Drivers across the Spring area will need to watch their speed starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, when Spring ISD and Klein ISD students return to class and school zones activate for the 2026-27 school year.
Constable Mark Herman's Office posted a safety reminder on Saturday, urging motorists to slow down, stay alert and obey school bus and school zone laws. The office, which serves north Harris County including the Spring area, is the largest constable's office in the United States.
What the law requires
Under Texas law, drivers must stop for any school bus displaying flashing red lights or an extended stop sign, regardless of which direction they're traveling. The only exception: when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier. Drivers may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the bus driver signals it's safe to pass.
A first offense for passing a stopped school bus carries a fine of up to $1,250, according to TxDOT. Repeat offenders face a license suspension of up to six months.
School zones mean doubled fines
Most Texas school zones post a 20 mph speed limit, though some use 15 mph. The reduced limit applies only when flashing beacon lights are on or during posted hours. Drivers should watch for the posted limit at each school they pass.
Speeding fines double in active school zones. In Harris County, a driver going 1 to 10 mph over the posted limit faces a $160 fine at the standard rate, meaning $320 in a school zone, according to Harris County Justice Court fine schedules. Using a handheld cell phone in an active school zone is a separate violation carrying a fine of up to $200.
Why it matters now
In 2025, seven people were killed and 85 were seriously injured in 2,358 crashes involving school buses statewide, according to TxDOT. Speeding and distracted driving were the top contributing factors.
Precinct 4 has signaled a broader back-to-school safety posture this year. Deputies met with store management at Houston Premium Outlets on the Northwest Freeway ahead of the tax-free weekend, and Constable Herman hosted a free snow cone event with Commissioner Tom Ramsey at the Barbara Bush Library on Aug. 3 where families could meet deputies.
Klein ISD Police and Precinct 4 have previously partnered on school bus stop enforcement, targeting motorists who fail to stop for buses with red flashing lights.
The first day of school for both Spring ISD and Klein ISD is Wednesday, Aug. 12.
