School zones

Speed limits for school zones

School speed zones in Victoria are reduced-speed areas that operate around all schools.  

They’re designed to keep kids safe by lowering the speed limit when children are travelling to and from school and using school crossings.

We know vulnerable road users are more likely to die or be seriously injured from a crash involving speeds above 30 km/h. For example, a pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 30km/h has a 90% chance of surviving. If they are hit at 40km/h, they have a 60% chance of surviving. At 50km/h this drops to a 10% chance of surviving.

That’s why the speed limit is lower in areas around schools, where kids are being dropped off and walking, cycling and catching public transport.  

There are different types of school zones based on the surrounding environment, with the speeds during school times including:

• 30km/h in active-travel precincts, and some local streets and roads next to a school where there is limited safety infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users
• 40km/h - on arterial roads and local streets next to a school, and areas where school children cross the road   
• 60kmh on rural roads with no school or pedestrian crossing, and where the original speed is 80km/h or higher 

The speed limit and operating times will be clearly displayed on nearby signs. 

Advance warning signs

Prepare to slow down as you approach a school speed zone. 

Time-based school zone

You must drive at or below the speed limit displayed within a school zone during the times shown on the sign.

Time-based school zones operate on weekdays during Victorian school terms, between 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm.

Time-based school zones don’t apply on public holidays. 

Permanent school zone

You must drive at or below the signed speed limit within a permanent school speed zone at all times. 

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. You must follow the speed limit shown on the sign. 

Rules for school speed zones

The rules for speed limits are published in Part 3 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017

• Rule 21
• Rule 316(4).