The state Legislature hiked the fines for speeding in school zones.
DIXFIELD – School zone speeders beware. Fines have increased dramatically this year.
Last year, Dixfield police patrolled Weld Street in an effort to rein in drivers who travel faster than the posted 15 mph limit during school hours.
This year, police have returned to the area armed with stiffer penalties.
“Our goal is not to write tickets, but if we have to write tickets to save our kids, we will write tickets,” said Police Chief Richard A. Pickett Thursday. “When you’re in the school zone now, it will be very common to see a cruiser with its flashers. We have both front and rear radar antennas so we can get you coming or going.”
Between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the speed limit is 15 mph instead of 25 mph within signed school zones adjacent to Dirigo High School and the Dirigo Middle School entranceway.
New fine rates set by the state are:
• $213 for going from one to nine mph over the limit.
• $247 for speeding from 10 to 14 mph over the limit.
• $339 for driving 15 to 19 mph over the limit.
• $397 for 20 to 24 mph over the limit.
• $487 for 25-29 mph over the limit.
Last year’s rates were $191 for driving one to 15 mph over the school zone speed limit, $243 for 16 to 25 mph over, and $325 for speeding 26 to 29 mph over the limit.
tkarkos@sunjournal.com
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