Police in San Mateo urge drivers to slow down as intersection rules change on South Norfolk Street
San Mateo, California – A small but important traffic change is now in place at the intersection of South Norfolk Street and 3rd Avenue in San Mateo, and police are urging everyone who passes through the area to slow down and pay attention.
The update centers on newly posted “no turn on red” signs affecting westbound 3rd Avenue from South Norfolk Street and southbound South Norfolk Street from 3rd Avenue, part of an effort aimed at making the intersection safer for everyone who uses it.
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According to the San Mateo Police Department, the changes were made with a broad goal in mind: reducing risk for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. For people who move through the intersection every day, the new setup may take a moment to get used to.
But officials say the adjustments are intended to create a more predictable flow of traffic and cut down on the kinds of sudden, dangerous moments that can happen when people rush through without fully stopping.
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The intersection has also been refreshed with clearer lane markings and updated signal timing. Those changes are designed not only to improve safety, but also to help traffic continue moving steadily when motorists follow the posted rules. In other words, the system works best when everyone does their part.
Police paired the announcement with a few direct reminders that leave little room for confusion. “Red means stop. Not pause and sneak.
Full stop, every time,” the department said. Officers also reminded drivers to watch for people in crosswalks, noting that pedestrians have the right of way even when traffic is busy and tempers are short. Motorists are also being told to remain in their lanes and obey the signs now in place at the intersection.
The tone of the message was firm, but also practical. “We’re not out here to ruin your day. We’re out here to make sure everyone gets home safely, including you,” the department said. That message reflects the larger purpose behind the intersection update: not to create inconvenience, but to prevent avoidable crashes and close calls.
For San Mateo residents, commuters and anyone else traveling through the area, the takeaway is simple. Give yourself an extra moment, stop when the signal says stop, and stay alert to the people around you. As police put it, “patience is cheaper than a ticket.”
