Stop AB-382 School Speed Limit Insanity!

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Stop AB-382 School Speed Limit Insanity!

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I Oppose AB-382 Which Makes Unnecessary and Unreasonable Changes to School Zone Speed Limits
AB-382 Creates 20 mph School Zone Speed Traps 24/7 Regardless of Whether or Not School is in Session.
1. Broad and Unenforceable Definition of “Children Are Present” AB-382 expands the definition of “children are present” to include any individual under 18 who is within 500 feet of school grounds at any time—including during nights, weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. This overly broad standard creates an impossible compliance burden for drivers and invites inconsistent and arbitrary enforcement.
2. Arbitrary Expansion of School Zone Hours The bill allows local jurisdictions to establish school zones with 20 mph speed limits for any time of day or night by simply posting a sign or activating a flashing beacon. This could result in 24/7 year-round school zones, even when schools are not in session or no children are present. No other state in the country allows such unrestricted authority.
3. Reduced Effectiveness of School Zones Data and best practices show that school zones are most effective when they are targeted to the times when children are arriving at or leaving school. Research by the Texas Transportation Institute and policy guidelines in cities like Seattle and Colorado Springs recommend school zones be active for no more than 30 to 50 minutes before and after school hours. Expanding the duration dilutes driver attention, decreases compliance, and ultimately reduces safety for students.
4. Over-Enforcement, Economic Burden, and Strain on Law Enforcement Resources By enabling 24-hour enforcement and lowering speed limits on major roadways, AB-382 would dramatically expand the scope of school zone enforcement—leading to a significant increase in citations issued for minor, non-dangerous violations. Cities, particularly those participating in automated speed enforcement pilot programs, would be incentivized to keep flashing beacons on all day, issuing tickets to otherwise safe drivers even when no children are present.
This would result in massive ticketing volumes for infractions that are unlikely to pose actual safety risks, such as driving slightly over 20 mph on wide, multi-lane arterials during off-hours. These fines—often hundreds of dollars per violation—would impose a substantial economic burden on working families and individuals with limited financial means. For those unable to pay, penalties may quickly escalate, leading to late fees, driver’s license suspensions, or other long-term consequences that compound financial hardship.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies would be tasked with enforcing complex and ambiguous rules, including school zone speed limits triggered by the mere presence of a child in the area—regardless of visibility, proximity to the road, or whether school is in session. This would make enforcement less predictable, less effective, and more resource-intensive, diverting limited public safety personnel away from higher-priority traffic safety and criminal enforcement efforts.
In short, AB-382 would create enforcement conditions that are difficult to apply fairly, expensive to uphold, and ultimately counterproductive to both traffic safety and responsible use of public resources.
5. Lack of Demonstrated Need Despite the sponsor’s assertions, statewide data does not show a widespread safety problem involving school-aged children being injured near schools due to unsafe speed. In one cited study in Los Angeles, only two collisions (0.004% of total incidents) near schools involved speed and resulted in no visible injuries. Current protocols, which already allow for lower school zone speed limits when justified, are adequate.
6. Engineering Decisions Should Remain with Experts Speed limits and school zone protocols should be based on sound engineering judgment, not blanket legislative mandates. The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC), after extensive study, previously recommended no changes to existing standards for school zone length, speed, or timing. AB-382 overrides those expert recommendations without new evidence.
Recommendation We urge the Legislature to reject AB-382 in its current form. If changes to school zone enforcement protocols are to be considered, they should be based on engineering standards and implemented with clear, evidence-based guidelines—such as the adoption of limited-use flashing beacon systems tied to school start and dismissal times.
Absent such amendments, please Vote NO on AB-382.

