Transport for NSW is reminding motorists school zones will be back in force across the state from 20 July 2026.
Executive Director Transport Safety, Emma Shearer said it was important everyone follows the speed limit around schools from Monday even though some schools may have school development days until Wednesday.
“The date students begin Term 3 classes in NSW varies depending on the school, some start on Monday, others on Tuesday, while some schools don’t have students back until Wednesday,” Ms Shearer said.
“We want all motorists to know that Monday and Tuesday are gazetted school days so school zones will be in place from Monday 20th July. Please help keep everyone safe by slowing down around every school, sticking to the 40km/h speed limit, and driving with care.”
School zones generally apply from 8 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 4pm on weekdays and motorists who don’t obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits. Some schools in NSW have non-standard school zone times. These schools can be identified by the red or orange school zone signs which have the school zone times listed on them.
Ms Shearer said NSW has around 6,800 school zone flashing lights in place across the state to alert motorists when they are about to enter a school zone.
“I’m appealing to everyone to look out for the flashing lights and signage around school zones and follow the rules to help protect one of our most vulnerable road users – our children as they head to and from school,” Ms Shearer said.
“Also please take care around school buses – if their lights are flashing you must not drive faster than 40km/h around them, this applies whether the bus is stationary or moving.”
For more information on school zones, please visit. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones.
