The Riverside Police Department's Traffic Education Unit was established in 1997 to reduce injury and death due to traffic collisions.
The Riverside Police Department has been recognized as a leader in the area of Traffic Education. RPD was one of the first programs in Southern California with a full time dedicated coordinator.
The Traffic Education Unit is supported by state and local grants as well as partnerships with local groups and businesses. The Traffic Education Unit has taken a pro-active step to educate the citizens of our community and provide many programs in traffic safety.
Safe Routes to School Program
The Safe Routes to School is a partnership with the Riverside County Injury Prevention Services and the schools in Riverside. These programs enable community leaders, schools and parents across the United States to improve safety and encourage more children, including children with disabilities, to safely walk and bicycle to school. In the process, programs are working to reduce traffic congestion and improve health and the environment, making communities more livable for everyone. Click here for more information.
Safety Citation Program
Safety Cite is a positive reinforcement program to promote the use of helmets for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, & skates. Juveniles that are properly wearing their helmets, obeying the law, and/or practicing proper safety skills will be "cited" by police department employees. Letters will be sent to their parents and cited children will receive a prize. Each child cited will be entered into a drawing for a new bike (donated by Riverside Optimist Club).
If your child is less than 8 years old or under 4'9" they MUST be properly secured in an approved child restraint (car seat or booster) in the back seat of your car.
The Riverside Police Department is dedicated to preventing injuries to children every time they ride in a vehicle. Car seat fitting stations are held at the Magnolia Police Facility once every month and car seat clinics are held throughout the city of Riverside several times a year. Our fitting stations and clinics allow parents to have their car seats checked for safety and proper installation by a certified technician. The car seat is checked for any recalls, proper usage, and proper fit for the child. Low cost car seats are offered to community members who need to replace an unsafe car seat. Parents participate in the installation process to insure they will be able to secure the child properly every time. Parents, grandparents, and/or caregivers are encouraged to make an appointment.
Car seat fitting station days and times vary to make this service available to everyone. 30-minute appointments are made for each child restraint to be checked to ensure no one will have a long wait. Appointments are made on a first come first serve basis and may be made by calling (951) 351-6099.
Host a car seat clinic at your location by contacting the following number (951) 351-6099.
Parent classes are designed for anyone that transports a child. Participants will learn how to choose the correct type of child restraint for their child, how to install the child restraint, and when to move to the next level.
Classes can be customized to fit the needs you have and can be scheduled by contacting (951) 351-6099
Additional Links
Bicycle and Scooter Frequently Asked Questions
Car Seat Frequently Asked Questions
Current California Law:
- Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.)
- Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
- Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)
- Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California's Mandatory Seat Belt law.