Friday, OCTOBER 10, 2025 |
At least one member of the Rawlins governing body has expressed concern about unwarranted school zone citations.
During Tuesday’s Rawlins City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Darril Garner explained that Title 10 of the municipal code, which governs vehicles and traffic, includes provisions related to school zones. The section of the ordinance in question states, “The designation of ‘school zones’ is permanent, without regard for date or time.” However, Garner noted that another section of the code addressing speed limits, specifically 10.24.070, states that a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit will be enforced when passing a school building or its grounds.
Vice Mayor Garner said the two ordinances appear to conflict. One requires a school zone to include school buildings or property, while the other states that school zones are permanent once designated. The Vice Mayor said the resulting confusion has led to motorists being cited for speeding without realizing they were in a school zone.
Vice Mayor Garner asked the governing body to authorize a review of the municipal traffic code. The Vice Mayor added that receiving a speeding citation in a school zone may be viewed more seriously by insurance providers.
Unlike other states, Wyoming does not use a formal point system for moving violations. Instead, infractions are recorded on your driving record, which may affect your insurance rates.
The governing body did not comment on Vice Mayor Garner’s request.
