12:32 PM PDT on Monday, June 5, 2006

Associated Press

Get ready for more changes in Oregon's school zone speed law.

KGW

A Washington County Sheriff's deputy turns on his lights after seeing a driver breaking the speed limit on a local road.

The newest version of the law will still require drivers to slow down to 20 miles-per-hour in school zones where flashing lights show that children are arriving at or leaving school.

But in school zones that don't have flashing lights, the 20 mile-per-hour speed limit will apply only from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when school is in session.

The changes go into effect July 1st.

Transportation safety managers say confused drivers should just remember to follow the signs, and when in doubt, slow down.

A previous version of law required motorists to slow down to 20 miles-per-hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week in school zones, regardless of whether children were present.

Motorists stopped for traveling one-to-10 miles over the posted limit can expect to pay $97; 11-to-20 miles-per-hour over will pay $145; 21-to-30 mph will pay $242; and 31 miles-per-hour and over will pay a $427 fine.