This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a specific speed limit in licensed child care zones, mirroring existing regulations for school zones. The new provision stipulates a speed limit of fifteen miles per hour in these child care zones during child care recess or when children are arriving or departing. The definition of a child care zone includes all property associated with licensed child care programs and extends 125 feet along adjacent streets or highways. The West Virginia Division of Highways is tasked with erecting signage to indicate the boundaries of these zones.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing penalties for speeding violations in these zones. It introduces a provision that if a violation occurs in the presence of children and the speed limit is exceeded by 15 miles per hour or more, the offender may face fines or jail time. Furthermore, if the required signage indicating the child care zone is not present at the time of the violation, the fine is reduced to a maximum of $25. Overall, the bill aims to enhance safety for children in licensed child care settings by enforcing stricter speed regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-6-1