As the school year comes to a close over the next few weeks, many students and families in Carlsbad are gearing up for graduations, end-of-the-school-year parties and more time outdoors.

This is a wonderful time full of celebrations, transitions and new beginnings. It’s also a good time to share a few reminders to help keep our entire community safe in the weeks ahead.

We sometimes see more underage drinking during graduation season, so our Police Department is sharing tips to help families stay vigilant during this exciting time:

• Talk openly with your teens about the dangers of underage drinking. 
• Set clear rules about alcohol with your teens and make sure they know the consequences.
• Know where your teens are going and who they’ll be with. Ensure they’re attending supervised events.
• If you’re hosting a party, make sure it’s alcohol-free or that alcohol is only served to those over 21. Adults who don’t follow these rules can face serious fines under the City of Carlsbad’s Social Host Ordinance.
• Encourage your teens to call you if they need a safe ride home.
• Use extra caution when driving around schools hosting ceremonies, keeping an eye out for people crossing the street and slowing down for extra traffic.

As the school year ends, some students might be using their e-bikes more to get to summer activities or just enjoy the outdoors. The city’s new e-bike laws are now in effect and the 60-day warning period ended on May 25, which means people who break the new laws could receive citations.

More information about the new laws is available on the city’s website. Here are a few important details:

• Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old
• The Police Department can impound e-motorcycles, which are not street legal, and e-bikes when there is an immediate or substantial public safety risk. For a minor to retrieve an impounded e-bike, they must complete an in-person safety course and a parent or guardian must be present when the e-bike is released.
• E-bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks.

Remember, we are safer when we work together. Congratulations to all Carlsbad graduates and their families.