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1. What is Slow for Students?

"Slow for Students" is an initiative by the City of San Mateo to reduce school zone speed limits throughout the City. As approved by the San Mateo City Council, qualified streets surrounding schools are being reduced to 15 and 25 miles per hour to create a safer environment for students and caregivers walking and biking to and from school.

2. How do I get a Slow for Students yard sign?

Help show your support and help educate your neighborhood by posting a FREE Slow for Students yard sign in your yard or business. Slow for Students is the City's initiative to reduce school zone speed limits. Simply pick up a yard sign at any of the following City facilities: 

• San Mateo City Hall (330 W. 20th Ave.), 24/7 in front of main entrance
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (725 Monte Diablo Ave.), Mon-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri. 9am-6pm
• San Mateo Main Library (55 W. 3rd Ave.), Mon - Thur 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm
• Hillsdale Branch Library (205 W. Hillsdale Blvd.), Mon 11am-6pm, Tues 12-7pm, Wed-Sat 10am-5pm
• Marina Branch Library (1530 Susan Court), Mon 12-7pm, Tues 11am-6pm, Wed-Sat 10am-5pm

3. What were the criteria for streets to be selected for new reduced speed limits?

The City's goal was to reduce speed limits at as many local schools as possible. State law allows speed limits to be reduced to 15 mph if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. Within 500 feet of the school (approximately one city block)
2. Residential neighborhood, which is defined by state law as 13 or more contiguous homes or business structures
3. The street can only have a maximum of two traffic lanes

Streets may be reduced to 25 mph speed limit if they within 500-1,000 feet from the school.

All streets neighboring local schools were considered and evaluated; those that did not meet the above requirements are were not candidates for lower speed limits.

4. There's a street I'm concerned about which is not getting a reduced speed limit. What can I do?

Please contact our Public Works Department at (650) 522-7300 or publicworks@cityofsanmateo.org to share your suggestion.

You may also wish to review the criteria for streets that qualified for reduced speed limits.

5. When will reduced speed limit signs be installed at San Mateo’s high schools?

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is currently in the design phase for new speed limit signage at San Mateo high schools. It is expected that construction will occur during the 2023-24 school year around San Mateo high schools.

6. When will reduced speed limit signs be installed at San Mateo’s private schools?

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is currently in the design phase for new signage at San Mateo's local private schools. It is expected that construction will occur during the 2023-24 school year for signs around local private schools.