Money can’t buy happiness.

But it sure can finance a pricey reminder to respect the rules of the road.

School starts next week, and once again we must issue our annual plea to drivers to stay cautious and mindful of the students who will soon return to our sidewalks, streets and roads.

Students head back to class on Wednesday, Sept. 6, and local officials note that more than 3,700 Bainbridge youngsters will be going back to school. By cars, buses, bicycles and by foot, they’ll be back in our weekday world as we hurriedly rush to work, home, the ferry, downtown, etc.

So it’s a no-brainer (right?) that we remind each other and ourselves to resurrect the respectful, patient and courteous driver that surely exists in each of us.

Not enough? For those harder to convince for safety’s sake alone, we’ll resort now to using money as a weapon in this warning.

The speed limit in school zones is 20 miles per hour, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For speeders caught going over the limit, a ticket can cost at least $214, or as high as $808, depending on the driver’s speed.

For drivers who ignore the “stop paddle” on buses that are picking up or dropping off students, the fine for failing to stop is $419.

And for those caught speeding or ignoring the stop paddle, also remember that those penalties cannot be reduced, waived or suspended by the court.

Here’s another reminder: Cyclists must also obey the stop paddle on a bus.

Unfortunately, many on two wheels don’t. Last year, bus drivers reported 48 cases where bicyclists ignored a stop paddle and put children — and themselves — at risk.

Drivers, of course, are the biggest offenders when it comes to driving past a deployed stop paddle on a school bus.

Last year, bus drivers reported 209 instances where drivers ignored the stop paddle and passed a bus while it was loading or unloading.

On the bright side, bad drivers may get a refresher lesson on following traffic laws in the coming days.

Bainbridge police will be out in force as school begins next week, and authorities say “beefed-up” patrols are planned.

Take it from Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner: “These traffic laws exist to keep our children safe. I encourage you to do the right thing, slow down and stop for school buses when the lights and paddles are activated. We want everyone to be safe.”