Clear Lake Shores police officers will be actively patrolling school zones and watching for drivers who blow past stopped school buses as the new school year begins, the department announced Thursday, Aug. 6.
The warning comes one day before school zone flashers activate across the Clear Lake area on Friday, Aug. 7, and less than a week before Clear Creek ISD classes start Wednesday, Aug. 12. Clear Lake Shores falls entirely within CCISD's boundaries, meaning district buses will be loading and unloading students on city streets starting next week.
The department's enforcement notice urged drivers to obey posted school zone speed limits and stay alert for children crossing streets, riding bicycles or walking to and from school.
What the law requires at school bus stops
Under the Texas Transportation Code, drivers approaching from either direction must stop for a school bus that has activated its flashing red lights and extended its stop arm. That applies to both lanes of traffic unless the road is divided by a physical median.
Drivers may not proceed until the bus starts moving again, the bus driver signals them forward or the red lights and stop arm are deactivated.
The penalties are steep. A first offense for passing a stopped school bus carries a fine of $500 to $1,250. A second offense within five years jumps to $1,000 to $2,000. If a driver causes serious bodily injury while passing a stopped bus, the charge escalates to a Class A misdemeanor.
Officers on patrol all year
The Clear Lake Shores Police Department said its officers will monitor school zones and enforce traffic laws throughout the entire school year, not just the first few weeks.
As we reported Aug. 5, Friendswood police also announced stepped-up school zone enforcement ahead of Friendswood ISD's Aug. 18 start date. League City police issued a similar reminder Thursday, signaling a broader regional push across the Clear Lake area.
Key dates for drivers
- Friday, Aug. 7: School zone flashers activate
- Wednesday, Aug. 12: CCISD first day of classes
- Tuesday, Aug. 18: Friendswood ISD first day of classes
Residents who want to report a traffic safety concern in Clear Lake Shores can call the department's non-emergency line at 281-595-1656 or dispatch at 281-538-0659.
