School zones across most of NSW are back in force from Tuesday 27 January 2026 as teachers and students begin returning for the new school year.
Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Safety Chadi Chalhoub said that while the first few days of the term are traditionally school development days for teachers, children may also be returning and that will continue to increase throughout the week.
“After six weeks of school holidays, school zones will be back in force from Tuesday 27 January. We expect to see an increase in activity around schools as teachers and students make their way back to the classroom for 2026,” Mr Chalhoub said.
“We know some schools return earlier than others, particularly non-government schools, so to avoid any confusion for motorists and to keep returning children safe, 40km/h school zone speed limits will be in place from Tuesday.
“There are many locations where multiple schools are close to each other and some of those schools will have different return dates. To keep everyone safe slow down around every school, obey the 40km/h speed limit, and keep your eye out for vulnerable kids embarking on an exciting new year of education.
“For students in the Western Division of the state, the school term will start a week later and school zones will be in place from Tuesday 3 February.”
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.
“There are more than 6,800 school zone flashing lights in place across NSW to let motorists know they are about to enter a school zone,” Mr Chalhoub said.
“It’s important motorists follow the rules to ensure every child and teacher gets to school and returns home safely. The best way to do this is by following the speed limit, watching out for children when they are crossing the road, and slowing down and looking out as they get on or off buses.
“Children can be curious and unpredictable around roads, so drivers need to be aware of their surroundings when travelling through school zones.
“The start of the new year is also a good opportunity for parents and guardians to remind children about road safety and teach them to Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time they cross the road.”
Some schools have non-standard school zone times in NSW. You can identify these by the red or orange school zone signs which have the school zone times on them.
