Speeding in a school zone has serious consequences. When you speed in a school zone, you are putting children and other drivers at risk. That’s why speed limits exist. The speed limits are often stricter in school zones because the consequences of an accident are much more severe. It’s important to be aware of when you’re in a school zone and to follow the speed limit while passing through one. It’s part of the law like using your parking lights when necessary.
Saving a few extra seconds isn’t worth risking a life. That’s why learning about the school zone speed limit in Ontario is essential. Understanding how to identify a school zone, the speed limits in Ontario, and the potential consequences will give you more context. That’s why we have prepared a guide to school zone speed limits in Ontario.
Understanding what a school zone is
So, what exactly is a school zone? A school is an area that begins at the front door of the school and includes the blocks close to the building. Usually, there is a high combination of car and foot traffic in the area. In Ontario, traffic signs are posted to indicate when you are entering a school zone. They are shaped like bright yellow pentagons and feature a picture of two people crossing the street.
These signs act as a warning and give you time to adjust your speed accordingly. In Ontario, the maximum speed limit in these zones is between 30 and 40 km/hr unless otherwise indicated. School zone traffic violations carry serious consequences. That’s why you should approach school zones with caution. By following our safe driving tips, you can do so with ease. Next, we will review school zone signs and what each one means.
School zone signs
There are several types of school zone signs, and they aren’t restricted to the speed limit. School zone tickets are given away for reasons other than speeding. Below, we discuss the different types of school zone signs and what each one means:
School zone crossing
A school zone crossing sign is bright yellow, rectangular in shape, and features a picture of two pedestrians crossing the street. This sign warns that you should obey school crossing guards who help people cross the street in the area. However, its main purpose is to indicate a crosswalk ahead.
Hidden school bus stop
A hidden school bus stop sign is also yellow and diamond-shaped. It depicts a picture of a bus with an arrow above it and two people exiting. This school zone sign warns you that you are approaching a bus stop that isn’t marked. It will give you time to stop if there is a school bus unloading passengers ahead of you.
Stop for school bus when signals are flashing
This one is one of the most straightforward of all the school zone signs. It’s a white rectangle and gives you the direction to stop when a school bus has flashing signals regardless of what side of the road you are driving on. When a school bus stops, its signals start flashing to let drivers know that children will be exiting the bus.
School bus loading zone
A long white rectangular sign marked “school bus loading zone” with an arrow underneath is also self-explanatory. A school bus loading zone is a place near a school where school buses stop to load passengers. You should not park or stop in the school bus loading zone to keep the way clear for the buses to pick up children.
Speed limit sign with certain hours
Some school zones only have a set speed limit during school hours. They are marked with a triangular yellow sign with two pedestrians and a white part with a speed limit that comes into effect when the sign’s light flashes. These signs have flashing lights that signal drivers to slow down when travelling through the area during school hours.
School zones have more than speed limit signs. It is important to recognize each one and be vigilant while travelling through these areas. School buses take children to and from school five days a week during the school year. Being safe and following the speed limit can help you become a better driver. Speaking of speed limits, we will discuss the school zone speed limit in Ontario next and the consequences of not following it.
Speed limit for school zones in Ontario
In Ontario, school zones have a speed limit that ranges from 30 to 40 km/hr. School zones have signs that will tell you the speed limit for the area you’re passing through. Be more cautious when driving through school zones between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Remember that these speed limits are enforced more strictly during the school year from September to June.
With this in mind, you should still follow speed limits in the summer months. After all, children could still be in the area during July and August. Sometimes, there are electronic signs that monitor your speed in these areas.
Consequences of speeding in a school zone in Ontario
You are subject to fines for speeding in community safety zones such as school zones. How much it will cost if caught comes down to how fast you were going. We break this down below:
- More than 10km/hr: $95 fine
- More than 20km/hr: $180 fine and three demerit points
- More than 30km/hr: $450 and four demerit points
- More than 40km/hr: $595 and four demerit points
These fines can add up over time. Additionally, if you are caught speeding in a school zone multiple times, you can be charged with careless driving.
How speeding in a school zone affects your insurance rates
Receiving demerit points tells your insurance company that you are a higher-risk driver. Being charged with careless driving and accumulating speeding tickets can result in your car insurance premiums increasing by up to 20 percent. You might also lose benefits and safe driving discounts. Higher rates will last at least three years, depending on your insurance company’s policy. This can be detrimental to a young driver’s insurance premiums.
It’s important to drive safely and avoid speeding in school zones because violations pose multiple repercussions. Even something like failure to stop at a stop sign can take a life if you’re going fast enough. That’s why obeying the speed limit in a school zone is essential. Next, we will explore ways to stay safe while driving in school zones.
Ways to drive safer in school zones
Many school zones have reduced speed limits to protect those travelling to and from the school. An area with a school is considered a community safety zone. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of ways to drive safer in school zones below:
Pay attention
When driving through a school zone, be observant. Watch out for school zone traffic signs, obey school crossing guards, look out for playgrounds and use electronic signs to observe your speed. You should also make sure young students aren’t crossing the street in front of you and maintain a safe distance between cars.
Slow down
School zones have lower speed limits than other streets and roads across Ontario. Speed signs let you know that you are entering a school zone. In turn, you will have more time to brake and follow the speed limit, whether 30 or 40 kilometres per hour.
Look out for pedestrians
This one’s probably a given, but you should yield to pedestrians in school zones. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an adult or a student. If a large group of young students are crossing the street, follow the crossing guard’s instructions and be ready to stop. Also, keep an eye on your car blind spots because someone could walk behind you.
Give school buses the right-of-way
You should never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights. Not only could you hit a child getting on or off the bus, but you could also receive significant penalties. Fines can be up to $2,000, and you can receive six demerit points.
Follow the instructions of crossing guards
Crossing guards help people cross the street safely. In Ontario, drivers must listen to a crossing guard telling them to stop. When the school crossing guard enters the crosswalk holding a stop sign, you must stay stopped until everyone is safely off the road.
By following these tips, you can safely navigate any school zone. Understanding what to do can keep your car insurance rates from going up and keep everyone safer in school zones. In Ontario, you should always be vigilant and follow the speed limit in school zones.
Find car insurance solutions with BrokerLink!
From following the speed limit to knowing you can’t pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights, there’s much to learn about what to do in a school zone. However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can navigate these areas with ease.
However, life is unpredictable. If you get into an accident, you will need car insurance. There are many types of coverage available, including:
Finding a car insurance provider that meets your needs can be challenging. That’s why you need an experienced insurance broker to help. Contact Brokerlink today.
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