Strengthen school zone speeding enforcement and increase fines for repeat offenders.

 

The purpose of this bill is to increase penalties for school zone speeding violations and create stronger deterrents for

repeat offenders to better protect students and families in school areas.

 

Despite existing Minnesota Statute 169.14 establishing school zone speed limits, speeding in school areas continues to

endanger students and families. Current penalties are effective but not adequate enough to deter repeat offenses at

times, as evidenced by past violations where drivers speed through school zones, parking lots, and surrounding areas.

The current enforcement system has gaps that unintentionally allow dangerous driving behavior to continue without

adequate consequences. Students walking to and from school, families in school parking lots, and community members in

school areas face likely risk because repeat offenders face minimal deterrents. This bill addresses these enforcement

issues by increasing penalties and creating stronger consequences for drivers who repeatedly endanger school zone

safety.

 

"Repeat offender" shall be defined as a driver who has been convicted of school zone speeding violations on three or

more separate occasions within 2 years. "School zone" shall be defined as designated areas where children are present,

including posted speed limit zones on public roads near schools, school parking lots, school drop-off and pick-up areas,

and school property during school hours and school-related activities. "Enhanced penalty" shall be defined as increased

fines and consequences imposed on repeat offenders that are greater than standard school zone speeding violations.

 

The funding for this bill will come from existing traffic safety funds allocated by the Minnesota Department of Public

Safety. These funds will be used to cover the additional administrative costs of tracking repeat offenders, processing

enhanced penalties, and supporting increased enforcement efforts in school zones.

 

 

Any driver classified as a repeat offender under this bill shall face enhanced penalties including:

Increased fines of $200-$300 for each subsequent school zone speeding violation after becoming a repeat offender

Mandatory completion of a driver education course focused on school zone safety and pedestrian awareness within 60 days

of conviction

Failure to complete the mandatory driver education course within the specified timeframe will result in license

suspension until the course is completed. Local law enforcement agencies shall maintain records of school zone

violations to identify repeat offenders and ensure proper application of enhanced penalties.

 

January 1st, 2026.