Pedestrian safety: school zones: speed limits.

Assembly Member Berman's school zone safety legislation establishes new speed limits around California schools through a two-phase implementation approach. The bill allows local authorities to immediately reduce school zone speed limits to 20 miles per hour, followed by a permanent statewide 20 mph limit taking effect in 2029.

Starting in 2029, the 20 mph limit applies when school zone signs indicate "children are present" and children are visible on roadways, sidewalks or school grounds, when beacon-equipped signs are flashing, or during posted hours determined by local jurisdictions. The bill defines school zones as areas within 500 feet of school grounds in any direction, unless otherwise posted.

Local authorities gain expanded authority to further reduce speeds in residential areas near schools. The legislation permits 15 mph limits on two-lane residential streets with existing 30 mph or lower speed limits within school zones. Additionally, jurisdictions may establish 25 mph zones when approaching school areas at distances between 500 and 1,000 feet.

The measure updates speed enforcement provisions by refining the definition of speed traps and mandating specific training requirements for officers using radar or electronic speed measurement devices. Local agencies implementing required signage changes qualify for state reimbursement of associated costs through existing statutory processes.