Murrieta School Traffic Causing Record Problems, Cops Intervene

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta Valley Unified School District is back in session for the 2025/26 school year, and the streets of Murrieta are jam-packed with parents and students heading to area elementary, middle, and high schools for drop off and pickup.

As frazzled drivers get back into the swing of school pick-ups and drop-offs, rest assured that the Murrieta Police Department officers will be out working to keep the school zones safe.

"We may be pretty far from LA, but that doesn’t mean our town is immune from gridlock, especially around our schools…especially in these first few weeks," the Murrieta Police Department reported over social media. "However, with a little teamwork with the community, everyone can enjoy safer commutes to and from school."

The Traffic Bureau will be out in force, doing a "high visibility patrol," they say, especially around peak traffic times of weekday mornings and afternoons. The school district has sent detailed instructions for parents.

"And while our Traffic Bureau is doing high visibility patrol around all of our schools at pick-up and drop-off, there will be extra attention paid to some of our more problematic areas," they said.

One of the main issues surrounds close-proximity schools, like the neighborhoods around Thompson Middle School and Murrieta Valley High School.

"Many drivers are ignoring posted signs, creating safety concerns for all pedestrians and motorists," police say. Those signs include no stopping, standing, or parking on the side of the road.

"It is important, especially while we are all getting back into our school routines, to follow all posted restrictions," they said. "If you have a child at either of these two schools, please take note and help us keep our school areas safe."