Zero in the Zone: Huntsville Police ramp up school zone enforcement

Published on July 29, 2025

When it comes to students’ safety, there’s no room for shortcuts. That’s why the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is launching Zero in the Zone, a monthlong back-to-school safety initiative aimed at eliminating school zone crashes, distractions and risky driving behaviors.

Throughout the school year, HPD patrol officers and safety patrol aides will be out in full force, actively monitoring school zones to ensure drivers obey speed limits and follow all traffic laws.

“The safety of our students is non-negotiable,” Police Chief Kirk Giles said. “School zones exist for a reason, and our department has a zero-tolerance policy for speeding or distracted driving in and around these areas.”

Here’s how you can help keep students safe:

• Slow down and stay alert: Use extra caution near intersections and crosswalks. Obey all directions by officers and safety patrol aides.
• Stop completely for school buses: Come to a complete stop when a school bus’s arms are extended – from both directions of travel. This applies on public roads, private streets, school campuses and parking lots.
• Give yourself extra time: Plan your commute to avoid school zone congestion whenever possible.
• Avoid cutting through parking lots: It is illegal, dangerous and puts students at risk when you cut through school or private business parking lots to bypass traffic or red lights.
• Put the phone down: Drivers holding an electronic device violate Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance. This is now a primary offense, meaning officers can pull you over for a violation and issue a citation.

Drivers who commute to Redstone Arsenal via Interstate 565 eastbound to Bob Wallace Avenue should take an alternative route to avoid Morris Elementary traffic. Exit 17A to Jordan Lane is an alternate route with no school zones.

If you have a concern about a driver’s behavior, contact Huntsville Police at 256-722-7100. A police dispatcher will ask for the driver’s information, including location, vehicle description and direction of travel.

HPD would like to wish all students, educators and families a safe and successful school year.