Every community has rules that keep people safe and help everyone get along. You follow rules every single day, even if you do not think about it!
When you cross the street at a crosswalk, you are following a rule. When you keep your dog on a leash at the park, you are following a rule. When you put cans and bottles in the recycling bin, you are following a rule. Rules are everywhere in your neighborhood, your town, and your city.
Traffic rules keep drivers and walkers safe. Speed limit signs tell cars how fast they can go. The very first speed limit in the United States was set in Connecticut in 1901. Cars could only go 12 miles per hour! Today, speed limits are much higher on highways. Crosswalk signals tell you when it is safe to walk across the street.
Library rules help everyone enjoy books and learning. Most libraries ask people to be quiet so others can read and study. You also have to return your books on time so other people can borrow them.
Leash laws say that dogs must be on a leash in public places. This keeps people safe and keeps dogs from running into the street.
Noise rules tell people not to make very loud sounds late at night. These rules are called noise ordinances. They help neighbors sleep.
Recycling rules tell people to sort their trash. Glass, paper, and plastic go in special bins so they can be used again instead of going to a landfill.
Fire codes are rules about keeping buildings safe from fire. Fire codes say that buildings must have smoke detectors and fire exits. These rules save lives.
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