Sheriff Judd reminds citizens that school begins in Polk County on Monday, August 23rd, which means traffic will dramatically increase during the morning and afternoon hours as parents are dropping their children off and picking them up from school, and as school buses navigate our roadways.

"Please be vigilant when driving, especially in school zones and during the hours when children will be crossing the crosswalks," reminded Sheriff Grady Judd. "And remember, fines are significantly increased in school zones.* All law enforcement members take the safety of our children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you."

This school year, Citizen’s Assisted Patrol (CAP) volunteers will be assisting deputies by maintaining a presence in school zones within the county, to remind motorists to slow down during before- and after-school hours, when children are present.

*According to Florida State Statute, drivers who exceed the posted speed limits in school zones, or who pass stopped school buses, will be fined accordingly:

1-5 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $154.00 fine (in a regular zone: warning)

6-9 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $154.00 fine (in a regular zone: $129.00)

10-14 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $304.00 fine (in a regular zone: $204.00)

15-19 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $404.00 fine (in a regular zone: $254.00)

20-29 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $454.00 fine (in a regular zone: $279.00)

30-49 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $604.00 fine (in a regular zone: $354.00)

Failing to stop for a stopped school bus with its lights flashing: $269.00; Passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing: $369.00 and mandatory court hearing