SPARKS -- The Sparks Police Department, along with Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, will have extra units available from September 7th to the16th to enforce traffic laws, specifically speed violations.   The units are paid through a grant as part of Joining Forces. 

With the school year beginning drivers will encounter more pedestrian and vehicular traffic around schools.  Drivers and pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents.  Drivers should follow the posted speed limit and put all communication devices down when driving.  Pedestrians also need to use crosswalks when available and make eye contact with approaching vehicles to assure they are seen.  Walking and talking on you cell phone is not a violation but does add to your distraction and may cause you to not see a vehicle or another hazard.

Speeding violations of 1 to 10 miles over the speed limit will cost you $150 and 1 points on your driving record.  Speeding in a School Zone is a minimum of $200 and Violating the Right of Way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk will also cost you $150 and is 4 points on your driving record.