Drivers are being caught off guard by school zone speed limits still being enforced during pupil-free days, leading to thousands of fines just before the school year starts.
Over 2,000 Fines Issued in Just Two Days
NRMA data reveals 2,184 fines were handed out in just two days before Term 1 in 2024, averaging 1,092 fines per day—almost double the February average.
With pupil-free days increasing from six to eight in 2025, even more unsuspecting drivers could be caught in the same trap.
“We Don’t Want People to Get Fined” – NRMA
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury stressed that while children aren’t in class, school zone speed limits still apply and will be enforced.
“It is frustrating for drivers who are normally careful around school zones to be caught out during pupil-free days, because they may not realise the speed limits are still in effect,” Mr. Khoury said.
He emphasized that while most drivers follow the 40 km/h limit, many are simply unaware that the rules don’t change when kids aren’t in school.
More Pupil-Free Days, More Fines?
This year, school zones will be active from January 31 to February 5, before students officially return on February 6.
“The day to change driver behaviour is when school zones are enforced, not next Thursday when students return,” Mr. Khoury added.
With thousands of drivers already fined last year, motorists are being urged to stay alert, or risk becoming the next victim of this school zone speed trap.
Dylan Anderson
