As the school year approaches, Australian drivers may find themselves facing unexpected consequences on the road.

What seems like a routine time of year could quickly become a costly trap for those who aren't fully aware of a little-known rule.

What’s causing the confusion, and how can motorists avoid falling victim?

In the lead-up to the return of school, Australian road authorities warned drivers to avoid a recurring "speed fine trap" that targets parents at a much higher rate during pupil-free days.

NSW was gearing up for four consecutive pupil-free days, starting from tomorrow until February 5, with students set to return on 6 February.

These days, designed to help teachers and staff plan for the upcoming term, would see no children on school grounds.

Pupil-free days trigger a spike in speeding fines. Image source: Pexel/Aayush Srivastava

Despite this, school zone speed limits were still in effect, with fines for speeding expected to increase during the pupil-free period.

According to the NRMA: 'Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists.'

The authority pointed out that on 4 to 5 February 2024, a staggering 2,184 fines were issued over just two days.

That equated to an average of 1,092 fines per day between 30 and 31 January.

This figure was nearly double the typical daily rate for February, which was 598.

A school zone sign in NSW was displayed as a reminder for motorists.

School zone rules remained in place throughout the pupil-free period, including this week until Wednesday.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury stressed that speed cameras in school zones were ready to catch any lawbreakers.

He also highlighted the fact that fines for speeding were issued at nearly double the rate during pupil-free days compared to regular school days.

'It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school,' Mr Khoury said.

He added that there was public support for school zone speed limits but warned that 'confusion and complacency' could cause drivers to break the law when kids were still at home.

'The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support—we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined.'

Mr Khoury encouraged extra caution on the roads tomorrow as speed limits in school zones would still apply.

Looking ahead to the 2025 school year, the number of pupil-free days will increase from six in 2024 to eight.

The four days in January and February would be part of this increase, with the dates being 31 January and 3 to 5 February.

Khoury stressed the need for greater public education as 'pupil-free days see almost double the number of speeding fines in school zones compared to when children return to class'.

He also warned drivers that it was crucial to change behaviour tomorrow, with school zones already enforced, and not wait until next Thursday when students would return.

Key Takeaways

• Australian road authorities warned drivers about a ‘speed fine trap’ that occurs during pupil-free days, with fines increasing due to school zone speed limits still being enforced.
• From 30 to 31 January 2024, fines for speeding surged, with an average of 1,092 fines per day, nearly double the usual daily rate for February.
• NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury stressed that drivers are often unaware that speed limits apply during pupil-free days, despite no children being at school, leading to frustration and fines.
• For 2025, the number of pupil-free days will increase, with Khoury urging greater public education to avoid fines, as speeding violations during these days almost double compared to when students are present.

Have you ever been caught out by this confusion? Do you think the system needs to be clearer?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Vickers]

Why an American photo?.....or is the car parked on the wrong side of the road

 

[magpie1]

Why on earth does the school year have to start with so many pupil free days ?....why can't teachers start the year on the last days of their annual break in order to be ready when the School year begins? This seems to happen every year, surely it's time for a change. Teachers are paid good money and should have their preparations in place for a new school year well in advance of the beginning of school.

 

[Jennylolo]

Why on earth does the school year have to start with so many pupil free days ?....why can't teachers start the year on the last days of their annual break in order to be ready when the School year begins? This seems to happen every year, surely it's time for a change. Teachers are paid good money and should have their preparations in place for a new school year well in advance of the beginning of school.

dont know about all states, but in SA public school teachers do go back before kids do with senior leaders etc as much as a full week before with classroom staff for 2 days out of the 5. And many go in before this.

 

[Lawrence1945]

Is this because on those days some children are at schools on child care programs as the parents are working like befoeand after school programs?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Why an American photo?.....or is the car parked on the wrong side of the road

It is a photo taken in suburban Los Angeles.

 

[Jennylolo]

our school zones are 25 not 40. Some lights say when children present.

 

[magpie1]

It is a photo taken in suburban Los Angeles.

Yeah Veggie........really appropriate for a story about Australian schools eh.

 

[Viellarde]

Why on earth does the school year have to start with so many pupil free days ?....why can't teachers start the year on the last days of their annual break in order to be ready when the School year begins? This seems to happen every year, surely it's time for a change. Teachers are paid good money and should have their preparations in place for a new school year well in advance of the beginning of school.

Those days include 'pick up school supplies' days and other events. A school in my area has an electronic board which let us know what was happening. Eg: this week, supplies collection, Preps 1st day etc. School crossing supervisors were there for the Preps but not on the other days.

 

[Viellarde]

Yeah Veggie........really appropriate for a story about Australian schools eh.

Can you have a photo of an australian family without being sued?

 

[magpie1]

Can you have a photo of an australian family without being sued?

Wouldn't there be images in photo libraries that are already cleared for display ?

 

[Liag]

Why an American photo?.....or is the car parked on the wrong side of the road

The car is clearly parked in a driveway. You can see the road behind it.

 

[marni]

My daughter just came Jim 5 pm from her pupil free day. If you want up to date teachers that’s what you get. I don’t agree with school zones on days that are supposed to be pupil free. It’s already bad enough on school days when the darlings go home while we do 40 or 25 and they hop on an unregistered bushie motorbike bought by their parents and hoon all over the road with no helmets. If the parents don’t care why should we? .