With Queensland students returning to school in January, it’s worthwhile brushing up on the rules regarding school zones.
For more information about Queensland’s road rules please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at tmr.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 2380.
- Most school zone signs in South East Queensland require road users to travel at no more than 40km/h from 7-9am and 2-4pm on school days. Note: Portable cameras are being used in school zones across Queensland until the end of July 2025 in a pilot study assessing if they impact driver behaviour.
- Some school zone speed limits apply all day. These are commonly 7am-4pm. Most of the time these will be at split-campus schools. Reduced speed limits are to protect vulnerable children whose ability to accurately assess the risks and consequences of their actions, and to control impulses is limited.
- Some local government areas outside South East Queensland have different standardised school zone times – 7:30-9:30am and 2-4pm are some of the more common times. See tmr.qld.gov.au for the full list of times.
- There are many school zones with enhanced school zone signs in Queensland. These signs feature flashing lights that operate while the school zone speed limit is active.
- A driver approaching a children’s crossing marked by flags or signs and lights must drive at a speed so they can stop safely before the crossing if needed. They must stop if a hand-held stop sign is displayed at the crossing or a pedestrian or rider of a bicycle is on or entering the crossing.
- If a driver stops at a children’s crossing, they must not proceed until there are no pedestrians or bicycle riders on or entering the crossing. If they were stopped by a person holding a hand-held stop sign, they must not proceed until the person no longer displays the sign or indicates the driver can proceed.
