School Speed Zones
School speed zones
Slow down during school times and help keep our kids safe.
School speed zones are reduced-speed areas that operate near schools. They’re designed to keep kids safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.
Find out more about road safety near schools.
What’s the speed limit?
In most cases the speed limit during school speed zone times is:
- 40km/h (when the original speed limit is less than 80km/h)
- 60km/h (when the original speed limit is 80km/h or higher).
The speed limit and operating times will be clearly displayed on nearby signs.
When do school speed limits apply?
This depends on the kind of zone you’re travelling in. There are two types of school speed zones:
- permanent 40km/h zones
- variable, time-based zones.
What dates do these limits apply on?
Time-based school zones operate:
- between 8 - 9.30am and 2.30 - 4pm
- on weekdays during Victorian school terms (except for public holidays).
| 2024 | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 30 January | Thursday 28 March |
| Term 2 | Monday 15 April | Friday 28 June |
| Term 3 | Monday 15 July | Friday 20 September |
| Term 4 | Monday 7 October | Friday 20 December |
Give me a sign
Keep an eye out for the following signs and make sure to travel within the speed limit shown.
Advance warning signs
Prepare to slow down as you approach a school speed zone.
Permanent School zone sign
Always drive at or below 40km/h within a school speed zone.
Time-based school zone sign
Always drive at or below the speed limit displayed within a school zone.
Variable electronic signs
These signs are often used on roads with high speeds or large traffic volumes. The speed limit displayed will change depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
