Laws Pertaining to School Zones

Use of Wireless Telephone in a School Zone

(625 ILCS 5/12-601.1)

A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone. An exemption allows the use of a wireless telephone in voice-activated mode, although the use of a wireless telephone in any mode in a school zone is discouraged by this department.

Text Messaging Law

(625 ILCS 5/12-601.2)

A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. "Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.

School Speed Zone, Defined

(625 ILCS 5/11-605)

On a school day when school children are present and so close thereto that a potential hazard exists because of the close proximity of the motorized traffic, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour while passing a school zone or while traveling on a roadway on public school property or upon any public thoroughfare where children pass going to and from school. Signs shall give proper due warning that a school zone is being approached and shall indicate the school zone and the maximum speed limit in effect during school days when school children are present.

This law applies whether or not you are transporting children in your vehicle while in the school zone. It also applies if you are running late, or have already dropped your child off at school.

Obey Your School Crossing Guards

(625 ILCS 5/11-203)

A school crossing guard has the same authority as a police officer when directing traffic at their duty assignment. It is against the law to willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order issued by a school crossing guard.

Obey School Buses

(625 ILCS 5/11-1414)

The driver of a vehicle shall stop such vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus stopped at any location for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. Such stop is required before reaching the school bus when the red flashing lights and the stop arm are actuated. The driver of the vehicle shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver of the vehicle is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated.

The driver of a vehicle upon a highway having 4 or more lanes which permits at least 2 lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions need not stop such vehicle upon meeting a school bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway.

Other School Rules

Your individual school may have special rules that govern the movement of vehicles while on school property. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with these rules. It is also important to inform anyone else of these rules that drops off or picks up your children. These rules are in place for the safety of your children.

Some schools have special 'diamond' lanes available for dropping off and picking up children. Please follow the traffic direction of staff members assigned to diamond lane traffic control duties. Remember, they might see something you cannot, such as a small child who has walked in front of your vehicle.

Please obey parking restriction signs posted on and around school property. Do not discharge or pick up students if prohibited by signs.

The Batavia Police Department cares about the safety and security of your children. These laws are in place to assist us with that mission. Our goal is to have you comply with these laws voluntarily, without having to resort to enforcement action. If you have any questions, please call 630-454-2500, or dial 911 in an emergency.

Handheld Device Ban

As of January 1, 2014, a new law in Illinois bans the use of all hand-held devices while driving in Illinois. Only hands-free technology such as speakerphones, Bluetooth, and headsets are permitted. In addition: (1) all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a school zone; (2) all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a highway construction zone, and (3) all cell phone use is prohibited if you are a novice driver. All Illinois drivers are prohibited from texting.