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 measure allows local authorities to set 20 mile-per-hour speed limits in school zones through 2028, after which a statewide 20 mph limit takes effect under specific conditions.

The bill defines school zones as areas within 500 feet of school grounds and establishes when the reduced speed limits apply - when flashing beacons are active, when signs indicate "children are present" and children are visible, or during specific hours determined by local jurisdictions. Local authorities may also establish 15 mph limits in residential areas within school zones on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or lower, and 25 mph limits when approaching school zones from 500-1,000 feet away.

The legislation modifies how speed enforcement occurs in school zones by updating the Vehicle Code's definition of speed traps. School zones receive an exemption from certain speed trap provisions, allowing enforcement through radar and electronic devices without requiring recent engineering studies. The measure requires appropriate signage before new limits take effect and provides for state reimbursement of local implementation costs if determined necessary by the Commission on State Mandates.

These changes apply to all lanes of affected highways in both directions. The bill maintains existing 15 mph limits for railway crossings with limited visibility, certain intersections, and alleys, while preserving 25 mph limits for business districts and senior zones unless otherwise specified.