Traffic Education | Riverside Police Department

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).

Child Passenger Safety Program

The Riverside Police Department is dedicated to preventing injuries and improving the safety of children who travel in motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused. The Riverside Police Department has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can help check the safety and proper installation of your car seat.

Car seat fitting stations are held at the Magnolia Police Facility once every month. 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 ensure they will be able to secure the child properly every time. Parents, grandparents, and/or caregivers are encouraged to attend. The days and times of these events vary to make this service available to everyone. Each fitting is limited to 30 minutes so as to limit participant wait time and fittings will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Unable to make a car seat fitting station? Feel free to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician by calling (951) 826-8727.

Group classes are also available upon request. Child Passenger Safety Education classes are free and designed for anyone that transports a child. Participants will learn how to choose the correct type of car seat for their child, how to install the car seat in a vehicle, when to move to the next level, and safety tips from a technician. More information on group classes or other services offered by the certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians may be requested by calling (951) 826-8727, or by emailing [email protected].

Additional Links

Safe Routes for Schools

Bicycle and Scooter Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my child need to wear a helmet when he/she is riding a bicycle?

In the state of California, your child must wear an approved helmet every time they ride a bicycle, scooter, and skateboard until they are 18 years of age.

How should my child’s helmet fit?

Your child’s helmet must fit snugly, sit low on the forehead, and buckle under the chin.

Is a bicycle considered a vehicle?

Yes, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and you the driver. All traffic signs, and signals must be obeyed.

Where does my child ride their bicycle?

A bicycle must be ridden on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic.

What’s required on my bicycle when I’m riding at night?

To ride at night, you must have lights on the front and back of your bicycle, reflectors on the wheels and pedals, and must wear bright clothing.

Can my child ride a pocket bike?

No, pocket bikes shall not operate on any sidewalk, roadway, highway, bicycle path or trail, and hiking or recreational trail.

Does my child have to be a certain age to ride an motorized scooter?

Your child must be at least 16 years of age and a licensed driver, must wear an approved helmet, and must ride on a street with a 25 mph speed limit unless operated in a bike lane.

Car Seat Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can my child start using the vehicle safety belt?

Current California law states, 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. However, it is best practice for a child to remain in their booster seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of the booster seat.

How long does my infant have to stay rear-facing?

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.

How do I know which car seat to choose for my child?

The best car seat for your child is one that properly fits your child, fits your vehicle, and one that you will use correctly every time.

How tightly should my car seat be installed?

The car seat should not move more than one inch side to side when pulled at the belt path.