Using a cell phone in a school zone is illegal in Illinois, and with District 99 classes starting in one week, the Westmont Police Department wants every driver to know it.
The department published a back-to-school traffic advisory on Friday, Aug. 7, laying out the rules that take effect the moment students return. Community High School District 99 opens Friday, Aug. 14. Woodridge District 68 and Westmont CUSD 201 follow on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Cell phones carry fines up to $150
The top-line rule: using a wireless phone in a designated school zone violates state law. Fines rise in $25 increments, from $75 for a first offense to $150 for a fourth or subsequent ticket, according to Illinois Legal Aid.
The rule is simple: put the phone down.
Crosswalks, crossing guards and drop-off lines
The advisory targets several behaviors common during morning drop-off:
- Do not block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or waiting to turn. Pedestrians forced around a car step into moving traffic.
- Always stop for a crossing guard holding a stop sign and follow their directions.
- Do not block driveways while waiting in pick-up or drop-off lines.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians or unloading passengers.
The department urged drivers to slow down and pay attention whenever kids are present, and to observe posted school zone speed limits before and after school.
School bus stop-arm law
Passing a stopped school bus with red flashers on or its stop arm extended is illegal. On a two-lane or undivided road, vehicles in both directions must stop. Drivers should not proceed until students have cleared the roadway and the bus retracts its stop arm or turns off its red lights.
Amber lights on a bus signal it is about to load or unload students. The advisory recommends leaving extra following distance.
First days across the area
District 99 students at Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South report Friday, Aug. 14, following teacher institute days Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Thursday, Aug. 13. Woodridge District 68's roughly 2,900 students across seven schools begin Wednesday, Aug. 19, with open house and orientation the evening before on Tuesday, Aug. 18. CUSD 201 has also indicated a Wednesday, Aug. 19, start.
The Village of Woodridge was accepting applications as of July for a crossing guard at Woodridge Drive and Zurich Court near Sipley Elementary, paying $23 per shift for morning and afternoon duty.
School-zone enforcement begins the first day students are present at each campus.
