Note: NSW may regularly update the amount of fine that is payable for certain offences. We advise you to check the most recent update on the Revenue NSW website, or speak with out lawyers for more information.
The New South Wales (NSW) government imposes a hefty overspeed fine for those who violate speeding regulations in the State. Overspeeding is a major concern in NSW as it contributes significantly to accidents, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.
School zones are meant to be safe havens for children, but speeding drivers significantly threaten their well-being by going over the speed limit penalty. Every day, countless children walk and bike to school, relying on the safety of these designated zones. Sadly, drivers exceeding the speed limit put these innocent lives at risk.
What Are School Zones?
School zones in New South Wales (NSW) are designated areas outside every school to ensure the safety of children during school travel times. They are marked by school zone road signs, flashing lights, and dragon’s teeth road markings.
School zones operate from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm on school days. In NSW, there are also non-standard school zone times, which are identified by red/orange school zone signs. For more information about school zone days and times, you may check Transport NSW’s website.
Here are some key aspects of school zones in NSW:
- A 40 km/h speed limit within each school zone.
- Heavy penalties for motorists who drive at high speeds in school zones.
- Designated drop-off and pick-up areas for parents and carers, ensuring a safe environment for students.
- School crossing supervisors are in place to help students use crossings safely.
Overspeed Fine in NSW School Zones
In NSW, the Road Rules 2014 specify the regulations for school zones. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of children during school travel times and to regulate the speed of vehicles in the vicinity of schools.
The Road Rules 2014 imposes heavy fines and demerit points upon those who violate the speed limits in the school zone. The penalties are categorised according to the class of motor vehicle used when the violation was committed.
Class A Motor Vehicle Overspeed Fine
Under the Road Transport (General) (Penalty Notice Offences) Regulation 2002 (NSW), a Class A Motor Vehicle is:
- a motor vehicle with a GVM not exceeding 4.5 tonnes, or
- a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.
Here are the penalties with their corresponding school zone offences:
| Offence | Overspeed Fine | Demerit Points | Double Demerit Points |
| Exceeds speed 10 km/h and under (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 205 | 2 | Yes |
| Exceeds speed 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 205 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 369 | 4 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 369 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 20 km/h (school zone) | AUD 615 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 30 km/h (school zone) | AUD 1191 | 6 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 45 km/h (school zone) | AUD 2704 | 7 | Yes |
Class B Motor Vehicle Overspeed Fine
A Class B Motor Vehicle is:
- a motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes, or
- a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.
These are the penalties:
| Offence | Overspeed Fine | Demerit Points | Double Demerit Points |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 494 | 2 | Yes |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 494 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 615 | 4 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 615 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 20 km/h (school zone) | AUD 739 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 30 km/h (school zone) | AUD 1191 | 6 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 45 km/h (school zone) | AUD 2704 | 7 | Yes |
Class C Motor Vehicle Overspeed Fine
A Class C Motor Vehicle is:
- a motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 12 tonnes, or
- a motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM exceeding 12 tonnes.
Penalties for Class C violators are heavier than the other classes:
| Offence | Overspeed Fine | Demerit Points | Double Demerit Points |
| Exceeds speed 10 km/h and under (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 494 | 2 | Yes |
| Exceeds speed 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 494 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 615 | 4 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | AUD 615 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 20 km/h (school zone) | AUD 739 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 30 km/h (school zone) | AUD 1561 | 6 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 45 km/h (school zone) | AUD 3396 | 7 | Yes |
Learner and Provisional P1 and P2 Overspeed Fine
There are four stages of driver’s licences: learner, provisional P1, provisional P2, and full driver’s license. The P1 and P2 provisional driver’s licences are the two stages of provisional licences that a driver must hold before they can apply for a full driver’s licence in NSW.
If you get caught speeding in school zones with these licences, you may also incur speeding fines and demerit points. Here are the penalties and offences:
| Offence | Overspeed Fine | Demerit Points | Double Demerit Points |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | AUD 205 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 10 km/h (school zone) | AUD 369 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 20 km/h (school zone) | AUD 615 | 5 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 30 km/h (school zone) | AUD 1191 | 6 | Yes |
| Exceed speed over 45 km/h (school zone) | AUD 2704 | 7 | Yes |
Overspeeding in school zones have potentially deadly consequences for children. While fines and demerit points can deter this behaviour, creating truly safe school zones requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing increased enforcement, improved infrastructure, public awareness, and community engagement.
Consult With a Traffic Offence Lawyer About Speeding Offences
While the thrill of the open road may tempt some drivers to push the pedal to the metal, the consequences of exceeding the speed limit can be devastating. Thus, to avoid paying for speeding fines, drivers must remain within the speed limits imposed by law.
If you’ve been charged with a speeding offence in a school zone or you have any clarifications regarding the rules on speeding fines in NSW, talk to a traffic offence lawyer at JB Solicitors. Let’s discuss your case and allow us to guide you throughout the entire process. We can also help with:
- Unregistered vehicle offences
- Driving while using mobile phone offences
- Speeding company vehicle offences
- Full licence holders caught speeding
- Drivers failing to obey traffic lights
- Contesting a speeding fine
Contact us today if you want to know more about traffic offences.
