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. It introduces a new provision that mandates a speed limit of fifteen miles per hour in these child care zones during child care recess or while 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 language regarding speed limits by deleting the previous designation for child care zones and replacing it with the new provisions. It also clarifies that the speed restriction does not apply to vehicles on controlled-access highways separated from child care properties by a barrier. The penalties for violating speed limits in these zones are consistent with those for school zones, including fines and potential jail time for significant violations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety of children in licensed child care settings by enforcing reduced speed limits in their vicinity.

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