School zones
School zones
The 40km/h speed limit in school zones helps to protect children on their way to and from school. The lower speed limit reduces the risk and potential severity of a crash. School zone signs, dragon’s teeth road markings and flashing lights improve the visibility and driver awareness of school zones.
Drive under the school zone speed limit when school zones are active. Increased fines and demerit points apply for certain school zone offences. Illegal use of mobile phones and speeding are among those included in double demerit periods. See more on fines and demerit point offences.
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School zone days
40km/h school zones are in force on all notified school days. These exclude weekends, public holidays and public school holidays.
School zone days include school development days (or pupil-free days) because some students may still attend school on these days.
Notified school days | 2023 |
Term 1 – Eastern Division NSW | Friday 27 January to Thursday 6 April (inclusive) |
Term 1 – Western Division NSW | Friday 3 February to Thursday 6 April (inclusive) |
Term 2 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW) | Monday 24 April to Friday 30 June (inclusive) |
Term 3 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW) | Monday 17 July to Friday 22 September (inclusive) |
Term 4 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW) | Monday 9 October to Tuesday 19 December (inclusive) |
The NSW Department of Education website has more on school term dates.
School zone times
Most school zones operate 8–9.30am and 2.30–4pm. However, there are a few non-standard school zone times in NSW. You can identify these by the red or orange school zone signs which have the school zone times on them.
Every school zone in NSW has at least one school zone flashing light sign.
30km/h zones
The NSW Government is installing High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) speed zones of 30km/h to support the community and improve safety.
The Manly HPAA has several school zones within the 30km/h zones. These school zones also operate at 30km/h. To emphasise this, 30km/h orange school zone signs and road markings are there to alert you.
For more information
School Crossing Supervisors across NSW play an important role in keeping children safe around schools.
Managing safety around schools in NSW.
Our Road Safety Education Program provides educational resources and professional development to teachers and childhood educators in NSW.