The Protect Our Schools Act.

SB 645, "The Protect Our Schools Act," requires North Carolina's Department of Transportation to identify "school walk zones" near schools with high pedestrian traffic and set lower speed limits (minimum 20 mph) in those areas during school hours. It increases penalties for speeding in school zones (a $250 fine) or causing injury to a minor (a misdemeanor charge), applying to both public and private schools. The bill creates a $10 million Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Fund to support zone assessments, crosswalk guard training, and public awareness campaigns about school zone safety. These changes directly affect drivers, students, and school communities by strengthening traffic safety measures around schools. The law takes effect on December 1, 2025, with fund allocations beginning July 1, 2025.