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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on Feb 25, 2025 4 mins read

Blog Community Safety Zones in Ontario

Creating safer roads: understanding community safety zones

Community safety zones represent a collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Although community safety zones have been implemented across the province, a 2019 CAA poll shows that 70% of Canadians witnessed speeding in school zones, which are designated community safety zones. Here we explore community safety zones, the fines, laws, and insurance impact so you can be a safer driver.

Three main takeaways about community safety zones

  • Community safety zones in Ontario are designated areas that aim to protect vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, through measures like reduced speed limits and enhanced signage.
  • Under the Highway Traffic Act, municipalities are authorized to establish zones, employ reduced speed limits, implement traffic calming measures, and conduct education campaigns to promote safer road behaviour.
  • Safety zones reduce accidents and make it safer for Pedestrians.

What is a community safety zone?

Community safety zones are specific sections of the road where public safety is a top priority. They are designated areas recognized under provincial legislation and marked with community safety zone signs.

The Highway Traffic Act empowers municipalities to designate particular areas as community safety zones. These zones enhance safety measures and protect vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. They typically encompass spaces in close proximity to schools, parks, and other locations frequently visited by children and pedestrians. To promote responsible behaviour among motorists, these zones implement reduced speed limits and enhanced penalties for traffic violations.

Fines for traffic violations within the safety zones are doubled, and the use of an automated speed enforcement system is allowed through the applicable sections of Bill 65, Safer School Zones Act, 2017. The legal limits of these zones are marked with signs at the beginning and end and are in effect 24 hours a day unless otherwise posted. The primary objective of establishing these zones is to mitigate the risk of accidents, creating safer environments for everyone.

What is the speed limit in a community safety zone?

Community Safety Zones have different speed limits - paying attention to posted signage in the area is important. some zones will be 40km/hr, while others may be as slow as 20 km/hr.

Community safety zone speed fines

If you drive along any residential areas or a road with schools nearby, you’ve likely seen signs for community safety zones. These areas were designed in 2012 to protect children on their way to school.

All fines in these zones are doubled, including driving over the speed limit and road sign violations. If your ticket would normally be $50, you would see it increase to $100. Fines will increase if you are fined for excessive speed in a community safety zone. Here is an overview of the fines:

  • 1-19km/h over the speed limit is a $5.00/km fine.
  • 20-29km/h over the speed limit is a $7.50/km fine.
  • 30-49km/h over the speed limit is a $12.00/km fine.
  • 50km/h over the speed limit comes with a court-decided fine.

What is the maximum fine for excessive speed in a community safety zone?

Your fine will be doubled whenever you receive a ticket for breaking the law while driving in a community safety zone. This includes violations related to road signs, driving over the speed limit, and other infractions. For instance, receiving a $50 ticket would amount to $100 if you were driving above the speed limit in a community safety zone.

Will a community safety zone ticket increase my insurance?

Community safety zone fines can result in an increase in your insurance and stay on your driving record.

Regardless of where you receive a traffic ticket, it will be recorded on your driving record, affecting your car insurance. The duration and extent of the impact will depend on the nature of the violation and the number of other violations you have accumulated. For example, you could see a higher spike if you are also texting and driving or partaking in distracted driving.

The length of time that fines continue to affect your insurance rate depends on the severity of the violation, but minor and major traffic convictions can impact your rate for up to three years, depending on how long they stay on your abstract.

Since different insurance providers have varying surcharges for specific fines, it's essential to compare your options regularly to ensure that you are getting the lowest premium for your circumstances. Also, once the ticket clears from your record, it's advisable to compare rates again.

school crossing zone sign

Benefits of community safety zones

The creation of community safety zones has resulted in concrete advantages for communities throughout Ontario. By prioritizing safety and implementing targeted measures, these zones have contributed to:

  • Reduced accidents: The implementation of safety measures in community safety zones has reduced the number and severity of accidents, particularly those involving vulnerable road users.
  • Improved road user behaviour: Due to enhanced enforcement and awareness, motorists are now adopting safer driving practices, such as obeying speed limits and yielding to pedestrians.
  • Enhanced quality of life: Safe roads improve quality of life, allowing children to walk or cycle to school and pedestrians to navigate neighbourhoods confidently.

4 ways community safety zones are implemented

The implementation of safety measures within community safety zones involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing various aspects of road safety. These measures may include:

  1. Reduced speed limits: Reduced speed limits are a common tool used in community safety zones to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce accidents.
  2. Enhanced signs: Clear and concise signage, along with pavement markings, are essential in notifying drivers about the existence of a community safety zone. These visual cues serve as timely reminders to motorists to exercise caution and comply with the prescribed safety measures.
  3. Traffic measures: Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, and raised intersections are often employed to slow down traffic and create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
  4. Education and awareness campaigns: Community engagement and education play an important role in promoting road safety in community safety zones. Outreach initiatives, awareness campaigns, and educational programs help encourage responsible driving.

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Ontario communtiy safety zone FAQs

A community safety zone is a designated area of higher risk identified by a municipal council through a by-law. In these zones, certain Highway Traffic Act fines (including speeding) are doubled, and they are often located near schools.

You bet! Some community safety zones may have photo radar enforced to catch drivers who neglect to slow down. Not all community safety zones have speed cameras – but you can always check online to find the locations, or even better, be a safe and considerate driver while you pay attention to road signs.

Speed limits in community safety are usually between 30-50 km/hr. Some locations may only be active during set hours (ie: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-/Friday), while others may be at all times of the week.

Community safety zones make roads safer

Ontario must adapt its approach to road safety. Community safety zones prioritize the safety of all road users and promote vigilance and responsibility. By collaborating with drivers, homeowners, and city planners, we can pave the way for a safer future on the roads, and lower Ontario car insurance rates.

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