Do crossing guards have legal authority to stop traffic?

Yes. Crossing guards authorized by the city direct pedestrian crossings and may stop traffic at marked crossings as part of traffic-control duties; report any misuse of authority to police.

How do I request a new crossing guard near my child’s school?

Contact the Clarksville Police Department Traffic Division or City Traffic/Engineering to request evaluation; there is no single published application form on the cited pages.

What if a driver ignores a crossing guard?

Call the Police non-emergency line to report the incident and, if safe, collect vehicle details for enforcement.

Clarksville School Zone Rules and Crossing Guards

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026

In Clarksville, Tennessee, school zone rules and crossing guard responsibilities protect students traveling to and from school. This guide explains what parents need to know about posted school-zone speeds, crossing guard roles, how enforcement works, and the steps to report hazards or request additional crossing support. It draws on Clarksville official sources and the municipal code so families can act confidently when a crossing feels unsafe.

How school zones and crossing guards work

School zones are marked by signs and reduced speed limits during posted times; crossing guards help students cross at designated locations and are coordinated with the City of Clarksville and the Police Department. Parents should follow posted signs, obey crossing guards, and teach children to use marked crossings.

Obey crossing guards and posted speeds to reduce collision risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of school zone speed limits, traffic stops at crossings, and compliance with crossing guard directions is carried out by the Clarksville Police Department and other authorized traffic officers. The municipal code and police resources explain enforcement authority and complaint pathways. The specific fine amounts for school-zone speeding or failure to obey a crossing guard are not specified on the cited municipal code page and are not posted on the police information page below.^[1]^[2]

Fines: not specified on the cited page; see official citations below.^[1]
Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences carry increased fines or daily penalties is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue citations, orders to comply, or refer matters to municipal court; specific non-monetary penalties are not detailed on the cited page.
Enforcer: Clarksville Police Department Traffic Division handles school-zone enforcement and crossing-guard coordination.^[2]
Inspection and complaint pathways: report unsafe crossings or absent guards to the Police Department non-emergency contact or the City Code Enforcement unit.

If a crossing guard is absent or a sign is missing, report it immediately to police or city code enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Requests for new crossing guards, school-zone signage changes, or temporary traffic controls typically start with a complaint or request to the Police Traffic Division or the City Traffic Engineer. There is no single published application form for crossing guard assignments on the cited municipal pages; parents should contact the Police Department or City traffic staff for procedures and any required forms.^[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

Speeding in a posted school zone — citation and fine (amount not specified on cited page).
Failing to stop for a crossing guard — citation or court referral (not specified).
Illegal passing at a crosswalk — citationable offense under traffic rules.

Always follow crossing guard directions; they are there to protect children.

Action steps for parents

Report dangerous crossings or missing guards to the Clarksville Police non-emergency line or online contact form.^[2]
Request a review of signage or a guard assignment through the Police Traffic Division or City Traffic/Engineering office.
If cited in a school zone, follow citation instructions to pay or appeal via municipal court procedures listed on the citation.

FAQ

Do crossing guards have legal authority to stop traffic?: Yes. Crossing guards authorized by the city direct pedestrian crossings and may stop traffic at marked crossings as part of traffic-control duties; report any misuse of authority to police.
How do I request a new crossing guard near my child’s school?: Contact the Clarksville Police Department Traffic Division or City Traffic/Engineering to request evaluation; there is no single published application form on the cited pages.
What if a driver ignores a crossing guard?: Call the Police non-emergency line to report the incident and, if safe, collect vehicle details for enforcement.

How-To

Identify the location, time, and description of the hazard or incident.
Call the Clarksville Police non-emergency number or use the department contact form to report the concern.^[2]
Request an evaluation for a crossing guard or signage change from the Police Traffic Division or City Traffic/Engineering office.
Follow up in writing by email and keep records of reports, dates, and any citation numbers you receive.

Key Takeaways

Parents should teach children to use marked crossings and obey crossing guards.
Report missing guards or unsafe crossings to the Police Traffic Division promptly.