Question: “Here is a traffic question that has puzzled me for a long time. Some schools have signs that say, “School, Speed Limit 20, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.”
There is no further clarification such as, “When children are present,” “Monday through Friday,” “When lights are flashing” or anything else.
My question is, do I have to obey the speed limit even when obviously there is no school in session, such as during weekends?
Helmut Kellermann, Puyallup
Answer: Strictly speaking, yes. Because no further exceptions are specifically mentioned, drivers technically should take the signs to mean exactly what they say. State law and the Washington Drivers Guide make it clear speed limits in school zones are 20 mph “unless otherwise posted.”
However, law enforcement officers say this is one of those situations in which common sense deserves a say.
“Officers are able to exercise discretion,” said Washington State Patrol spokesman Guy Gill. “If I were patrolling that area, I wouldn’t ticket an individual on a Sunday or another day when school obviously was not in session or other school activities were not taking place.”
If in doubt, though, remember this: In Washington, speeding fines are doubled in school zones, and the fines cannot be waived, suspended or reduced.
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
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