Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestTraffic Laws and RegulationsMedium
A driver is traveling at 30 MPH on a street that has a posted school zone speed limit. The school zone sign indicates the limit is 20 MPH when children are present. The driver observes children actively crossing the street. What is the driver's legal speed limit in this scenario?
- AThe driver should stop completely until all children have cleared the area.
- B30 MPH, as long as no children are in the direct path of the vehicle.
- C20 MPH, as specified by the school zone sign.
- D15 MPH, which is a common advisory speed for active school zones.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 20 MPH, as specified by the school zone sign.
When children are present in a school zone, drivers must obey the lower posted school zone speed limit. In this case, the sign indicates 20 MPH when children are present, overriding the regular 30 MPH limit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While stopping may be necessary for safety, the question asks for the legal speed limit, not the action for crossing children.
- B. This is incorrect; the presence of children activates the lower school zone speed limit, regardless of their immediate proximity to the vehicle.
- D. While some school zones may have an advisory of 15 MPH, the legally binding limit is what is posted, which is 20 MPH here.
School Zone Speed Limits (Texas)
In Texas, drivers must obey the posted school zone speed limit when children are present, typically 20 MPH, regardless of the regular street speed limit.
- Activates when children are present or during posted times.
- Often 20 MPH, but always obey posted signs.
- Overrides the regular street speed limit.
- Strict enforcement due to child safety.
Memory trick: School Zone, Slow Down, See Kids, Safety First.