Full Notification

Dear El Cerrito Residents,

Monday is the first day of school for our elementary, middle and high schools. Below are some safe driving tips which can prevent frustration and save lives as we transition back into the school year:

If you don’t read anything else, read these TOP 3 TIPS!
- SLOW DOWN
- PAY ATTENTION
- BE COURTEOUS AND PATIENT

1. SLOW DOWN! Although the speed limit in a school zone is 25 MPH, the safe speed may be lower depending on conditions.

2. Be cautious of road work and expect delays with more pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic. Leave earlier than you have been leaving this summer.

3. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Newly marked crosswalks and speed bumps have been installed throughout the city.

4. Be sure to stop when a crossing guard is in the crosswalk until the crossing guard has left the crosswalk.

5. When a school bus stops and flashing red lights are displayed, you must STOP when you are behind the bus and when approaching from the other direction.

6. Be alert for children walking or riding their bicycles. Remember kids may be focused on other things besides the cars around them.

7. Don’t text and drive. Distracted driving is dangerous – IT CAN WAIT.

8. Talk with your teen drivers about driving safely. Car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths and 25% of these fatal crashes occur during school hours.

9. If you are dropping your student off at school, DO NOT STOP IN THE ROADWAY! Know the school drop off procedures and appropriate drop off areas.

10. Do not drop off along a red curb. School buses legally park along the red curb to drop off and pickup students.

Fines:
- Red Curb: $71
- Bus Zone : $250
- Disabled Parking: $275

The El Cerrito Police Department will be actively enforcing traffic laws around our schools as we work to keep our streets safe for kids. Please don’t become a statistic by receiving a citation or worse, being involved in an accident.

If you have any questions about traffic safety, please call the El Cerrito Police Department at 510-215-4400. To report a non-emergency incident, please call 510-233-1214. For Emergencies, call 911.