NC S645

Department of Transportation must annually consult with public and nonpublic schools to designate "school walk zones" within existing school zones where pedestrian traffic makes standard speed limits unsafe

Mandatory lower speed limits required in all designated school walk zones, with a minimum floor of 20 mph; limits enforced only on school days

Speeding in a school zone or school walk zone carries a $250 fine; driving without due care resulting in injury to a minor is elevated to a Class 3 misdemeanor

Creates the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Fund with $10 million in nonrecurring Highway Fund appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026

Fund allocations: $5 million for assessments and infrastructure improvements, $2 million for crosswalk guard training, and $3 million for public awareness campaigns about school walk zones