Full Notification

The Montgomery Police Department wants to remind the public that some schools in our jurisdiction open tomorrow (August 16th). District 308 (Lakewood Creek), District 129 (Nicholson Elementary) and Yorkville Schools all begin. There will be an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic and we appreciate increased awareness and adherence to all traffic laws.

What does this mean? Here are some basic reminders:

*Talking on your cell phones and/or texting is illegal at any time. Let's repeat that. TALKING AND TEXTING is illegal at any time while driving.

*There are school zone speed limits for a reason. Please be cautious and adhere to the school zones.

*Seat belts are not optional. Drivers and passengers are REQUIRED to wear seat belts in the vehicle. Yes, this includes the drop off and pickup line that lingers onto the roadway.

* Drivers traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and stop sign extended. They may not proceed until the red lights stop flashing and stop sign is retracted or the driver signals them to proceed. Exception: On a road with four or more lanes of traffic and at least two lanes in each direction, drivers traveling in the opposite direction of the stopped school bus do not have to stop.

*The penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus is a three month drivers license suspension and a $150 fine.

*Not all street crossings have crossing guards. Remind your children to look both ways, look both ways again, and make sure it is safe to cross. It is imperative that we teach our youth how to properly cross an intersection. WE, as drivers, must ASSUME the child will run into the street.

Stay safe, Montgomery! It's going to be a great school year. All we ask is for some adherence to laws, some patience, and cooperation.