Travel to school

School zones

A 40 km/h speed limit applies in school zones to help protect children travelling to and from school. Lower speeds significantly reduce both the risk of a crash and the severity of injuries if one occurs. To increase driver awareness, school zones are clearly marked with signage, dragon’s teeth road markings, and flashing lights—making them more visible and easier to identify.

School zones operate 8:00 am – 9.30am and 2.30pm –4:00pm.

When school zones are active, always drive at or below the posted speed limit.

Higher penalties apply for offences committed in school zones, including increased fines and demerit points. During double demerit periods, offences such as speeding and illegal mobile phone use carry even greater penalties.

See more on fines and demerit point offences.

Walking to and from school

Always hold your child’s hand until they are at least 8 years old. Young children need help recognising dangers, such as vehicles reversing out of driveways. They can also become easily distracted and may wander into traffic.

Supervise your child closely until at least age 10, holding their hand when crossing the road. If you’re unable to be there, arrange for a trusted adult to accompany them.

Drop off and pick up your child near the school gate, and never call them from across the road.

Teach your child the Stop, Look, Listen, Think method, and practise it together every time you cross the road:

• Stop and wait at the kerb
• Look both ways continuously
• Listen for approaching traffic
• Think about whether it is safe to cross, and keep checking until you are safely across
• Walk across calmly. Don't run, push or play games.

Learn the difference between pedestrian crossings and children’s crossings on our website.

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/pedestrians

Driving to and from school

• Ensure your child is in the correct car seat for their height and age, and that it is fitted and used properly.
• Follow the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones, as these are high-traffic areas during busy times.
• Give way to buses pulling out, and watch for flashing lights.
• Park and turn legally near schools, avoiding unsafe maneuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns.
• Always give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering or exiting driveways.
• Use designated drop-off and pick-up areas on the school side of the road, and never call children to cross from the opposite side.
• Ensure children exit the car on the kerb-side, away from passing traffic.

School drop-off and pick-up: safety reminders

Some areas are marked Drop-off & Pick-up, Kiss and Ride, or Kiss and Drop.

These are for quickly dropping off or collecting students on the school side of the road.

The Drop-off and Pick-up initiative:

• 2-minute limit during busy school times.
• You must stay in the car and keep moving.
• You must use the zone legally.
• Park safely within designated school zones.
• Follow all speed signs and limits (40 km/h during school zone hours).
• Do not perform U-turns or three-point turns near the school.

Failure to follow these rules may result in fines and penalties, including:

• Illegal parking/stopping: from $344

• Illegal U-turns/3-point turns: from $344 + 3 demerit points
• Speeding in a school zone: from $344 + 4 demerit points.

These penalties are enforced by NSW Police and authorised officers to help protect students, families, and the wider community.

By following these guidelines, you are helping to create a safer environment for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/safety-around-schools

Pedestrians

It’s important to Stop. Look. Listen. Think.

• Always use pedestrian crossings. They're the safest way to cross the road. If there isn't one, it's risky to cross.
• Stay safe when walking and take out your earphones and put away your phone before crossing the road.
• Use a safe place to cross the road.
• Look continuously both ways.
• Listen for the sound of approaching traffic.
• Think whether it is safe to cross.

NSW Roundabout Rules

• Go slow: Drive carefully and watch for kids.
• Give way: Let cars already in the roundabout go first.
• Follow lanes: Stay in your lane—don’t cut across.
• Don’t enter if blocked: Wait if traffic ahead is stopped—don’t block the roundabout.
• Use indicators: Signal where you’re going and when you exit.
• Pick-up/drop-off only: Don’t park or wait in the roundabout.
• Keep moving: If your child isn’t ready, go around again.
• Watch pedestrians: Always give way to children and crossings.

Roundabout offences (NSW)

• Failing to give way at a roundabout:

  ➜ about $464 + 3 demerit points

• Not signalling correctly (entering or exiting):

  ➜ about $216 + 2 demerit points

• Entering a blocked roundabout (blocking traffic):

  ➜ can be treated as stopping in an intersection

  ➜ about $464+ fine

• Unsafe driving in a roundabout (cutting off other cars):

  ➜ fines and demerit points may apply depending on the offence

Stay safe and avoid fines.

Double Parking

In NSW, double parking in school zones is illegal and dangerous. It is not allowed even for quick drop-offs or pick-ups.

Stopping alongside a parked vehicle makes it harder for drivers to see, blocks traffic flow and puts children at risk.

Penalty: To discourage unsafe behaviour around children, fines are severe, usually around $410 and 2 demerit points.