What does ‘when children are present’ mean on speed limit signs?

CrimeBeat Q&A is a weekly feature in which police reporter Julie Johnson answers readers' questions about local crimes and the law.

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I don't understand what is meant by “when children are present,” which is written on speed limit signs near schools. I've been told it means when I actually see children, but does it apply during school hours but not after hours or on weekends? Help, I don't want to get a ticket.

- Pamela Morris, Santa Rosa

Is there a fence or another type of enclosure around the school?

That detail is important.

Drivers passing a school enclosed by a fence should observe the lower speed limit indicated on the signs during pickup, drop off and noon recess times. But otherwise, drivers can reasonably expect children are contained within the fence and can travel at the standard 35 miles per hour, unless indicated otherwise, CHP Officer Jon Sloat said.

Many schools have open campuses without a fence or enclosure. Picture Olivet Elementary School on Willowside Road, in the semi-rural neighborhood about two miles west of Santa Rosa. The school is set back from the road but the campus is grassy, leafy and without a fence.

At Olivet and other schools without fences, such as the more urban Steele Lane Elementary School in central Santa Rosa, signs alert drivers to travel at a reduced 25 mph during typical school hours and if any children are seen.

“It's always best just to slow down, err on the side of caution,” Sloat said.

This is spelled out in California's vehicle code section 22352(2), which states the 25 mph limit “shall also apply when approaching or passing any school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard “SCHOOL” warning sign.”

The law also applies to roads near senior centers with a posted “senior” warning sign.

Submit your questions about crime, safety and criminal justice to Staff Writer Julie Johnson at julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.