually, he said.
While police do target drivers who flagrantly disobey traffic laws, Campbell said a big part of the enforcement efforts center around educating parents who do not know standard school zone traffic laws.
“A lot of people still don’t know that U-turns are illegal, even though that’s been around for almost 10 years. We’re going to think outside the box. We’re going to work hand in hand with the other departments as much as possible to spread out our manpower and saturate areas and get as many people around these schools as we can, anytime we can,” he said.
Campbell’s advice for parents? Know the proper drop-off locations for your child, all to prevent them from crossing the street or jaywalking during the height of drop-off and pick-up times.
“Look at the school map. Drop them off to the school side of the curb, and they won’t have to then get into a crosswalk or deal with other kids that might be jaywalking or getting slowed down,” he said.
Cities and the county are working to propose new times for flashers to operate; Campbell said many children arrive very early for the free breakfast program, and hopes that the flasher operating times reflect those early morning activities.
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