Iowa City schools issue back to school reminder

Iowa City schools start Thursday, August 19, 2010. The Iowa City Police Department would like to remind the drivers of the following laws applying to School Zone Speed Limits and Passing of School Buses:

• School Zone Speed Limits: Iowa Law and City Ordinance establish street locations around our schools where the speed limits are reduced to 20 MPH for obvious safety reasons. These areas are clearly posted around the schools. The Iowa City Police Dept. will be monitoring and enforcing the School Zones throughout the upcoming school year. The School Zone Speed Limits are in effect from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Unlawful Passing of a School Bus: Iowa Code clearly defines when a driver must not pass a school bus. The obvious time is when the bus is stopped, red lights flashing and the stop sign arm is extended. No vehicle shall pass from either direction. Secondly, “The driver of a vehicle overtaking a school bus shall not pass a school bus when red or amber warning signal lights are flashing.” (IA Code 321.372). Lastly, when you are driving and meet a school bus, “The driver of a vehicle when meeting a school bus with flashing amber lights shall reduce the vehicle's speed to not more than 20 MPH and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops and the stop signal arm is extended.” (IA Code 321.272).

The Iowa City Police Department encourages drivers to be alert while driving in school zones and through neighborhoods, especially where bus stops are located. Iowa City Police urge parents to speak to school-aged children about strangers and pedestrian safety. Students who will be driving themselves to school should be reminded to keep it slow and safe.

Further information on bus laws can be found on the Iowa City Police Department's website at

www.icgov.org/police. Information on stranger danger can be obtained by contacting the Iowa City Police Crime Prevention Office at 319-356-5273.