The following article appeared in
The Cerritos News
January 2011 – Volume 40 –Number 1
The Cerritos News
January 2011 – Volume 40 –Number 1
Illegal and Unsafe Drop-off of Schoolchildren
Could Result in a Hefty Citation
The illegal and unsafe loading and unloading of schoolchildren from cars onto roadways near schools is subject to a citation.
In an effort to improve public safety, a Cerritos ordinance implements a fine for the illegal and unsafe loading and unloading of schoolchildren from cars. A violation of the ordinance is subject to a $25 City fine; additional State and County penalties attached to the citation bring the total fine to more than $135.
Near school locations, Cerritos residents and traffic deputies have observed many adults routinely walking their children across busy streets outside of crosswalks. They have also observed people illegally parking their car, often in the middle of the block, and allowing their child to cross the street. This practice poses a safety risk, especially to young children. Some drivers also block driveways and fire hydrants in residential areas while they unload passengers or walk their children to school.
In response to these safety risks, the Cerritos Municipal Code states the following:
*No driver may stop, park or leave his or her vehicle for the purpose of loading or unloading
passengers unless the vehicle is legally parked.
*No driver may stop, park or leave any vehicle in the roadway across from or adjacent to any public
or private school for the purpose of loading or unloading anyone attending schools in grades K-12,
where in order reach the school or grounds from the vehicle or reach the vehicle from the school or
grounds, it is necessary for a pedestrian to walk across a roadway. This section would be inapplicable
where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer, a school crossing guard, an official traffic control sign or
signal, or where there is a marked pedestrian crosswalk that the pedestrian walks on.
When transporting children to and from school, parents are encouraged to park legally and escort their children across the street at a marked crosswalk. For more information, call the Cerritos Community Safety Division at (562) 916-1266.
In an effort to improve public safety, a Cerritos ordinance implements a fine for the illegal and unsafe loading and unloading of schoolchildren from cars. A violation of the ordinance is subject to a $25 City fine; additional State and County penalties attached to the citation bring the total fine to more than $135.
Near school locations, Cerritos residents and traffic deputies have observed many adults routinely walking their children across busy streets outside of crosswalks. They have also observed people illegally parking their car, often in the middle of the block, and allowing their child to cross the street. This practice poses a safety risk, especially to young children. Some drivers also block driveways and fire hydrants in residential areas while they unload passengers or walk their children to school.
In response to these safety risks, the Cerritos Municipal Code states the following:
*No driver may stop, park or leave his or her vehicle for the purpose of loading or unloading
passengers unless the vehicle is legally parked.
*No driver may stop, park or leave any vehicle in the roadway across from or adjacent to any public
or private school for the purpose of loading or unloading anyone attending schools in grades K-12,
where in order reach the school or grounds from the vehicle or reach the vehicle from the school or
grounds, it is necessary for a pedestrian to walk across a roadway. This section would be inapplicable
where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer, a school crossing guard, an official traffic control sign or
signal, or where there is a marked pedestrian crosswalk that the pedestrian walks on.
When transporting children to and from school, parents are encouraged to park legally and escort their children across the street at a marked crosswalk. For more information, call the Cerritos Community Safety Division at (562) 916-1266.
