08/12/2026
The Leland Police Department would like to remind everyone of some state laws, local ordinances, and additional tips to help ensure everyone’s safety as the school year begins.
School Zone Speed Limit (625 ILCS 5/11-605):
The speed limit is reduced to 20 mph in designated “School Zones”, which are on village streets that pass the school. The school zone speed limit is in effect from 7am-4pm on school days when children are present. Penalties and fines are severe for drivers caught violating the school zone speed limit. Motorists ticketed for speeding in a school zone must appear in court, and are NOT eligible for court supervision.
Use of Electronic Communication Devices (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2):
Illinois law states “A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device”, which includes cell phones, smart phones, tablets, etc. This includes looking at the screen of the phone, manipulating the phone, and speaking on the phone. The law makes an exception for “hands-free” operation of the phone, such as speaking via “blue-tooth” connection. Penalties may be more severe for drivers caught violating the Electronic Communication Device law while traveling in one of the previously mentioned “school zones”. Remember, just “Drop it and Drive”.
Obedience to Crossing Guards (625 ILCS 5/11-203):
A school crossing guard has the same authority as a police officer when directing traffic at their duty assignment. It is against the law to willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order issued by a school crossing guard. Drivers must obey the direction of school crossing guards (or police officers) stopping or directing traffic in order to safely assist pedestrians crossing the street. If a crossing guard is holding up a hand-held “stop” sign and/or directing you to “stop”, it means “stop”.
Pedestrians in Crosswalks (625 ILCS 5/11-1002):
Drivers must STOP and yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians within a crosswalk where there is no traffic control device (stop light, stop sign, etc). This law applies to all crosswalks within the village, not just those with crossing guards.
Other Safety Tips:
The #1 cause of most motor vehicle accidents around school property last year was due to inattentive drivers backing into oncoming traffic. Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles when turning into, or backing out of parking stalls at the school.
Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school, or in the middle the roadway. Doing so not only causes traffic congestion and confusion for pedestrians, motorists and crossing guards, this also forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets—often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk.
Finally, please keep in mind that everyone is trying to get somewhere, and the Leland Police Department’s priority is to ensure everyone gets there safely. Please drive carefully around the school, and be respectful, courteous and patient to pedestrians, motorists and crossing guards.
Leland Police will be out enforcing the above laws and assisting with traffic flow. If you observe an unsafe situation or driver, you can always report that to us by dialing 911 for emergencies, or (815) 495-2351 for non-emergencies.
Thank you, and have a safe and enjoyable school year!
Sincerely,
Jason Bragg
Chief of Police
Leland Police Department
