Heads up Rowlett. Motorcycle officers are running speed enforcement on Dalrock Rd near Coyle Middle School and the Rowlett Elementary zone. They were there this morning from 7:15 to 8:30 AM and I saw at least five cars pulled over.
The specifics:
- Location: Dalrock Rd between Liberty Grove Rd and the Schrade Blvd intersection
- Active school zone: 20 MPH limit when lights are flashing (approximately 7:00-8:15 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM)
- Officers positioned just past the school zone sign heading southbound, using radar
- The normal speed limit on Dalrock is 40 MPH so the drop to 20 catches people who are not paying attention
Why they are cracking down:
- There was a near-miss incident with a student in the crosswalk last month. A parent reported that a car blew through the school zone at what appeared to be 35+ MPH while kids were crossing.
- The Coyle Middle School PTA formally requested increased enforcement from Rowlett PD.
- School zone speeding tickets in Texas start at $200 and can go up to $500+ with court costs. Double fine zone.
My take: This is one speed trap I actually support. The Dalrock school zone is legitimately dangerous. The road is wide, the speed limit drops 20 MPH in a short stretch, and kids are crossing. Slow down through there.
Other known enforcement spots in Rowlett:
- Lakeview Pkwy near the curve between Chiesa and Miller — officers frequently run radar from the gas station parking lot
- Main St near City Hall — occasional enforcement, especially on weekends
- Chiesa Rd near Community Park — the 30 MPH zone is enforced more strictly than you would expect
Drive safe out there. The $300 ticket is not worth the 45 seconds you save.
I use Waze and the school zone speed trap has been reported there every day this week. People are catching on but the enforcement should be permanent, not just a two-week campaign.