california speeding
Interpretation of &quot;When Children Are Present&quot; specifically on California speed limit signs
<p>The question <a href="https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/49311/what-do-x-speed-limit-while-children-are-present-street-signs-mean-specific">What do, &quot;X speed limit while children are present&quot;, street signs mean, specifically?</a> has an upvoted answer indicating that the &quot;When children are present&quot; speed limit varies by jurisdiction.</p>
<p>This question, in response, is specifically for one jurisdiction: California.  What is the meaning of &quot;when children are present&quot; on speed limit signs (non-flashing)?  Does it refer to only tehe periods where children are <em>visibly</em> present? Or school hours? Or when there is an after-school football game? How is one to ascertain the presence or absence of children from the school under <strong>Californian</strong> law?</p>

<p>Well, the <a href="https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">online California DMV Laws and Rules of the Road</a> says this:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are
outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless
otherwise posted. Also, if the school grounds have no fence and
children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph. Some school
zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not really as clear as we might like. I personally follow the posted speed limit during school hours when school is in session, even if there are no kids outside the school building and yards. I don't know if a parent is picking up a kid for an appointment or because they're sick and might be crossing the street. The schools in my area have tiny parking lots and people end up parking on the street even though there's no crosswalk in the area (there is one at a stop light a long block away--no one bothers to use it, just jaywalks instead).</p>
<p>Mainly, I don't want to have to argue with a police officer on whether I'm allowed to speed at that instance in time.</p>
