Keep San Juan Capistrano Kids Safe as They Return to School

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —Law enforcement is reminding San Juan Capistrano motorists that when local students return to school soon, traffic laws should be obeyed.

When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, according to California vehicle code. Also, if the school grounds have no fence and children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph.

Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

Some school buses flash yellow lights when preparing to stop to let children off. The yellow flashing lights warn you to slow down and prepare to stop.

When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing, according to the state's vehicle code. The law requires motorists to remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing.

Drivers who disregard flashing lights may be fined up to $1,000 and their driving privileges could be suspended for one year.

Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or two-lane road with a center turn lane. If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multi-lane highway (two or more lanes in each direction), you do not need to stop, according to the code.

A local traffic bureau offered these back to school safety tips for drivers, parents, and students:

• Walk on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals.
• Watch for cars entering/backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing or entering the street. Do not count on cars see to you. Continue scanning for cars when entering the crosswalk.
• Do not listen to loud music or use a phone when crossing the street.
• Drivers should slow down in school zones. Anticipate more foot and car traffic around schools for drop-off and pick-ups.
• Drivers and parents should be patient. The car stopped in front of you may be letting children you do not see cross the roadway.
• Drivers should do their best to avoid blocking the crosswalk especially when making a right-hand turn
• Parents should follow any school guidance related to dropping off or picking up students.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles also advises motorists to watch for kids on bicycles.

Motorists should also obey school safety patrols or crossing guards. For the crossing guard's safety, allow them to get completely to the side of the road before driving ahead.

Expect law enforcement to be focused on traffic in school zones during student arrival and dismissal times throughout the school year.

Read:

Back To School In San Juan Capistrano: 2021-22 School Calendar