It is common in the greater Phoenix area to come upon 15 mph zones near primary school crosswalks. Sometimes there will be a crossing guard present to remind you to slow down, or to stop if there are children in or near the crosswalk.
Arizona's 15 mph zones are zero-tolerance zones. That means that you can (and probably will) get a citation if you are caught going even a few miles over 15 mph. Typically, enforcement is the most aggressive during the end of July through August, when school starts in most parts of the Valley of the Sun. Violating a school zone speed limit can be costly. The fine is over $100 and you'll get points on your license. You may be eligible for defensive driving school.
15 mph School Zone Tips
Here are some things you might not have known about the 15 mph school zones:- If any person is school zone crosswalk, they must be completely out of the crosswalk before any vehicle can proceed in either direction.
- Passing is not permitted in a 15 mph zone, no matter how slow another vehicle may be traveling. Passing doesn't mean getting around the vehicle. No passing means that your bumper can't pass any other car's bumper going in your same direction.
- There is zero tolerance in a 15 mph zone. It is never reasonable or prudent to go faster in a school zone. You can be cited for going 16 mph in a 15 mph zone.
- Once you have driven entirely past the crosswalk, you may resume the normal speed for that street.
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