School zones are the single biggest speed fine trap for delivery drivers in Australia. You're moving through suburban streets, your head's in the manifest, you're thinking about the next stop — and you drive straight through a 40km/h school zone at 58. The fine is massive, the demerit points are severe, and if you're on your last few points, your licence is gone. Every experienced courier has a near-miss story with school zones. Here's how to make sure you don't become one of them.
When School Zones Are Active
School zone times vary by state, and getting this wrong is not an excuse that works with a magistrate. According to Queensland Government school zone information, Queensland school zones operate from 7:00am–9:00am and 2:00pm–4:00pm on gazetted school days. But other states differ:
Queensland: 7am–9am and 2pm–4pm on school days. 40km/h limit. Flashing lights on major roads, static signs on others.
New South Wales: 8am–9:30am and 2:30pm–4pm on school days. 40km/h. Some zones have flashing lights, some don't.
Victoria: 8am–9:30am and 2:30pm–4pm on school days when children are present, or permanent 40km/h zones. Electronic signs show when active.
The catch: "School days" doesn't just mean term time. Some school zones operate during pupil-free days, exam periods, and even some holiday programs. If the flashing light is on or the sign says active — it's active. Don't second-guess it.
The Fines Hit Hard
School zone speeding fines are significantly higher than regular speeding fines. In Queensland, exceeding the school zone limit by less than 13km/h will cost you $287 and 1 demerit point. Go 20km/h over and you're looking at $575+ and 4 demerit points. Go 30+ over and you're into court-imposed fines, 6–8 points, and potential licence suspension on the spot.
During double demerit periods, those points double. A 4-point school zone fine becomes 8 — and for most drivers, that's an immediate licence review or suspension.
How to Manage School Zones on Your Run
Map every school zone on your route. In your first week on a new run, identify every school on your delivery area. Mark them mentally or on your route plan. After a few days, you'll automatically slow down when approaching them.
Time your route around them. If you have flexibility in your delivery order, schedule stops near schools outside of zone hours. Deliver to the streets around schools before 7am or between 9:30am and 2pm. This avoids the zones entirely and you move through at normal speed.
Use Waze or Google Maps alerts. Both apps warn you when you're approaching a school zone during active hours. Turn the speed limit display on and pay attention to the warnings.
When in doubt, slow down. If you see a school zone sign and you're not sure if it's active — slow to 40. A minute of slower driving costs you nothing. A fine costs you hundreds of dollars and points you can't afford to lose.