As the 2024 school year commences, Australian drivers are urged to be vigilant and adhere to school zone rules.

The return of these rules means that drivers must adjust their driving habits, particularly around school areas, to avoid hefty fines and ensure the safety of children.

The rules and penalties for driving in school zones vary across states and territories. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these zones in your area and avoid any potential penalties.

New South Wales

When: In NSW’s Eastern Division, Term 1 begins on Tuesday, January 30, while the Western Division starts on Tuesday, February 6. Both divisions end on Friday, April 12.

Term 2 starts on Monday, April 29 to Friday, July 5.

Term 3 is from Monday, July 22, to Friday, September 27.

Meanwhile, Term 4 is from Monday, October 14, to Friday, December 20.

Times: School zones typically operate from 8-9.30 am and 2.30-4 pm, with exceptions identified by red and orange signs displaying the correct times.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h.

Additionally, when seeing flashing lights and signs on the road, this indicates a school zone. Painted pairs or triangles on opposite sides of a lane, called dragon’s teeth road markings, also indicate you are near a school zone.

Fines: Exceeding this by less than 10km/h can result in a $225 fine and two demerit points (five for provisional or drivers with a learner’s licence). Speeds above 10km/h have fines beginning at $405 and four demerit points.

Using a mobile phone in a school zone can lead to a $514 fine and 5 demerit points.

Students are getting ready to go back to school in Australia. Image: Freepik

Victoria

Dates: It’s crucial to note that in Victoria, some school zones are permanent 40km/h zones, while others operate based on school terms and weekdays.

Term 1 is from Tuesday, January 30, to Thursday, March 28.

Term 2 is from Monday, April 15, to Friday, June 28.

Term 3 is from Monday, July 15, to Friday, September 20.

Term 4 is from Monday, October 7, to Friday, December 20.

Times: Time-based school zones operate from 8-9.30 am and 2.30-4 pm.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h if the driver’s original speed is less than 80km/h. However, when the original speed is 80km/h or higher, the school zone speed limit is 60km/h.

Fines: Those exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h can incur fines starting from $240 and one demerit point, increasing with higher speeds. This increases the further you go above 10km/h, with fines ranging from $385 to $962.

School zone signs with the speed limit and times are placed at the beginning and at the ends of school zones. Advance warning signs stating you are approaching a school zone are also indicated in these areas.

Three demerit points will be given if you drive more than 10km/h above the speed limit, and an automatic licence suspension begins above 25km/h.

Queensland

Dates: In Queensland, school terms vary across different schools, so it is advised to slow down to the school zone speed limit whenever you’re unsure whether it's a school day.

Term 1 is from Monday, January 22, to Thursday, March 28.

Term 2 is from Monday, April 15, to Friday, June 21.

Term 3 is from Monday, July 8, to Friday, September 13, and Term 4 is from Monday, September 30, to Friday, December 13.

Times: Typically, school zones operate from 7-9 am and 2-4 pm. Exceptions are identified with flashing lights above the sign.

Rules: When the original speed is 50-70 km/h, the speed limit in school zones is 40km/h. However, when the original speed is 80km/h or higher, the school zone speed limit is 60km/h.

Signs with red borders and the relevant times indicate the start of school zones. Flashing lights will indicate if they are in effect.

Fines: Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h will incur $287 and one demerit point. This increases the further you go above 10km/h, with fines ranging from $431 to $1,078 and three to eight demerit points.

If you have committed two or more offences within a year of the previous offence at speeds of 21km/h over the speed limit, you will receive double demerit points.

South Australia

Dates: In South Australia, school zones are enforced all day, every day, throughout the year.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 25km/h whenever a child or student in uniform is in the area, such as on roads, footpaths or bikes.

You’ll see signs that mark the start and end of school zones, with zigzag lines on the road indicating you are approaching one.

Fines: Those vehicles exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h can incur fines starting from $196 and 2 demerit points. This increases the further you go above 10km/h, with fines ranging from $442 to $1,840 and demerit points from three to nine.

Western Australia

Dates: In Western Australia, school zone speed limits apply on weekdays during school terms.

Term 1 is from Wednesday, January 31, to Thursday, March 28.

Term 2 is from Monday, April 15, to Friday, June 28.

Term 3 is from Monday, July 15, to Friday, September 20, and Term 4 is from Monday, October 7, to Thursday, December 12.

