What is the speed limit in a school zone in Canada?
School zone speed limits vary by province but are typically 30–40 km/h when children are present (usually 8am–5pm on school days). Some provinces use 40 km/h year-round for marked zones. Always check posted signs.
Are school zone fines higher than regular speeding fines?
Yes — in most Canadian provinces, fines in school zones are doubled compared to regular speeding fines. Ontario and Alberta both double fines; other provinces vary between 1.5× and 2× the standard amount.
Do school zone tickets result in demerit points?
Yes, school zone speeding tickets carry the same demerit points as regular speeding tickets. The fine is doubled but the demerit point structure follows the speed-over-limit scale.
Can I fight a school zone speeding ticket?
Yes. Common defences include questioning whether the school zone was properly signed, whether children were actually present (some provinces only enforce the reduced limit when children are present), and calibration of the speed detection device. A traffic paralegal or lawyer can assess your options.
How long does a school zone ticket stay on my record in Canada?
Convictions typically remain on your driving record for 2–3 years depending on the province, and may affect your insurance for 3–6 years. The demerit points expire separately from the insurance impact.