TAMPA, Fla. — As students head back to school, local law enforcement across Tampa Bay is cracking down on traffic violations in school zones.
While some are giving drivers a little more time to get acquainted with the new law, others are issuing tickets.
Starting Sep. 12 in Hillsborough County, deputies will begin issuing tickets to drivers who violate school traffic laws.
In a news release from the agency, HCSO said it issued 2,391 warnings spanning just four days in August related to drivers passing a school bus with its stop arm extended, which is a traffic violation.
"Our children's safety is non-negotiable," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Following school zone speed limits and listening to crossing guards is essential to keeping our students safe."
In Pinellas County, officers have already started writing tickets for drivers speeding through school zones or failing to stop for school buses.
Citrus County didn't offer drivers any grace period either. During the first week of school, officers issued 20 citations and warnings for speeding, with some drivers going as much as 32 mph over the posted 20 mph limit.
Pasco County law enforcement said they are also taking a no-tolerance approach, issuing tickets right away for speeding in school zones or passing stopped school buses.
Meanwhile, Polk County said they are giving drivers a bit more time to adjust. They have a 60-day educational grace period and won't start issuing tickets until Sept. 24.
Manatee County said enforcement will begin on Sep. 12, and they have already issued more than 6,000 warnings. Drivers will be fined $100 if they are caught speeding in those school zones.