BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Louisiana drivers are reminded to slow down at school zones as the first day of class nears for students.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), school zone times vary but are usually in effect from 6-8 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. during the school week.

“Just as students are preparing for another school year, drivers need to mentally prepare for active school zones and slow down to the posted speed,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said.

Freeman noted that it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone in a school zone, with first offense fines possibly costing up to $500. Another law states that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm and lights activated. Drivers can be fined up to $500 and face up to six months

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