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What is the speed limit in a school zone in New Jersey?

Children with backpacks cross at a crosswalk beside a crossing guard holding a stop sign while a red car waits and a school crossing sign stands nearby.

Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in a New Jersey school zone when children are present?

Answer choices

The answer

25 mph, unless otherwise posted, when passing through a school zone during recess, when children are clearly visible, or while children are going to or leaving school.

The state transportation department's school zone guide cites N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 for a 25 mph limit through a school zone during recess, when children are clearly visible from the road, and during school opening and closing hours. Another state page lists 25 mph as the limit in school zones unless posted otherwise.

The guide says the lower limit does not apply outside those times, citing a 1999 court decision, so check posted signs and conditions.

Exceptions

  • A different posted limit controls.
  • The guide says the reduced limit does not apply at all times in a school zone, only in the situations listed above.

Why this rule matters for safety

Children can step into the road without warning, so a lower limit gives drivers more time to react.

Official sources

  • NJ School Zone Design Guide, Chapter 2: What Are School Zones · NJ Department of TransportationPages 9 and 10: 25 mph limit under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 and when it applies; undated document. The statute text itself was not opened.
  • Driving FAQ · State of New Jersey (nj.gov)Speed limit unless posted: 25 mph in school zones, business or residential districts; undated page.

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New Jersey agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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