New school year, new crackdown in Boynton

Official: Drivers could pay hefty fines as safety of students paramount.

By the second day of the school year, Boynton Beach police had already issued 38 citations for speeding in a school zone.

BOYNTON BEACH — With school back in session, nearly 200,000 students have returned to class in Palm Beach County.

That means more cars on the road in the mornings and afternoons, and also the return of another school-year staple in Boynton Beach: 20-mph speed limits in school zones.

“This is not a new program,” police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said. “We do it every school year.”

By Tuesday — the second day of the school year — Boynton Beach police had already issued 38 citations for speeding in a school zone, she said.

“We have officers who are monitoring speed around schools morning and afternoon,” Slater said. “Our officers will be out there as often as manpower permits. The safety of the children who attend school in Boynton Beach is paramount.”

Some drivers ticketed this week were at clocked speeds up to 46 mph in the 20-mph school zones.

“That’s more than twice the speed limit,” she said. “That’s why it’s a $456 fine.”

“This isn’t just a beginning-of-the-year initiative,” Slater added. “We do this throughout the school year.”

Fines for speeding in a Boynton Beach school zone are:

■ 1 - 9 miles over the limit: $156

■ 10 - 14 miles over the limit: $306

■ 15 - 19 miles over the limit: $406

■ 30 miles or more over the limit: $606

In addition, improperly passing a school bus can be another costly mistake for drivers.

Slater said that infraction carries a $271 fine, plus added points to your license.

“Basically, if it’s a two-lane road, cars in both directions must stop,” she said.

This also includes larger roads and highways divided by a turning lane. On those roads, oncoming traffic is required to stop for school buses that have stop signs deployed.

“The only time you don’t stop is if you’re on a divided highway or if there is a raised median,” Slater said. “Even then, you should still proceed with caution, because you, as a driver, have the responsibility to pay attention and watch out for children.”