Every September, over 2 million children across Ontario return to school, leading to increased activity in school zones and surrounding areas. This annual event requires heightened vigilance from drivers, as students navigate crosswalks, cross roads, and walk along sidewalks on their way to and from school. These areas will be busy the way until June when they leave for summer holidays, and even during the summer holidays during summer camps.
What is a School Zone?
A school zone is an area near a school or a crosswalk frequently used by young pedestrians attending school. These zones are given a special designation as Community Safety Zones, where fines are increased under the Highway Traffic Act. This special designation means that penalties for speeding and other traffic-related offenses are often doubled to enhance safety in these areas.
Community Safety Zones aren’t limited to schools; they also include roadways near hospitals, daycares, playgrounds, parks, senior residences, and other areas with vulnerable road users or a high risk of collisions.
How to Recognize a School Zone – School Zone Signs and Their Appearance
A school zone sign is a five-pointed, fluorescent yellow-green sign featuring black symbols of people crossing. It serves as a warning to drivers that they are approaching a school zone. When you see this sign, you should always slow down, drive with caution, and be on the lookout for children.
Often times, these signs will be accompanied by a flashing light signs that says maximum 40 KM/h when flashing.
Tip: Although students are typically in school from September to June, it’s important to slow down and be vigilant in these areas year-round, even if the lights are not flashing. Summer activities, such as after-school programs and camps, often bring children into these zones even during the summer months.
Speed Limits Around School Zones
The speed limits in school zones and Community Safety Zones typically range from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
Penalties for Drivers Who Endanger Pedestrians Are As Follows:
| Offence | Fine | Demerit Points | Additional Penalties |
| Failing to yield at pedestrian crosswalks, school crossings, and crossovers | Fines up to $1,000 | 4 demerit points | None |
| Running a red light | Fines up to $1,000 | 3 demerit points | None |
| Failure to stop for a school bus | First offence: Up to $2,000; Subsequent offences: Up to $4,000 | 6 demerit points | Possible imprisonment up to 6 months |
| Failure to remain at the scene of a collision | Fines up to $2,000 | 7 demerit points | Possible imprisonment up to 6 months and/or driver’s licence suspension for up to 2 years |
In designated Community Safety Zones near schools and public areas, fines are doubled, with clear signage indicating these zones. Additionally, drivers who engage in careless driving that endangers pedestrians may face further penalties.
Fine for Passing a School Bus
Penalties
If you drive past a stopped school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated, you can face:
First offence
- fines ranging from $400 to $2,000
- 6 demerit points
Each following offence
- fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000
- 6 demerit points
- possible jail time of up to 6 months
Stop arm cameras on school buses
The registered owner of a vehicle illegally passing a school bus that is caught by camera technology may be charged and fined.
Fines double in Community Safety Zones near schools and public areas, which are clearly marked with signs.
Fines for Speeding in School Zones in Ontario
Below are the regular penalties for speeding in Ontario as of June 2020. These fines are doubled in school zones or Community Safety Zones.
If you are convicted of speeding, you may receive demerit points in addition to fines.
- 3 points for going over the speed limit by 16 to 29 kilometres per hour
- 4 points for going over the speed limit by 30 to 49 kilometres per hour
- 6 points for going over the speed limit by 50 kilometres per hour or more
The fine will depend on how fast you were travelling over the posted speed limit:
| Fines for driving over the speed limit (as of June 2020) | |
| How much over the speed limit | Fine per kilometres per hour over the speed limit |
| less than 20 kilometres per hour | $3.00 |
| 20 to less than 30 kilometres per hour | $4.50 |
| 30 to less than 50 kilometres per hour | $7.00 |
| 50 kilometres per hour or more | $9.75 |
For example, if you drive 40 kilometres per hour over the speed limit, you will be fined $7, times 40, for a total of $280.
Remember: driving 40 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 kilometres per hour will result in a charge of stunt driving.
Stunt driving and street racing
Stunt driving and street racing are dangerous and illegal.
Stunt driving includes:
- driving 40 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 kilometres per hour
- driving 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit
- driving in a way that prevents other vehicles from passing
- intentionally cutting off another vehicle
- intentionally driving too close to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object
Drivers caught driving 150 kilometres per hour or more are subject to stunt driving charges. This applies anywhere in the province, including sections of freeways with limits of 110 kilometres per hour.
Remember when speeding, you can also be charged with other offences such as stunt driving, careless driving and other offences.
Photo Radar Speeding Tickets and Penalties
Penalties for speeding vehicles in school zones are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, similar to stop light camera penalties. These fines are monetary and do not result in demerit points.
Impact of Ontario Car Insurance for School Zone Speeding
Any moving violation received in a school zone can significantly impact your car insurance rates. If it’s your first ticket, you may lose a conviction-free discount on your next renewal, which typically ranges from 10-15%. Accumulating more than two tickets can lead to being categorized as a high-risk driver, potentially requiring a high risk car insurance quote. It’s advisable to consult with a licensed insurance broker to understand how these violations could affect your specific situation.
However, it’s important to note that tickets issued by photo radar, such as those for speeding or running stop signs, do not affect your car insurance rates.
Closing Thoughts
Speeding or driving recklessly in school zones doesn’t just result in hefty fines—it endangers the lives of vulnerable children. It’s crucial to exercise extra caution, obey speed limits, and stay alert when driving in these areas. By doing so, you help protect the safety of our youngest pedestrians.