The following is an ‘Ask The Chief’ question submitted to TLS, and the Chief’s response. Email your questions for the Chief to [email protected].

Question:

Thank you for all you do.

I live near 2 public schools that have a specific speed limit posted.

The sign also says when children are present.

What does that mean? (When school is in session? What days/hours of the week is that?)

Can you clarify as I am sure many people have that question as well.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

The Chief’s response:

Good morning Rachel,

Great question and thank you.

This is straight from the NJ Title 39 Code Book:

The speed limit in New Jersey, unless otherwise posted, is 25 miles per hour (mph) when passing through a school zone during recess, when the presence of children is clearly visible from the roadway, or while children are going to or leaving school, during opening or closing hours (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98).

When does “when children are present” apply? “When children are present” does not apply at all times in a school zone. The Superior Court of New Jersey has determined the lower speed limit in a school zone is only applicable (1) during school hours, but only during recess, when children are clearly visible from the roadway, or (2) when children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours of school (State of New Jersey v. Floyd A. Beierle (1999)). The reduced school zone speed limit does not apply outside of these times. Regardless of the time of day or year, drivers should always be alert and on the lookout for children when driving near schools, parks or other attractions

Thank you hope it helps clear things up a bit,

Chief Meyer

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