Crime & Safety

Deputies Will Be Out in 'Full Force' Monday

As students head back to school, the sheriff's office urges drivers to drive safely and follow school zone and bus regulations.

Your morning and afternoon commute may be affected as Pasco County students head back to school next week, and the sheriff’s office is urging drivers to take precautions.

On Monday, deputies will be out “in force” to ensure motorists are following safe procedures in school zones and around buses, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies and school resource officers will be on the lookout for speeding in school zones, motorists illegally passing buses, and other infractions that may jeopardize student safety, a press release stated.

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Penalties for infractions can be costly, and may add points to your license, the sheriff’s office warns:

  • Passing a stopped school bus is a moving violation with a $164 fine if a vehicle passes on the left side. Passing on the side that the students exit the bus from requires a mandatory court appearance.
  • Speeding fines in school zones are increased.  Ten miles per hour over the posted limit is a $304 fine; up to 29 miles per hour over the limit, the fine can rise to $454; 30-49 miles per hour over the limit is a mandatory court appearance; 50 miles per hour or more is up to a $1,000 fine.

"We must be extremely mindful of the safety of our children as they begin the school year,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said in a press release. “That is why Pasco deputies will be ticketing violators who disregard these important school zone and bus regulations.”

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