Published on August 11, 2023

The Lincoln Police Department (LPD) announced that its annual Back to School Traffic Safety Enforcement Project will run from Monday, August 14, 2023, through Friday, September 8, 2023. Funded by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Highway Safety Office, the program assigns additional officers near schools throughout Lincoln to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.

Officers will watch for traffic violations such as speeding in school zones, driving past school bus stop arms, and noncompliance with seat belt laws. Drivers are reminded to obey flashing yellow lights in school zones from 7 to 8 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. – typically the busiest times for children traveling to and from schools. Fines for school zone violations can be as high as $600.

LPD also issued the following reminders for this school year:

  • Watch for school zones and be especially attentive to flashing yellow lights during the times of the day when pedestrians are most active. 
  • Expect increased traffic in school zones.
  • Slow down in and around school zones.
  • Watch for pedestrian crossings and expect increased pedestrian activity.
  • Watch for and always stop for school buses.