Slow Down, School Zones Go Live Three Days Before Classes Start
Summer is flying by, but don’t forget to slow down on the road and help keep our kids safe.
Three weekdays before the first day of class, school zones will be live. School zone flashers will activate to help you know when it’s time slow down. If your daily commute includes school zones, don’t forget to account for that additional time. If you feel rushed you’re risking driving over that speed limit — and more importantly risking a life.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Flashers begin before the first day to help drivers get used to new or changed school zone areas. Know your route!
- Always watch out for students
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding fines in school zones are doubled, typically starting near $200+, depending on location.
It is a serious misdemeanor to pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights. Here’s an overview of school bus rules under Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.066:
- Stop for any bus displaying flashing red lights or extended stoparm—regardless of direction or lane configuration.
- First offense: $500–$1,250 fine
- Second offense within five years: $1,000–$2,000 fine and possible six-month license suspension
- Causing injury elevates to a Class A misdemeanor or worse
Stay alert and keep an eye out for kids walking, biking, or boarding buses. Slowing down saves lives — and avoids steep fines. Let’s make this a safe school year for Austin’s students.
School zones will go live three days before classes begin. Here is a list of the first day of classes by district in central Texas:
- Austin: Tuesday, August 19
- Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Eanes, Elgin, Florence, Harper, Hays, Jarrell, Lake Travis, Leander, Lockhart, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Taylor, Thrall: Wednesday, August 13
- Del Valle: Monday, August 11
- Fredericksburg, Giddings, Hutto, Liberty Hill, Manor, Rockdale, Round Rock: Tuesday, August 12
- Georgetown, Lago Vista, Luling, Wimberley: Thursday, August 14
- La Grange: Tuesday, August 6
- Llano: Thursday, August 7