I am very disappointed that you have introduced AB-382 which makes unnecessary and unreasonable changes to School Zone Speed Limits.
AB-382 Creates 20 mph School Zone Speed Traps 24/7 Regardless of Whether or Not School is in Session.
1. Broad and Unenforceable Definition of “Children Are Present” AB-382 expands the definition of “children are present” to include any individual under 18 who is within 500 feet of school grounds at any time—including during nights, weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. This overly broad standard creates an impossible compliance burden for drivers and invites inconsistent and arbitrary enforcement.
2. Arbitrary Expansion of School Zone Hours The bill allows local jurisdictions to establish school zones with 20 mph speed limits for any time of day or night by simply posting a sign or activating a flashing beacon. This could result in 24/7 year-round school zones, even when schools are not in session or no children are present. No other state in the country allows such unrestricted authority.
3. Reduced Effectiveness of School Zones Data and best practices show that school zones are most effective when they are targeted to the times when children are arriving at or leaving school. Research by the Texas Transportation Institute and policy guidelines in cities like Seattle and Colorado Springs recommend school zones be active for no more than 30 to 50 minutes before and after school hours. Expanding the duration dilutes driver attention, decreases compliance, and ultimately reduces safety for students.
4. Over-Enforcement, Economic Burden, and Strain on Law Enforcement Resources By enabling 24-hour enforcement and lowering speed limits on major roadways, AB-382 would dramatically expand the scope of school zone enforcement—leading to a significant increase in citations issued for minor, non-dangerous violations. Cities, particularly those participating in automated speed enforcement pilot programs, would be incentivized to keep flashing beacons on all day, issuing tickets to otherwise safe drivers even when no children are present.
This would result in massive ticketing volumes for infractions that are unlikely to pose actual safety risks, such as driving slightly over 20 mph on wide, multi-lane arterials during off-hours. These fines—often hundreds of dollars per violation—would impose a substantial economic burden on working families and individuals with limited financial means. For those unable to pay, penalties may quickly escalate, leading to late fees, driver’s license suspensions, or other long-term consequences that compound financial hardship.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies would be tasked with enforcing complex and ambiguous rules, including school zone speed limits triggered by the mere presence of a child in the area—regardless of visibility, proximity to the road, or whether school is in session. This would make enforcement less predictable, less effective, and more resource-intensive, diverting limited public safety personnel away from higher-priority traffic safety and criminal enforcement efforts.
In short, AB-382 would create enforcement conditions that are difficult to apply fairly, expensive to uphold, and ultimately counterproductive to both traffic safety and responsible use of public resources.
5. Lack of Demonstrated Need Despite the sponsor’s assertions, statewide data does not show a widespread safety problem involving school-aged children being injured near schools due to unsafe speed. In one cited study in Los Angeles, only two collisions (0.004% of total incidents) near schools involved speed and resulted in no visible injuries. Current protocols, which already allow for lower school zone speed limits when justified, are adequate.
6. Engineering Decisions Should Remain with Experts Speed limits and school zone protocols should be based on sound engineering judgment, not blanket legislative mandates. The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC), after extensive study, previously recommended no changes to existing standards for school zone length, speed, or timing. AB-382 overrides those expert recommendations without new evidence.
Your bill will make children going to school less safe. Leave the traffic engineering to professionals and stop listening to sponsors with a hidden agenda. I'm requesting that you pull this bill from consideration now.

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I Oppose AB-382 Which Makes Unnecessary and Unreasonable Changes to School Zone Speed Limits

AB-382 Creates 20 mph School Zone Speed Traps 24/7 Regardless of Whether or Not School is in Session.

1. Broad and Unenforceable Definition of “Children Are Present”
AB-382 expands the definition of “children are present” to include any individual under 18 who is within 500 feet of school grounds at any time—including during nights, weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. This overly broad standard creates an impossible compliance burden for drivers and invites inconsistent and arbitrary enforcement.

2. Arbitrary Expansion of School Zone Hours
The bill allows local jurisdictions to establish school zones with 20 mph speed limits for any time of day or night by simply posting a sign or activating a flashing beacon. This could result in 24/7 year-round school zones, even when schools are not in session or no children are present. No other state in the country allows such unrestricted authority.

3. Reduced Effectiveness of School Zones
Data and best practices show that school zones are most effective when they are targeted to the times when children are arriving at or leaving school. Research by the Texas Transportation Institute and policy guidelines in cities like Seattle and Colorado Springs recommend school zones be active for no more than 30 to 50 minutes before and after school hours. Expanding the duration dilutes driver attention, decreases compliance, and ultimately reduces safety for students.

4. Over-Enforcement, Economic Burden, and Strain on Law Enforcement Resources
By enabling 24-hour enforcement and lowering speed limits on major roadways, AB-382 would dramatically expand the scope of school zone enforcement—leading to a significant increase in citations issued for minor, non-dangerous violations. Cities, particularly those participating in automated speed enforcement pilot programs, would be incentivized to keep flashing beacons on all day, issuing tickets to otherwise safe drivers even when no children are present.

This would result in massive ticketing volumes for infractions that are unlikely to pose actual safety risks, such as driving slightly over 20 mph on wide, multi-lane arterials during off-hours. These fines—often hundreds of dollars per violation—would impose a substantial economic burden on working families and individuals with limited financial means. For those unable to pay, penalties may quickly escalate, leading to late fees, driver’s license suspensions, or other long-term consequences that compound financial hardship.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies would be tasked with enforcing complex and ambiguous rules, including school zone speed limits triggered by the mere presence of a child in the area—regardless of visibility, proximity to the road, or whether school is in session. This would make enforcement less predictable, less effective, and more resource-intensive, diverting limited public safety personnel away from higher-priority traffic safety and criminal enforcement efforts.

In short, AB-382 would create enforcement conditions that are difficult to apply fairly, expensive to uphold, and ultimately counterproductive to both traffic safety and responsible use of public resources.

