MARYSVILLE—With the start of the school year just days away, the Marysville Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert in school zones and near school buses. Officers from the traffic and school resource units are preparing for increased patrols as students return to class.
During the previous school year, from Sept. 1, 2024, to June 20, 2025, police issued 553 citations for speeding in school zones. Many drivers were traveling 15 mph or more over the posted 20 mph limit, often disregarding flashing warning signs. When the school zone lights are flashing, or children are present, the speed limit is 20mph. School zone violations are doubled, and the minimum fine is $214.
An additional 14 citations were issued for other school zone violations, including failure to yield to children in crosswalks, disobeying flaggers, reckless driving and DUI offenses during school hours.
Police also recorded 506 violations involving school bus stop paddles. Many drivers failed to stop for buses with extended stop paddles and flashing red lights, despite state laws requiring all lanes of traffic to stop unless separated by a physical barrier. Attached is video footage from two routes last school year, showing drivers failing to stop for school buses. Washington law requires drivers to slow down when a school bus’s yellow lights begin flashing, and to stop in all directions when red lights are flashing and the stop paddle is extended, unless a physical barrier separates the lane from the bus.
Whether you’re walking to school, commuting to work, or just out enjoying the day, Marysville Police are here to help keep our streets safe for everyone.
Source: City of Marysville
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