Times: School zones generally operate from 7.30-9 am and 2.30-4 pm. However there are some exceptions, including Gascoyne and Pilbara, (7.30-9 am, 2-3.30 pm), Kimberley (7-8.30 am and 2-3.30 pm) and Carnarvon (7.30-9 am and 2-4 pm).

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h unless specified to be slower.

Fines: In Western Australia, speeding fines are measured in penalty units of $50 each. Speeding up to 9km/h over the speed limit results in two penalty units ($100).

These units increase and range from four penalty units ($200) to 24 ($1200) and demerit points from two to seven.

ACT

Dates and Times: In the ACT, speed restrictions in school zones are between 8 am and 4 pm on weekdays.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h, with signs indicating whenever you are in a school zone.

Fines: Exceeding the speed limit by up to 15km/h in school zones is $342 and one demerit point. This increases when you go above 15km/h, with fines ranging from $511 to $2,136 and three to six demerit points.

Tasmania

Dates: In Tasmania, school zone speed limits apply on weekdays during school terms.

Term 1 is from Thursday, February 8, to Friday, April 12.

Term 2 is from Monday, April 29, to Friday, July 5.

Term 3 is from July 22 to September 27, and Term 4 is from Monday, October 14 to Thursday, December 19.

Times: School zone times operate from 8-9.30 am and 2.30-4 pm.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h.

Fines: Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h will incur a $98 fine and two demerit points. This increases the further you go above 10km/h, with fines ranging from $146 to $1,121 and demerit points from two to six.

Northern Territory

Dates: In the Northern Territory, school zone speed limits apply on weekdays during school terms.

Term 1 is from Tuesday, January 30, to Friday, April 5.

Term 2 is from Tuesday, April 16, to Friday, June 21.

Term 3 is from Tuesday, July 16, to Friday, September 20, and Term 4 is from Tuesday, October 8 to Thursday, December 12.

Times: School zone times operate from 7 am-5 pm.

Rules: The speed limit in school zones is 40km/h. Signs will mark the beginning and end of school zones, along with their times.

Fines: Exceeding the speed limit by up to 15km/h will incur a $150 fine and one demerit point. This will go up the further you go above 15km/h, with fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 and three to six demerit points.

The penalties for violating school zone rules can be severe.

However, the real cost of not following school zone rules can be much higher. Every year, children are injured or killed in traffic accidents in school zones. By following the rules, drivers can help to prevent these tragedies.

Key Takeaways

• School zone speed limits will be reinstated across Australia as the new school year commences at the end of January 2024.
• Each state and territory has different school term dates, operating times for school zones, and specific road rules and penalties for driving in these zones.
• The exact rules and fines vary by location, and all drivers are reminded to be vigilant and slow down in school zones to ensure the safety of children and students.

What are your thoughts on school zone rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Bill Mcl]

The police used to go to schools to teach kids how to correctly cross roads.

 

[JedCorella]

The police used to used to go to schools to teach kids how to correctly cross roads.

They also use to behave like human beings. Nowadays they are dressed like Batman brandishing all sorts of weapons. It certainly does not give me a feeling of security. I have taught my kids NOT to trust the police because they are NOT your friend. The Covaids BS has certainly proved that. Take Victoria where people are leaving in droves because of the total over reach of the police.

 

[52HHH]

It would be helpful to everyone if there was uniformity in the school times, speeds and Penalities across Australia

 

[IAN3005]

The police used to go to schools to teach kids how to correctly cross roads.

AMEN.....Get them of these devices and concentrate on what is going on around them.

 

[IAN3005]

The police used to go to schools to teach kids how to correctly cross roads.

One would have thought that common sense would apply.. very few of them around nowadays... they are like feral animals.

 

[AlanQ]

They also use to behave like human beings. Nowadays they are dressed like Batman brandishing all sorts of weapons. It certainly does not give me a feeling of security. I have taught my kids NOT to trust the police because they are NOT your friend. The Covaids BS has certainly proved that. Take Victoria where people are leaving in droves because of the total over reach of the police.

Really, you've 'taught' your children to not trust police. I'm guessing (like so many like minded) the first port of call in an emergency is facebook. Kids should be encouraged to seek out police in a time of help. Not sure what you're covid stupidity has to do with it.

