08/06/2026
🚍📚 Back to School Safety Reminder from the Hamlin Police Department 📚🚍
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and we are excited to welcome our students back to the classroom. With school back in session, there will be more children walking to school, crossing streets, and boarding school buses. We ask everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our children safe.
🛑 When You Must Stop for a School Bus
Under Texas law, you must stop when a school bus is stopped and displaying alternating flashing red lights with its stop arm extended.
You must stop if you are:
Traveling behind the school bus.
Traveling toward the school bus on a two-lane roadway.
You do NOT have to stop if:
You are traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway separated by a physical barrier or median that divides the roadway.
⚠️ A center turn lane or painted stripes are not considered a physical barrier.
Passing a stopped school bus illegally puts children at serious risk and can result in significant fines and other penalties.
🚸 A Few Back-to-School Reminders
Slow down in school zones and obey the posted speed limits.
Eliminate distractions—put the phone down.
Watch carefully for children crossing the street, especially during the morning and afternoon hours.
Give yourself extra time for your commute, as traffic will be heavier.
Our officers will be conducting increased patrols around schools and monitoring school bus safety throughout the school year.
Let's all do our part to make this a safe and successful school year for every student, teacher, and bus driver.
From all of us at the Hamlin Police Department, we wish everyone a safe, successful, and enjoyable 2026–2027 school year! 🚓💙
