In today’s society, everyone is busy, going from place to place in a hurry. However, speeding in Illinois is a serious criminal offense. Studies show that traveling at a high rate of speed can cause severe and even fatal car accidents. Speed limits are put in place to protect drivers and pedestrians. In school zones, the speed is reduced even more than on other roadways due the presence of young children. According to the Transportation Research Board, approximately 25,000 children are injured and 100 are killed in school zone accidents each year. It is important for any Illinois driver to know the speed limits when traveling in school zones to avoid a serious traffic violation. 

Illinois Traffic Laws for School Zones

Under Illinois law, school zone speed limits are set at 20 miles per hour on school days when children are present. It is enforced only when children are likely to be on the street or outside the school building within the designated school zone parameters. However, the 20 mph speed limit is not in effect when children are inside the school building during normal class time. 

Any public or private school may have an established school zone around it, including institutions run by religious organizations. These school zones are typically in effect from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. and must display clear signage that indicates it is a school zone, the 20 mph speed limit, and that the limit is restricted to when school is in session and children are present.