San Mateo police issue traffic warning ahead of five-hour Cruise Night on El Camino

San Mateo, California – Drivers who normally use El Camino Real through San Mateo on Saturday evening may want to rethink their route. What could begin as an ordinary weekend trip could quickly turn into a slow crawl as a large Cruise Night brings potentially hundreds of vehicles onto one of the city’s busiest corridors.

San Mateo police are warning residents about possible traffic delays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, when participating vehicles are expected to repeatedly cruise along El Camino between 3rd Avenue and Hillsdale Shopping Center. The activity could continue for several hours and significantly affect normal traffic flow.

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Police are urging anyone who is not attending or participating in the event to use an alternate route and avoid unnecessary delays.

The advisory is not only about congestion. The San Mateo Police Department said officers will be present along the route to help protect pedestrians, spectators, participants and other motorists. All drivers taking part in the Cruise Night are expected to obey traffic laws throughout the event.

Spectators are also being asked to keep the roadway clear. Police said people watching the cruise should remain on sidewalks, cross streets using designated crosswalks, avoid littering and respect private property.

Authorities specifically noted that Borel Shopping Center is private property and its rules may be enforced if necessary. Public intoxication will also not be permitted.

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For drivers participating in the cruise, police laid out clear limits. Burnouts, doughnuts, speeding, reckless driving and other dangerous maneuvers are prohibited. Passengers should not lean out of vehicle windows or stand in truck beds, and no one should drive while impaired.

“Sideshows WILL NOT be tolerated,” police said.

The department said the goal is to allow people to enjoy the evening without creating unnecessary danger or forcing officers to intervene.

“We’d hate to ruin this event for anyone by having to take enforcement action, so let’s all do our part and work together to ensure this event is a safe and orderly one.”

For residents who simply need to get across San Mateo on Saturday night, the easiest precaution may be the simplest one: avoid the affected stretch of El Camino between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and plan another way around.