School zones are important areas where the safety of children is of the utmost importance; that’s why there are school zone signs and safe driving tips. In Ontario, these zones have specific rules and regulations designed to protect young pedestrians and ensure a secure environment for everyone. Every driver must understand the laws, fines, and safety tips associated with school zones. This blog explains the penalties for driving over the speed limit in a school zone and how much they can be.
Fines are up to 60% higher in a school zone and can be doubled, such as in a community safety zone. How much over the speed limit you were going will determine if you face other penalties or charges. At 20km/h over, you could accumulate demerit points.
The cost of a speeding ticket in a school zone depends on how fast you are caught driving.
Fines can increase if you are a repeat offender, and you can also face other charges, such as careless driving.
The speed limit in school zones is between 30 to 40 km/h. This limit is enforced on weekdays from September to June, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, driving carefully in school zones is important, as kids may be present after school hours and on weekends. Always slow down and exercise extra caution.
Reduced speed limits are in effect during certain hours of the day to ensure the safety of children going to and coming from school. It's important to note that even outside of these designated times, and during summer months like July and August, drivers should still be vigilant for the presence of children and others in these areas. This will help ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.
School zone speed limits are enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays from September to June unless a different schedule is posted. In Ontario, school zones are typically active during the school year, from September to June. The specific hours drivers should be cautious and obey reduced speed limits in these areas are usually the same as school hours.
School zone traffic tickets can increase your car insurance rates. How much it will increase depends on the severity of the infraction. One ticket could affect your premiums for three years or more, depending on the fine and how long it will stay on your driver’s abstract.
Speeding or other traffic offences committed in a school zone are often considered more severe than similar violations in other areas.
Such violations pose a higher risk to children, which can lead insurers to categorize you as a high-risk driver, leading to higher costs.
For drivers in Ontario, where car insurance rates are already a significant consideration, receiving one or more driving violations in a school zone could substantially increase your monthly costs.
If you receive a traffic ticket in a school zone, you must comply with the options provided on the back of the ticket. You can either go to the courthouse to pay the fine or request a court date to contest the violation.
Driving safely at all times is crucial, particularly near schools. Please slow down, stay alert, and be extra cautious when driving. Stop for school buses, and follow all school zone signs.
Categories | Auto |
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Tags | Driving Tips |
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