Attention drivers: Essential tips to avoid fines as school zones reactivate in Australia!
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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.
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.
What are your thoughts on school zone rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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.
What are your thoughts on school zone rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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do they have coppers waiting or what to catch people
