NSW and ACT school zones

School zones operate from 8-9.30am and from 2.30-4pm Monday to Friday during school terms. Check our calendar below to find out when NSW and ACT school zones apply.

What are school zones?

School zones are in place outside every school in NSW and the ACT to keep children safe during school travel times. They are marked by school zone road signs, flashing lights and dragon’s teeth road markings. There is a 40km/h speed limit within each school zone and heavy penalties for motorists who drive over the speed limit or break other school zone laws. 

School zones also include designated drop-off and pick-up areas to allow parents and carers a safe environment to take children to and from school by car. Many school zones also have school crossing supervisors in place to help students use crossings on roads adjacent to or nearby schools. 

Many school zones also have school crossing supervisors in place to help students use crossings on roads adjacent to or nearby schools.

When do school zones apply in NSW and the ACT?

Most* school zones operate from 8:00am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days (including school development days) in NSW and from 8am to 4pm in the ACT.

School zone dates NSW 2025 - Eastern Division

Dates include school development days (also known as student-free days) as some students may attend their school on these days.

Are all school zones 40km/h? 

No. In specific areas, the NSW Government is installing High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) speed zones of 30km/h to improve safety.  

The Manly HPAA  has several school zones within the 30km/h zones. These school zones also operate at 30km/h. Orange school zone signs and road markings alert drivers to 30km/h zones.  

What penalties apply if I break the road rules in a school zone? 

Did you know that parking-based offences attract harsher punishments when committed in a school zone? Here’s a run down of the main infringements and their penalties.  

1. Observe No Parking signs: You have 2 minutes to drop-off or pick-up. You must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle. Failure to observe these rules can result in a $215 fine and 2 demerit points. 

2. Stopping in an intersection - if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $544 and 2 demerit points. 
 
3. Stop within 20m of intersection (traffic lights) - if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $544 and 2 demerit points. 
 
4. Stop within 10m of intersection (no traffic lights)  if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $544 and 2 demerit points. 
 
5. Stop near bicycle crossing lights -  if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $544 and 2 demerit points. 
 
6. Obstruct access to ramp/path/passageway - if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $410 and 2 demerit points. 
 
7. Not parallel park in the direction of travel - if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $410 fine and 2 demerit points. 
 
8. Parallel park close to dividing line -  if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $410 fine and 2 demerit points. 

9. Double Parking: Double parking is very dangerous in a school zone and will get you a fine of $410 and 2 demerit points.  

10. U turns: Illegal U turns in a school zone are dangerous and will get you a fine of $410 and 3 demerit points. 

11. Double Demerits: Speeding and mobile phone school zone offences attract double demerits within legislated periods.