Here’s a breakdown of common offences related to speeding in school zones in NSW, accompanied by the potential penalties.
Exceeding the Speed Limit by Less Than 10 km/h
- Offence: Driving at a speed of 50 km/h in a 40 km/h school zone.
- Penalty: A fine and the deduction of 2 demerit points. During double demerit periods, such as school holidays or public holiday weekends, the points deducted can double.
Exceeding the Speed Limit by More Than 10 km/h But Not More Than 20 km/h
- Offence: Driving at a speed of 60 km/h in a 40 km/h school zone.
- Penalty: A heavier fine compared to the previous category and the deduction of 3 demerit points. This can double to 6 points during double demerit periods.
Exceeding the Speed Limit by More Than 20 km/h But Not More Than 30 km/h
- Offence: Driving at a speed of 70 km/h in a 40 km/h school zone.
- Penalty: An even heftier fine and the deduction of 4 demerit points. During double demerit periods, this increases to 8 points.
Exceeding the Speed Limit by More Than 30 km/h But Not More Than 45 km/h
- Offence: Driving at a speed of 80 km/h in a 40 km/h school zone.
- Penalty: A significant fine and the deduction of 5 demerit points, which can increase to 10 points during double demerit periods. In addition, a 3-month suspension of your driving license may be imposed.
Exceeding the Speed Limit by More Than 45 km/h
- Offence: Driving at a speed of 90 km/h or above in a 40 km/h school zone.
- Penalty: A substantial fine, the deduction of 6 demerit points (12 during double demerit periods), and immediate suspension of your driving license for 6 months.
Conclusion
School zones are designed to ensure the safety of children and are marked by distinctive signage, often accompanied by flashing lights during operational hours. Speeding in these zones is taken very seriously due to the potential risk to young lives. Always be mindful of your speed, especially in school zones, not just to avoid penalties but, more importantly, to ensure the safety of the community’s youngest members.
