CHAPTER 397

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
46.1-180.2, authorizing the governing bodies of certain counties to
adopt such ordinances regulating traffic upon the highways of such
counties as it deems necessary for the protection of school children,
and to prescribe certain limitations. rH 96)

Approved March 30, 1960

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
46.1-180.2 as follows:

§ 46.1-180.2. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.1-180 or any
other provision of law, the governing body of any county having a density
of population exceeding four thousand per square mile may enact such
ordinances for the regulation of traffic upon the highways, other than those
that are part of the State Highway System, of such county as it may
deem necessary for the protection of children who are pedestrians travel-
ling to or from any regular session of any elementary or secondary school.
No such governing body may increase or decrease the speed limit within
the boundaries of such county under the provisions of this section, except
in accordance with an engineering and traffic investigation by such county
and unless such speed area or zone is clearly indicated by markers
or signs. No such ordinance shall be deemed violated if at the time of the
alleged violation the sign or marker placed in conformity with this section
is missing or is substantially defaced so that an ordinarily observant per-
son under the same circumstances would not be aware of the existence of
the ordinance. No such governing body may provide penalties for viola-
ting a provision of an ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this
section which are greater than the penalties imposed for a similar offense
under the provisions of this title.