School Starts This Week, and These Louisiana Laws Could Cost You

KNGT | Louisiana — I've said it every single morning during the school year for as long as I can remember. "Slow it down, because my babies are on the road this morning." Well, guess what? It's that time again.

It's time Southwest Louisiana. Time to kick the kiddos out of the house. It's time for the first day of School. Time to get those new shoes, the new backpacks, and the new cloths laid out. This can be exciting for some kids and parents, but for others that may not have kids, they might not know that this is the week.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Ways to Prepare Kids for a New School Year

This is going to be a reminder from myself along with the Louisiana State Police on the "Rules". School Zones are back into effect and lets make sure you know the Do's and Don'ts so you don't get pulled over.

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According to the Louisiana State Police, drivers should expect heavier traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup times. School zones are there for a reason, and those lower speed limits aren't suggestions. It's the Law.

Louisiana State Police also reminded drivers that the state's hands-free law is in effect everywhere, including school zones. That means no holding your phone while driving to make calls, send text messages, scroll through social media, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road.

I know some folks don't want to hear that, but that Facebook post can wait. That text message can wait. The kids can't. Remember the Rules Around School Buses. This is the one that always amazes me.

School Bus Laws in Louisiana

If a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must stop. Louisiana law says drivers must stop at least 30 feet away from the bus and stay there until the lights are turned off and the bus starts moving again. The only exception is if there's a physical barrier, a raised median, or a continuous turn lane separating traffic. Otherwise, stop.

So Thursday morning, and every morning after that, I'll say what I always say. Slow it down. My babies are on the road. And yours are, too.