Starting in 2025, Australia’s new traffic laws for school zones aim to enhance the safety of children going to and from school. New laws entail extended 40 km/h zones, the addition of electronic signage and faster sign adjustment technology, and enforcement of highway fines for reckless and distracted driving in school zones.
Increased 40 km/h Zones and Revised Times
Over 100 school crossings across Australia now have 40 km/h speed limits for the entire duration of school zone hours of 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM on school days. Old signage are being updated to digital ones, which will show and adjust speed limits automatically for school zone times. States, such as WA, SA, and NSW, have planned these changes progressively up to 2028. Revised times and better signage help the school zones better communicate to motorists the need to slow down for the safety of children.
Stricter Penalties and Increased Fines
There will be larger penalties in 2025 for traffic violations in school zones. For example, a fine of up to $887 can be issued for drivers who go over the speed limit by 10km/h and drivers who go over the limit by even more will be fined over $1,400 and receive demerit points. In addition, mobile phone distracted driving is also facing tougher penalties. There is a new $765 fine for drivers who do not observe reduced speed limits in school zones. In extreme cases, bad driving in school zones can equal a $4,890 fine.
Enhanced Enforcement and Technology
To spot repeat offenders, police are using mobile speed cameras, police patrols, and automatic number plate recognition. Electronic speed signs improve visibility and activate automatically during school hours to remind drivers to slow down. These measures are aimed to change dangerous driving behavior.
Regional Roll-Out and Community Impact
New laws are being adopted in phases in new Australian states. South Australia has started installation of digital signs in the region during the middle of 2025. Western Australia and New South Wales will also follow in 2026 and afterwards. These reforms are being positively acknowledged by the school communities and safety advocates as they promote the enhancement of the walking and cycling environments for children. These reforms are being positively acknowledged by the school communities and safety advocates as they promote the enhancement of the walking and cycling environments for children. Altered driving habits around school zones and familiarization of the new driving laws around school zones will help in protecting the new vulnerable school-aged pedestrians.
Short Data Table: Key Details of New School Zone Laws in Australia 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed Limit | 40 km/h in school zones |
| School Zone Hours | 7:30-9:30 AM, 2:00-4:00 PM on school days |
| Fine for Speeding (>10 km/h) | Up to $887+ and demerit points |
| Fine for Ignoring Speed Limit | $765 |
| Highest Fine for Dangerous Driving | $4,890 |
| Enforcement Methods | Mobile speed cameras, ANPR, police patrols |
| Signage | Electronic speed signs with automatic activation |
FAQ
Q1. When do the new school zone speed limits apply?
The new school zone limits apply 7:30 AM- 9:30 AM and 2:00- 4:00 PM on school days only, including weekends and school holidays.
Q2. What are penalties for speeding in school zones?
The school zone violation fines start around $592 which are considered minor and $1,429 and above are considered major. Both fines along with demerit points.
Q3. Are there stricter rules for new drivers?
Yes, learners and provisional license holders and new drivers will face stricter rules which include speed limits, and the use of mobile phones will also face stricter penalties. These include license suspension.
