Some schools will be back in session earlier than usual, which means school zones will start affecting morning and afternoon commutes.
On Tuesday, 20 Dallas ISD schools will begin their academic year. Reduced speeds, crossing guards and school buses make their way back onto the road, impacting local travelers and visitors.
School zones help keep students safe during arrival and dismissal, but many drivers may be unaware of when they are active.
Here’s what you need to know.
School zones typically extend from about 45 minutes before school opens and to 30 minutes after the last class ends, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. They also run from the beginning to the end of the lunch period. Dallas ISD elementary schools begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 3:20 p.m. The district’s middle schools are in session from 8:35 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
Speeds are usually reduced to 20 mph, but some campuses may vary, so drivers should check signs as they enter the school zone. Drivers should always follow the posted signs, even if no children are visible. Violators will face an additional $25 fee to any offense committed in a school zone, such as speeding or using their cell phone.
Located on streets surrounding the school, the zone’s boundaries typically range from 600 feet to 1,200 feet depending on the site conditions and proximity of other schools, according to the city of Dallas.
The following Dallas ISD elementary schools start their 2026-27 year Tuesday:
The following Dallas ISD middle schools begin their 2026-27 academic year Tuesday: