School Hours Sign
School zone speed limits apply during these hours
What to do
Reduce speed to school zone limit during posted times.
Tips
Watch for children arriving and leaving school during these times.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Reduce speed to school zone limit during posted times.
Common mistake
Not reducing speed during school hours
About school signs
School signs use a fluorescent yellow-green pentagon or rectangle. They mark school zones and crossings where reduced speed limits apply when children are present or lights are flashing. The test asks both what the sign means and the speed rules it triggers.
Practice questions about this sign
What does '15 mph school zone' mean during non-school hours?
- A. You must always drive 15 mph near schools
- B. The school zone speed applies only on school days not weekends
- C. You may drive the posted limit only when a crossing guard is absent
- D. Only during posted school hours when the zone is active
Show answer
D. Only during posted school hours when the zone is active — School zone speed limits are conditional - they apply only when the zone is active (flashing lights are on or during posted hours on school days). Outside active hours, the regular adjacent street speed limit applies.
Source: California Driver's Handbook — School Zone Conditional Speed Limit · verified 2026-07-28
In a school zone during school hours, when children are present, you must:
- A. Slow to the school zone limit and stop for children in the crosswalk
- B. Yield only if a crossing guard is present
- C. Maintain normal speed but be alert for children near the road
- D. Yield only when a flashing yellow beacon is lit
Show answer
A. Slow to the school zone limit and stop for children in the crosswalk — In active school zones, always reduce to the posted school zone speed limit. Stop for children in crosswalks or preparing to cross. The enhanced rules apply during posted school hours when children are present.
Universal rule · checked against NHTSA Pedestrian Safety — Pedestrian Safety · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the School Hours Sign mean?
School zone speed limits apply during these hours
What should you do at a School Hours Sign?
Reduce speed to school zone limit during posted times.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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