The Official Jonny Driving School Blog

What's the deal with School Zones in California.. when should I slow down?

Cheryl Asks: Being a concerned parent, I told my teenage son to slow down to 25mph whenever he enters a school zone. Is that correct?

Cheryl, there is nothing I love more than a concerned parent, well except maybe my dog Pickle, but that's another story. In answer to your question, your advice is close to being true, but not 100% accurate. The trick to school zones in California is this: slow down to the posted school zone speed when kids are present. More simply, if you see a child, slow down. If the coast is clear, DO NOT slow down unnecessarily and continue at the regular posted speed.

Many people make the mistake of slowing down to school zone speeds just because school is in session. Just because school is in session does not mean that children are present. And the opposite also holds true: even if it is Thanksgiving day and there is no school in session, you would still slow down in a school zone if you spotted a child meandering about.

Knowing this rule is also key for students taking their DMV drive test. One of the critical driving errors (or automatic fails) is a speed violation. You technically would auto-fail if you were to unnecessarily go below the speed limit by 10mph, which is a temptation in a marked school zone. But remember: no kids present = don't slow down unless warranted.

And lastly, though most school zones have a posted speed of 25mph, some school zones may have slower posted speeds. Always obey the posted speed of course.

Hope that helps.

Until next time my concerned parent, keep showing concern, keep providing guidance, and remember you always have the power to take away your child's license for ANY reason... especially if they bad-mouth Jonny Driving School!

Jonny Driving School
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