Updated: 9:02 p.m. Aug. 14 with additional information.

Drivers will soon need to slow to 20 mph in La Verne school zones when children are present.

The City expects to spend around $5,000 to replace 22 school-zone speed signs before school begins on Aug. 17. City of La Verne acting lead worker Kevin Mellard and maintenance worker Connor Owens were assisting with the sign replacements while the street team was out on other assignments.

Police will begin enforcement after all new signs are installed, according to La Verne Police Capt. Travis Tibbetts.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles' Driver's Handbook, posted school-zone speed limits apply only when children are present. When children are not present, drivers should follow the road’s regular speed limit, which is typically 25 mph in a business or residential district. Children are considered present when they are at the school, on the playground or crossing the street to enter or leave school grounds, per the Driver's Handbook. Children separated from the roadway by a physical fence or barrier are not considered present.

California Assembly Bill 382 will establish a statewide 20 mph school-zone speed limit beginning Jan. 1, 2031. The City of La Verne is making the change ahead of schedule.