With the new academic year — class began in Lake Washington and Issaquah school districts Sept. 1 — drivers will encounter slower-moving traffic in school zones. By law, they are not to exceed 20 mph in these areas, or else they face a fine.

The Sammamish Police Department issued 388 tickets between September 2013 and June 2014 in school zones.

The previous school year, 2013-2014, the department issued 281 tickets in school zones.

Fines for speeding in a Washington school zone are double that of a normal speeding ticket, according to state law. This penalty cannot be waived, reduced or suspended.

The amount ticketed for speeding in a school zone is based on how many miles per hour over the speed limit someone is traveling.

The Issaquah and Sammamish police will be on patrol, once again monitoring these areas for speeders.

Two speed cameras along Second Avenue Southeast in Issaquah will be reactivated in conjunction with the first day of school, according to the city of Issaquah. The cameras operate only during school days to increase safety and reduce speed violations near Issaquah schools. They will be active from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cameras monitor both lanes of traffic near Clark Elementary, Issaquah High, Issaquah Middle and Tiger Mountain Community High schools.

When a vehicle exceeds the 20-mph speed limit, it is photographed and videotaped. A set $124 fine will be mailed to the owner of the vehicle after Issaquah police review the footage and confirm the violation.

Fifty percent of all fines collected go to the state treasurer. Only the Washington traffic safety commission can use those funds for school zones, student transportation and school bus loading and unloading improvements.

Along with obeying traffic laws in school zones, drivers are also asked to watch for students walking or riding bikes to and from school.

When a school bus displays yellow, flashing lights, vehicles must slow and prepare to stop.

When the school bus flashes its red lights and the stop sign is displayed, vehicles must stop — both behind the bus and in the opposite lane approaching the stopped bus.

Those witness to drivers breaking traffic laws or acting suspiciously around schools or children are urged to call 911.

For more information on the Issaquah Second Avenue speed cameras, visit www.issaquahwa.gov/index.aspx?nid=352.