Drivers on Bellevue's neighborhood streets will face a new 20 mph speed limit and up to $500 in fines for passing a stopped school bus when Bellevue School District opens Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The city issued a back-to-school safety advisory on Tuesday, Aug. 25, one week before BSD's first day, reminding families and commuters that school zones are active across four districts serving Bellevue students.
Renton School District starts Wednesday, Aug. 26; Issaquah School District opens Thursday, Aug. 27; Lake Washington School District follows Monday, Aug. 31.
New 20 mph limit already in effect
Starting Monday, Aug. 24, the city began installing new 20 mph signs on local streets, dropping the limit from 25 mph. There is no warning period. The lower speed is enforceable the moment a sign goes up.
Local streets make up 64% of Bellevue's road network. The city is placing 360 signs and 190 pavement markings citywide.
Lake Hills, Northeast Bellevue, Crossroads, Wilburton, Bridle Trails and Northwest Bellevue neighborhoods are getting signs first; remaining areas are planned for later in 2026.
The Bellevue City Council authorized the change in October 2024. The project costs approximately $700,000, funded by the Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Levy.
A pilot near Tyee Middle School in Eastgate produced a 19% drop in high-end speeding (vehicles exceeding 30 mph) without additional police enforcement.
School bus rules carry steep fines
Many Bellevue school buses now carry stop-paddle cameras. Drivers must stop when a bus's lights are flashing or its stop paddle is extended. The city's advisory noted that drivers who illegally pass a bus may be fined up to $500.
The city also has photo enforcement cameras around several elementary schools, and Bellevue Police regularly patrol near school zones during arrival and dismissal.
Parking and drop-off rules
Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, within 20 feet of an intersection or within 5 feet of a driveway is prohibited. Stopping in the street to pick up or drop off children is not allowed.
The city asks drivers not headed to school to avoid school-zone areas during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
SchoolPool and transit options
The Bellevue SchoolPool program, a partnership among the city, King County Metro and BSD, helps families organize carpools, walking groups and bike trains. Twenty-one schools participated last spring, and partner schools receive either a $1,200 incentive or up to $2,500 for safety equipment.
Youth 18 and under ride King County Metro and other public transit free statewide.
BSD families can check fall bus routes on the district's transportation page. The district's Stopfinder app, available free on iOS and Android, provides near-real-time schedule updates and push notifications. Eligible families receive an email invitation approximately two weeks before school starts.
