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Several new California laws took effect ahead of the 2026-27 school year, bringing changes that could affect students, parents, teachers — and drivers — across the state.
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For drivers, one of the biggest changes involves speed limits in school zones.
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, drivers should know when school zone speed limits apply, how fast they can legally drive and what could happen if they’re caught speeding.
Before heading into back-to-school traffic, here’s what California drivers need to know:
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What is the speed limit in California school zones?
Under Assembly Bill 382, cities and counties can lower the speed limit in school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph.
The law took effect on Jan. 1.
Assembly Bill 382 also allows local governments to establish a 15 mph speed limit in certain school zones on roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less. They can also set a 25 mph limit for drivers approaching a school zone from 500 to 1,000 feet away.
Previously, local officials were allowed to change school zone speed limits under certain conditions, such as on roads with no more than two traffic lanes and posted speed limits of 30 mph or less before and after the school zone.
The law removes some of those restrictions, giving local governments more flexibility to lower speed limits around schools.
Local governments can do this by passing an ordinance or resolution through Jan. 1, 2031.
“After this date, the speed limit will automatically decrease from 25 to 20 mph in school zones when proper signage is posted,” the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.
In Modesto, city crews have already installed 15 mph speed limit signs near several schools ahead of the new school year.
When do school zone speed limits apply to California drivers?
A “school zone” is defined as any roadway within 500 feet of school grounds in any direction, unless otherwise posted, according to Assembly Bill 382.
This includes the area of the road that approaches or passes the school and is not separated by a fence or other barrier.
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California law also requires school zones to be marked with signs alerting drivers to the applicable speed limit. Some signs include language stating that the lower speed limit applies “when children are present.”
These speed limits are enforced when children are on school grounds — whether they’re arriving, leaving or outside during school hours, according to the California Vehicle Code.
California Highway Patrol previously told The Sacramento Bee that children are determined to be “present” whenever they are on the side of the school’s fence or barrier closest to the road.
This would include drop-off and pick-up times.
What is the speed limit in a school zone if children are not present?
When children are not physically present in the school zone but still on school grounds, CHP said, drivers must still go at a “safe speed.”
“If it’s 10 a.m. and children are corralled in a fenced area during recess, then motorist may go (the regular speed limit if it’s) safe to do so,” CHP wrote.
Though school hours in California typically range from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., CHP said, drivers should still be cautious when passing through a school zone because after-school programs can last until 6 p.m.
“It is always best practice to lower your speed when near school zones and exercise a high visual horizon,” CHP said.
Can I get a ticket for speeding in a California school zone?
When children are considered present and a school zone speed limit is posted, drivers are required to follow that limit.
A driver caught exceeding the posted speed limit can be issued a speeding ticket.
After penalty assessments and court fees are added, a , according to the Judicial Council’s Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule.
A speeding violation can also result in a negligent operator point being added to a California driver’s record.
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This story was originally published August 11, 2026 at 5:00 AM.