5. Lack of Demonstrated Need
Despite the sponsor’s assertions, statewide data does not show a widespread safety problem involving school-aged children being injured near schools due to unsafe speed. In one cited study in Los Angeles, only two collisions (0.004% of total incidents) near schools involved speed and resulted in no visible injuries. Current protocols, which already allow for lower school zone speed limits when justified, are adequate.

6. Engineering Decisions Should Remain with Experts
Speed limits and school zone protocols should be based on sound engineering judgment, not blanket legislative mandates. The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC), after extensive study, previously recommended no changes to existing standards for school zone length, speed, or timing. AB-382 overrides those expert recommendations without new evidence.

Recommendation

We urge the Legislature to reject AB-382 in its current form. If changes to school zone enforcement protocols are to be considered, they should be based on engineering standards and implemented with clear, evidence-based guidelines—such as the adoption of limited-use flashing beacon systems tied to school start and dismissal times.

Absent such amendments, please Vote NO on AB-382.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

Stop Dangerous and Unreasonable School Zone Speed Limit Changes! Take 2 Simple Actions NOW to Stop Assembly Bill 382 AB-382 Creates 20 mph School Zone Speed Traps 24/7 Regardless of Whether or Not School is in Session. 1. Make a 1 minute phone call to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks who chairs the Appropriations Committee to let her know you oppose this bill. Assemblymember Wicks is the one person in Sacramento who will decide if this bill moves forward so it is critical to call to express your opposition. Also call the Appropriations Committee Staff to lodge your opposition. Finally, call Assemblymember Berman and tell him you don't appreciate him introducing this foolish bill. See below for a script of what to say. 2. After you make these three quick phone calls, take 30 seconds to sign the petition against AB-382. An email will be sent to Assemblymember Wicks and the members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee who will decide this bill's fate. Just fill in your info. We’ve done the rest for you.   Script to call Assemblymember Wicks: (916) 319-2014 "Hi. I’m calling to let Assemblymember Wicks know that I oppose Assembly Bill 382, which imposes arbitrary 20 mph limits whenever anyone under 18 is within 500 feet of a school—24/7, year-round, regardless of whether school is in session. It ignores decades of traffic safety standards, overrides engineering judgment, and sets Californians up for failure as it will be impossible for drivers to comply with this law. This bill will not make children safer—it will flood communities with unnecessary ticketing, strain law enforcement resources, and erode public trust. I urge Assemblymember Wicks to stop this bill in her committee. Remember – Be polite. Assemblymember Wicks is not the author of this bill but she will decide whether it passes out of her committee.   Script to call the Appropriations Committee Staff: (916) 319-2081 ""Hi. I’m calling to express my opposition to Assembly Bill 382, which imposes arbitrary 20 mph limits whenever anyone under 18 is within 500 feet of a school—24/7, year-round, regardless of whether school is in session. It ignores decades of traffic safety standards, overrides engineering judgment, and sets Californians up for failure as it will be impossible for drivers to comply with this law. This bill will not make children safer—it will flood communities with unnecessary ticketing, strain law enforcement resources, and erode public trust. I urge Assemblymember Wicks to stop this bill in her committee." Remember – Be polite. The Appropriations Committee Staff is not the enemy but they need to know how much opposition there is to this bill.   Script to call Assemblymember Berman: (916) 319-2023 "Hi. I’m calling to let Assemblymember Berman know that I oppose Assembly Bill 382, which imposes arbitrary 20 mph limits whenever anyone under 18 is within 500 feet of a school—24/7, year-round, regardless of whether school is in session. It ignores decades of traffic safety standards, overrides engineering judgment, and sets Californians up for failure as it will be impossible for drivers to comply with this law. This bill will not make children safer—it will flood communities with unnecessary ticketing, strain law enforcement resources, and erode public trust. We don’t appreciate Assemblymember Berman running this bill." Remember – Be polite. Although Assemblymember Berman is the author of this bill you should always express your opposition respectfully.   Now sign the petition against AB-382 to send an email to all committee members. Act now to Stop AB-382!   If you have made all 3 calls and signed the petition https://ww2.motorists.org/sb720/ to take action against SB-720

Who will receive your email?

Gregg Hart Assemblymember

Blanca Pacheco Assemblymember

Buffy Wicks Assemblymember

Diane Dixon Assemblymember

Gail Pellerin Assemblymember

Jessica Caloza Assemblymember

Joaquin Arambula Assemblymember

Jose Solache Assemblymember

Kate Sanchez Assemblymember

Lisa Calderon Assemblymember

Mark Gonzalez Assemblymember

Mike Fong Assemblymember

Sade Elhawary Assemblymember

Tri Ta Assemblymember

David Tangipa Assemblymember

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