Law changes regarding school zones Oct. 1

Good day to all the fine residents of Boulder City! I'm enjoying a fun time away from the dispatch center so I am presenting some timely information on some new laws.

We, as a police department, want to inform and educate drivers, especially those with kids, about a change in state law regarding making U-turns or passing in a school zone. The change to NRS 484B.63 will take effect Oct. 1. Below you will find an excerpt of the changed law:

3. The driver of a vehicle shall not make a U-turn in an area designated as a school zone or a school crossing zone except: (a) When there are no children present; (b) On a day on which school is not in session; (c) During the period from a half-hour after school is no longer in operation to a half-hour before school is next in operation; (d) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or (e) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone or school crossing zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.

4. The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction in an area designated as a school zone or school crossing zone except; (a) On a day on which the school is not in session; (b) During the period from a half-hour after school is no longer in operation to a half-hour before school is next in operation; (c) If the zone is designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the hours when the pupils of the school are in class and the yellow lights of the speed limit beacon are not flashing in the manner which indicates that the speed limit is in effect; or (d) If the zone is not designated by an operational speed limit beacon, during the times when the sign designating the school zone or school crossing zone indicates that the speed limit is not in effect.

To sum it up, this means that you cannot make a U-turn or pass another vehicle in an active school zone after Oct. 1.

Remember to drive safely and plan your route to school appropriately.

Have a great week!

Tina Ransom is a dispatcher with Boulder City Police Department. She is coordinator of the Boulder City Citizen's Academy.