Motorists across Australia are being reminded of the serious consequences of ignoring children’s crossings, with authorities confirming that fines of $530 and three demerit points apply to drivers who fail to stop when required. The penalty, designed to protect children travelling to and from school, highlights the ongoing push to maintain road safety in school zones.
Children’s Crossings and Safety Regulations
Children’s crossings are clearly marked red-and-white striped pedestrian areas often accompanied by flags and supervised by school crossing attendants. Drivers are legally required to stop at these designated points whenever children or a crossing supervisor is present, or when the flags are displayed during school hours.
These crossings are common near primary schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities. Authorities stress that ignoring them, even when no children appear to be present at that moment, puts young pedestrians at risk and undermines the safety regulations designed specifically for school environments.
Government and Police Warnings
Road safety bodies and state police forces have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance. Officers often conduct targeted patrols around schools during pick-up and drop-off times, issuing penalties on the spot. The $530 fine, combined with demerit points, serves as both a financial and licensing consequence.
Police across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and other states said they will continue monitoring traffic in school zones, particularly after recent incidents where near-misses were reported at unsupervised crossings. Authorities emphasise that patience and vigilance are non-negotiable when driving near children.
Impact on Drivers
For drivers, the penalty isn’t just a financial burden. Accumulating demerit points may lead to suspension, particularly for provisional licence holders who have lower point thresholds. With school zones being high-enforcement areas, one mistake can have longer-term repercussions on a person’s driving record.
Transport officials have also noted that the fine is aligned with other high-risk offences in school zones, such as speeding near schools or using a mobile phone behind the wheel. The aim, they say, is to reinforce the message that school zone safety rules are among the most strictly enforced traffic regulations across the country.
Support from Schools and Parents
Schools and parents have welcomed the strict penalties, arguing that they help to create a safer environment for children. Parent groups have expressed ongoing concerns about cars failing to stop in time at pedestrian crossings, especially during busy morning drop-offs.
Crossing supervisors, who play a vital role in ensuring children’s safety, have also called for driver cooperation and respect. Several unions representing school crossing attendants have asked for harsher penalties for repeat offenders, noting that each infraction puts not just children but crossing staff at risk.
What Drivers Should Remember
Authorities continue to urge drivers to reduce speed, pay full attention, and always prepare to stop when approaching a children’s crossing. Failing to do so results in an immediate fine of $530, three demerit points, and potential licence consequences if the offence contributes to exceeding the demerit limit.
With thousands of children using these crossings daily, transport and police agencies state the rule is not just about compliance but about protecting vulnerable pedestrians from unnecessary risks.
