Fresno to Lower School Zone Speed Limits to 20 mph

City aims to get ahead of state mandate requiring lower speeds near schools by 2031.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Fresno Councilmember Nelson Esparza is introducing legislation to lower speed limits in school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph, ahead of a state law that will require all California school zones to have 20 mph limits by 2031. Esparza says the change will improve safety for students and cites an average of 8 crashes per year in Fresno school zones when children are present.

Why it matters

Reducing school zone speed limits is a proven way to enhance pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable child pedestrians. Fresno's proactive move to lower limits ahead of the state mandate shows the city's commitment to prioritizing student safety on its streets.

The details

Councilmember Esparza plans to introduce legislation that would establish a 20 mph speed limit in all Fresno school zones, which are currently set at 25 mph. The timeline for implementation will depend on the cost of replacing signage across the city. Fresno police report an average of 8 crashes per year in school zones when children are present.

  • Assembly Bill 382, passed in 2025, requires all California school zones to lower speed limits to 20 mph by 2031.
  • Councilmember Esparza plans to introduce the 20 mph school zone legislation in the coming weeks.

The players

Nelson Esparza

Fresno City Councilmember who is introducing legislation to lower school zone speed limits to 20 mph.

Anthony Dewall

Lieutenant with the Fresno Police Department who cited the city's average of 8 crashes per year in school zones.

Assembly Bill 382

A California state law passed in 2025 that requires all school zones to lower speed limits to 20 mph by 2031.

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What they’re saying

“There's a feeling that every parent knows. It's that moment when you watch your child step out the car or begin to cross the street, and you hope that every driver around them is paying attention. But hope is not a traffic safety strategy.”

— Nelson Esparza, Fresno City Councilmember (fresnobee.com)

“While five mph may not sound like much, on a street filled with children, it can be the difference between a close call and tragedy.”

— Nelson Esparza, Fresno City Councilmember (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

Councilmember Esparza plans to introduce the 20 mph school zone legislation in the coming weeks, with the timeline for implementation dependent on the cost of replacing signage across the city.

The takeaway

Fresno's proactive move to lower school zone speed limits ahead of a statewide mandate shows the city's commitment to prioritizing student safety. By reducing speeds from 25 mph to 20 mph, Fresno aims to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent tragedies in areas with high concentrations of child pedestrians.