 

[Brody]

An absolute pain, but extremely important to protect our Kids from being hurt or maimed because Careless Drivers. Especially the impatient ones who are oh, so, running late to heaven only knows where.
They are the hazards.
I believe Impatient Drivers cause a huge number of accidents to happen. Wether in School Zones or anywhere else.
Be good , be safe and Care for our Kids.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Ixnay, ixnay, ixnay on the Hate Police rubbish.
All any driver has to do is:
Use eyes, undistracted;
Use brain, unprejudiced;
Use car as a vehicle, not as a substitute appendage; and
Remember that "it's not all about you".

 

[Littleboy8]

They also use to behave like human beings. Nowadays they are dressed like Batman brandishing all sorts of weapons. It certainly does not give me a feeling of security. I have taught my kids NOT to trust the police because they are NOT your friend. The Covaids BS has certainly proved that. Take Victoria where people are leaving in droves because of the total over reach of the police.

People I know are leaving for a better lifestyle not because of the coppers. Strange thing to say jed

 

[DasherD]

These are a must around schools to ensure that the children have a safe experience and can gain road safety knowledge and experience in a safer zone. The trouble is the location of the signage for these speed zones is in the hands of Councils and therefore there is no standard as to distances from school boundaries. Some schools are located in remote areas, few High school children walking on the road, yet there is a speed zone in place for half of the boundary fence. The speed limit is for motorists enter the traffic flow from an intersection, yes school children could be involved in an accident yet it is stretching the true reason for school speed limited zones.

 

[freedy50]

They also use to behave like human beings. Nowadays they are dressed like Batman brandishing all sorts of weapons. It certainly does not give me a feeling of security. I have taught my kids NOT to trust the police because they are NOT your friend. The Covaids BS has certainly proved that. Take Victoria where people are leaving in droves because of the total over reach of the police.

What a terrible way of teaching your kids. So if they did get stopped by the police, which would seem likely, they would most probably be rude to them as their father said it would be ok to ignore them? Dreadful

 

[Brody]

Ixnay, ixnay, ixnay on the Hate Police rubbish.
All any driver has to do is:
Use eyes, undistracted;.

Use brain, unprejudiced;
Use car as a vehicle, not as a substitute appendage; and
Remember that "it's not all about you".

You are dead right in everything you have said.
Old Fashioned Good Commonsense will win every time.
Thank you Staffordshire Whippet for your thoughts which are Spot On.

 

[Bill Mcl]

It would be helpful to everyone if there was uniformity in the school times, speeds and Penalities across Australia

That would put too many Politicians out of their already unnecessary jobs. But so bloody good for this country in so many ways. WE NEED WORKERS, NOT WANKERS.

 

[Bob’s Buddy]

Yes! Staffordshire Whippet, well said! and Bill McL. Also, the police force is not what it used to be and neither are the schools, respect and commonsense are out the window. Yes, simple commonsense would solve a lot of problems. Yes, some police not all of them are power driven nowadays and do dress like Batman because they are not our police force but they are mercenaries.

 

[Rob44]

Now if mums didn't use their SUVs to drive their kids to school and thus block both sides of the road leaving only the white line area for two-way traffic......... But on the other side it possibly has a "traffic calming" effect insofar as we have to travel slowly and even manage to be courteous for maybe two hours per day to other drivers and buses forced to use that same narrow space, thus denying the police the opportunity to fine us for our frailities in wanting to drive at 80kph (whilst using using mobile phone) through a school-zone...........

 

[Thedutchess]

I would like to see one speed limit across all states to be the same. Takes away the confusion and guesswork around this. For all ages and drivers.

 

[DasherD]

That would be great Thedutchess, however governments cannot even get a standard set of road rules for all of Australia let alone when Local Councils can add their own interpretation on what is legal or not on the road. We do need two speed limits in school zones for when there is a requirement on a highway, 100kph, but standardization would assist drivers in compliance with the speed requirement. So would it not also assist if the establishment of the speed zone was also standardized to comply with the State Guidelines and again not left to Local Councils to manipulate to their own desires.

 

[Ronloby]

Why is the SA speed limit just 25ks all year round?

 

[Knell]

That would be great Thedutchess, however governments cannot even get a standard set of road rules for all of Australia let alone when Local Councils can add their own interpretation on what is legal or not on the road. We do need two speed limits in school zones for when there is a requirement on a highway, 100kph, but standardization would assist drivers in compliance with the speed requirement. So would it not also assist if the establishment of the speed zone was also standardized to comply with the State Guidelines and again not left to Local Councils to manipulate to their own desires.

I think Local Council listen to their own communities...which might be different from others - that is fair.