Australian drivers are being urged to take extra care around school zones, with a new $765 fine introduced in 2025 targeting one of the most common mistakes motorists make during peak school hours. The updated traffic law, which took effect earlier this year, is aimed at reinforcing safety in areas where children are most at risk.
The increase in penalties reflects the government’s determination to improve road safety outcomes, particularly in NSW and Queensland, where speeding and traffic violations in school zones remain a persistent issue. The goal is to reduce accidents near schools and remind drivers that even minor lapses in attention can result in severe consequences.
Common mistake: Ignoring reduced limits
The offence in focus is failing to observe the reduced speed limit in marked school zones. While the standard limit on urban roads may range from 50 to 60 km/h, school zones impose lower restrictions during specific hours—usually from 8 to 9:30 am and 2:30 to 4 pm on school days. Drivers who fail to slow down to 40 km/h (or lower in some states) risk being hit with the $765 fine.
Authorities point out that many drivers are not deliberately reckless but are instead inattentive to signage or unaware of the time restrictions. This lack of awareness, however, does not excuse the violation. The penalties are designed to serve as both a deterrent and an educational tool to reinforce the importance of vigilance near schools.
Why the penalty is higher in 2025
The harsher fine structure introduced this year is part of broader traffic law reforms. According to transport departments across states, the number of speeding incidents recorded in school zones remained steady over the past decade despite awareness campaigns. Policymakers argued that only a significant increase in financial penalties could drive behavioural change.
Data from Transport for NSW showed that in 2024 alone, more than 38,000 drivers were caught speeding in school zones, with half of them exceeding the limit by fewer than 10 km/h. Officials believe the higher $765 penalty specifically addresses these frequent but often underestimated breaches.
Enforcement and monitoring
Police units and mobile speed cameras will continue to operate around school precincts during designated times. In addition to traditional speed enforcement, newer technologies such as automated number plate recognition (ANPR) are being deployed to track repeat offenders.
Parents and school communities have welcomed these measures, noting that illegal driving behaviour during drop-off and pick-up times remains a major concern. Road safety organisations stress that even a few kilometres over the limit can make the difference between a near miss and a tragedy.
What drivers should remember
Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with school zone hours in their state and to remain alert whenever they see the flashing school zone lights or signage. Authorities recommend planning travel routes to account for school areas during peak times and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or GPS adjustments when driving through these busy zones.
The strengthened penalties are also paired with targeted education campaigns reminding parents, carers, and professional drivers that children are unpredictable pedestrians who often cross roads suddenly.
A clear message to drivers
The introduction of the $765 school zone penalty in 2025 sends a clear message: road safety around children is non-negotiable. Authorities are confident that the tougher stance, combined with enforcement and community support, will result in safer environments for students across Australia.
For drivers, the reminder is simple: slow down, pay attention, and treat every school zone with the caution it deserves.
