Pedestrian Responsibility

In some locations, the Pasadena Unified School District has hired school crossing guards to assist with the safe crossing of school-age children and their guardians.  You should always follow the safe crossing tips provided above but you should also wait for direction from the school crossing guard when crossing in these areas.

Driver Responsibility

In addition to obeying crossing guards, drivers should be aware that when you encounter a school bus that is stopped with flashing yellow lights, this is a warning for you to prepare to stop because children are boarding or departing from the bus.  

You must stop when you come to a school bus with flashing red lights even if it is parked on the other side of the street.  The flashing red lights are located at the top of the bus in the front and rear of the bus.   Some buses have also been equipped with paddle stops and flashing red lights to give you a firmer indication that you must stop.  Remain stopped as long as the lights are flashing red.  However, you don’t need to stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided, multi-lane highway (two or more lanes in each direction).

The State of California takes child safety seriously and has established a fine up to $250 for a first violation, up to $1000 for a second violation, and on a third violation (within a period of three years) your driving privileges could be suspended for a period of one year.  

Speed Limit in Designated School Zones

The prima facie speed limit in school zones is 25 MPH when children are present.  The City of Pasadena has posted signs where school zones exist.  The prima facie speed limit is applicable when approaching or passing within 500 feet of school grounds.  State law also indicates that the speed limit is 25 MPH regardless of other posted sign limits if the school is unfenced and children are present.  For more information, click here.

Crosswalks with Flashing Beacons

Pedestrians should still use extreme care when crossing the street where flashing beacons are in place.  The City has placed them at intersections that meet federal requirements for their installation.  In most cases, pedestrian visibility was very difficult and the number of persons crossing the street was very high prior to the installation of the flashing lights.  Drivers entering the area where a flashing beacon has been installed should proceed with extreme care, particularly looking for young people and persons traveling in wheelchairs.

   City Of Pasadena

   Department of Transportation - Crosswalks

   100 N Garfield Avenue, Room 212

   Pasadena CA 91109 


Crossing the Street at Signalized Locations

Here are a few safety reminders for when you cross at signalized crosswalks:

1.   Press the pedestrian indication button when one is available.

2.   Only walk when the pedestrian light for your direction of traffic says WALK (or a walking pedestrian symbol is displayed).  The symbol indicates that you can begin crossing but it is important that you check traffic to make sure all drivers at the intersection see you (especially drivers making a right turn from the corner - who may also have a green light).

3.   A flashing DON'T WALK (or an upraised hand symbol) means it is too late to safely start crossing the street but you should finish crossing the street if you are already in the intersection.  (If a median island is available with a pedestrian push button, stop in the median and wait for the next signal.)  If you reach the flashing DON’T WALK or upraised hand symbol before crossing the street, push the pedestrian button (if one is available) and wait for the next cycle of pedestrian signals.

Note: If the lights for vehicular traffic are green and the pedestrian signal says DON'T WALK, do not start walking across the street.