How to Drive Safely During School Zone Times – and Around Children

School zone times – those mandated weekday periods with reduced speed limits – exist all over Australia.​¹ The reason should be obvious to all.

Children are smaller and harder to see than adults and can behave unpredictably near roads – so, lower speed limits are designed to help protect them on their way to and from school, by reducing the risk and potential severity of crashes.²

Yet some drivers, it seems, haven’t got the message. Recent NSW Government data reveals that in the 2024-25 financial year, more than 340 drivers a day were issued with a school zone speeding fine for exceeding the speed limit during active school zone times.³

Whether you’re a school parent, a student driver or simply passing a school on your daily commute, every motorist has a duty to keep children safe as they travel to and from school.⁴

​​To help you do your part, this guide explains how school zone times work and what a school zone speeding fine could cost in your state or territory. We also share expert tips from Kidsafe on teaching children road safety.

What is a school zone?

School zones are reduced-speed areas that encompass the key streets and roads around schools.5 Signage shows drivers where the zones start and end, and road markings and flashing lights are often present to boost the visibility of zones and improve driver awareness when entering one.^{2, 4}

When does the school zone speed limit apply?

The answer depends on where you live, because states and territories have different rules, as outlined below. Perhaps you’re also wondering, what is the speed limit in a school zone? That too will depend on your location. We’ve gathered the rules from each state and territory in the following table as a handy reference.​​^1,4

*Times may vary between local government areas.¹

How much is a school zone speeding fine?

The fine amount for a school zone speeding fine – and the demerit points that accompany it – ​ ​varies by location. And remember, some states and territories apply double demerits for speeding at certain times of the year, including​ ​​​ some dates when school zones may be in operation.⁶

​​Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in SA⁷

Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in NSW⁸

​​^Larger demerit points and/or suspensions apply for learner and provisional licence holders⁸

Demerit points, fines and automatic ​ ​licence suspensions for speeding in a school zone in VIC⁹

Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in WA​​¹⁰

​

​​Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in TAS¹¹

Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in the NT​¹²

Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in QLD​¹³

Demerit points and fines for speeding in a school zone in the ACT​¹⁴

What other road rules apply during school zone times?

Within a school zone, there are typically other signs that drivers must obey – and failing to comply can also result in fines and demerit points.^{4, 8} For example:

• If you see a No Stopping or a No Standing sign, you must not stop in that area for any reason.⁴
• Stopping in a No Parking zone is not permitted unless you’re picking up or dropping off passengers. You can only stop for less than 2 minutes and you must remain in or very close to your car.^{4, 15}
• Bus zones are for buses only. However, some bus zone signs have times shown, which means you can stop there outside those times.¹⁵

Some schools also have Drop Off and Pick Up zones, sometimes called ​Kiss and Ride or Kiss and Drop zones in some states. These provide parents and carers with a designated safe area to drop off and collect kids by car.¹⁶ Check with your children’s school about any specific rules that apply in these zones.⁴

Practical tips for driving safely around children

Observing the correct speed limit is paramount for children’s road safety. But whether you’re driving kids to school or simply passing by, there are other things you can do to practise safe driving in a school zone:¹⁷

• Be vigilant for flashing lights on buses. These indicate the bus is picking up or letting off children, and they may be about to cross the road.
• Be prepared to stop at crossings. Always slow on approach and follow the supervisor’s instructions if present.
• Give way to pedestrians. Especially when entering or leaving driveways or side roads near schools.
• Park and turn around legally. Avoid U-turns and three-point turns, which can be dangerous during school zone times.
• Practise safe drop-offs and pick-ups. Use ‘kiss and ride’ zones where possible. Otherwise, stop on the school side of the road to prevent children running across without checking for traffic.¹⁷

How to teach younger children safe road habits

It’s never too early to start modelling road-safe habits, according to Sarah Sexton, Chief Executive Officer of Kidsafe Victoria.

“Children watch and copy adult behaviour from a very young age, so use everyday moments as teaching opportunities,” suggests Sexton.

“Narrating simple actions – for example, ‘We’re waiting for the green man before we cross’ or ‘We’re stopping to look both ways’ – helps children absorb safe habits.”

Remember though that young children need constant supervision around roads and traffic, on average, until they’re at least 10 years old.¹⁶

​​“Young children can’t reliably judge traffic or remember rules on their own,” notes Christine Erskine, Executive Officer of Kidsafe New South Wales.

“They need close supervision around roads, ideally hand holding, but always within arm’s reach so you can step in quickly.”

How to teach older children safe road habits

From school age, Sexton says focus on four key skills:

Using designated crossings: teach children to always look for traffic lights, school crossings or pedestrian refuges, even if it means walking a little further.

Stop, look, listen, think: whenever you’re crossing a road with your child, stop one step back from the kerb, look both ways continuously, listen for approaching traffic – and keep checking until you’re safely across the road. This simple routine helps them pause, check and make good decisions.

Driveway safety: many accidents happen when cars are reversing from driveways, so teach children to stop at driveways and look for cars. Remind them that cars can appear suddenly and silently, especially electric and hybrid vehicles.

Consistency: walk the same route together until they can confidently and safely navigate it alone.

Now you have some expert tips to help you drive safely in school zones, and minimise your risk of earning​ ​demerit points. If you’d like to find out how Youi could help cover your car for damage caused by an accident on the road, consider starting a quote for insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped today.

Information is relevant as of September 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.

¹ Source: Australian Government –​ Rules for School Zones by State and Territory, May 2025
² Source: NSW Government – School zones
³ Source: NSW Government – School zones are back in force, so drive like kids’ lives depend on it!, July 2025
⁴ Source: SA Government – Safety around schools
⁵ Source: Transport Victoria – School zones
⁶ Source: NSW Government – Demerit points
​​​​⁷ Source: SA Government – Road rules: Offences and Penalties
⁸ Source: NSW Government – School zone offences, July 2025
⁹ Source: Fines Victoria – Fine amounts and demerit points
¹⁰ Source: WA Government – Speeding
¹¹ Source: Tas Government –​ Penalties and Infringements
¹² Source: NT Government – Traffic offence fines and demerit points
¹³ Source: Qld Government – Demerit points schedule
¹⁴ Source: ACT Government – Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005, July 2025
¹⁵ Source: NSW Government – Parking rules
¹⁶ Source: NSW Government – School safety
¹⁷ Source: NSW Government – ​ ​​​​​Road safety – Keeping your child safe when driving to and from school