Relating to drivers who fail to stop at stop signs in school zones, and providing penalties

Current law prohibits the driver of a vehicle from disobeying the instructions of any official traffic-control device placed in accordance with the provisions of Code chapter 321, unless the driver is otherwise directed by a peace officer, with limited exceptions granted to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle. Official traffic-control devices include all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with Code chapter 321 placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic. Additionally, the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign is required to stop at the first opportunity at either the clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or before entering the intersection, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. A person who violates either of these provisions is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $135 scheduled fine. This bill doubles the penalty for a driver who disobeys a stop sign while driving in a school zone. A violation of the bill is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $270 scheduled fine. A similar provision exists under current law doubling the scheduled fine for any moving violation that occurs in a road work zone. Under current law, cities and counties are authorized to establish school zones and provide for the stopping of all motor vehicles approaching the school zones and may use movable stop signs. All traffic-control devices provided for school zones must conform to specifications included in the manual of traffic-control devices adopted by the department of transportation, except the provision prohibiting the use of portable or part-time stop signs.