Created on: 06.08.25 | Updated on: 06.08.25
Caught Speeding in a School Zone? What You Need to Know in NSW
School zones are some of the most heavily monitored and strictly enforced road areas in NSW. If you’ve been caught speeding in a school zone—even slightly over the limit—you could be facing higher fines, more demerit points, and a potential licence suspension.
In this article, we break down the rules around school zones in NSW, what penalties you might face, and how LY Lawyers can help if you’re at risk of losing your licence or want to challenge the offence in court.
When and where are school zones enforced?
In New South Wales, school zones operate on all gazetted school days, including pupil-free days, unless local signs (e.g. early‑start warnings) say otherwise. Typically, these zones are active from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM and from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, but local signage may extend or alter these hours.
Within active times, the limit drops to 40 km/h (and in some zones even 30 km/h), enforced rigorously with camera and police patrols—even if no children are visible.
Some areas, such as school crossings, bus zones, and pedestrian-heavy streets, have permanent or extended enforcement hours.
Important: Even a small breach of the speed limit during these hours can lead to harsher penalties than the same offence outside of a school zone.
Penalties for Speeding in a School Zone
Speeding in a school zone carries higher fines and more demerit points than standard speeding offences. Depending on which vehicle you used, here’s what you might face:
| Offence | Fine (approx.) | Demerit Points |
| Up to 10 km/h over | ~$149 | 2 |
| 10–20 km/h over | ~$345 | 4 |
| 20–30 km/h over | ~$592 | 5 |
| 30–45 km/h over | ~$1,133 | 6 |
| Over 45km/h | ~$3,054 | 7 |
Double Demerits: If caught during a holiday period or long weekend, demerit points may be doubled, meaning a single school zone offence could cost you up to 12-14 points. No doubling of the fine itself—only point counts increase.
Follow for more detailed information here.
Why school zone offences are so serious
Enforcement in school zones is strict because children are among the most vulnerable road users. Violations are taken seriously to discourage dangerous driving near schools. That’s why:
- Police and mobile speed cameras actively target these zones
- There is little leniency for drivers caught exceeding limits
- Repeat or high-range offenders may face immediate licence suspension
What can you do if you’ve been fined
- Check the Notice Carefully
Confirm the offence date/time/location—was it within school‑zone hours? Was signage correctly installed and visible?
- Assess the Impact on Your Demerit Points
If you’re nearing the threshold for your licence class (e.g. 13 points for unrestricted licences), a school‑zone offence—even at low range—might trigger a suspension notice.
- Unrestricted licence holders get suspended at 13+ points in 3 years
- Provisional P2 at 7+ points, P1/Learner at 4+ points
- Seek Legal Advice Immediately
If the offence threatens your licence or livelihood, a traffic lawyer may help you contest the charge, argue for discretionary non‑conviction (Section 10), or challenge procedural issues (e.g. faulty signage, camera calibration).
Why choose Ly Lawyers for causing speeding in school zone
Getting advice from a specialist traffic lawyer can help in cases such as:
- Disputing the accuracy of the offence location or time
- Clarifying unclear or deficient signage
- Mitigating loss from licence suspension via a Section 10 court outcome
- Minimising impact on work or caregiving if you rely on driving for daily life
At LY Lawyers, our experienced traffic lawyers represent clients facing school zone speeding charges:
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal advice
- Offices in Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Liverpool, and beyond
- Proven record of defending traffic offences
Contact LY Lawyers today for confidential consultation!
