In an attempt to protect children around schools, Australia has introduced a new $149 fine for any driver who passes a school bus above 40km/h. This fine is part of new legislation for 2025 aimed at streamlining laws for interstate travel. This shows that Australia is focusing more on the safety of child pedestrians.
Purpose of the Regulation
All motorists are required to drop to 40km/h when passing any stationary school bus with its flashing lights on, which is a change from the previous regulation which required school zone speeds. It has been shown that children are more unpredictable around school buses and therefore the government and road safety authorities recognize that lower speeds are essential to avoid collisions.
| Offense | Fine | Extra Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Passing stationary school bus >40km/h | $149 | Possible demerits |
| Exceeding wider school zone speed | $765-$4456 | Higher for repeat |
How Will It Be Enforced?
Local police are active enforcers of the regulation and, using mobile patrols and stationary speed cameras, ensure that motorists comply. Enhanced warning lights on school buses that inform motorists when children are boarding or disembarking are a useful addition, which makes the buses easier to see, along with the campaign publicity the regulation has received.
Penalties and Deterrence
Currently, the speed fine is $149, however, for some states it is the starting point to which more can be added, and repeated offenders will pay more and gain demerit points. Many critics believe that this amount still may not stop all risky behavior but road safety advocates argue that the direct monetary impact alongside the road safety drives will change behavior and attitude. Like the support for the community, the reactions are warmed by parents and educators since they are the most concerned about children’s safety.
FAQs
1. When do drivers need to slow to 40km/h?
Patients in a psychiatric ward must adhere to the 40km/h reduced speed limit and wait to be signaled to proceed when crossing the pathway of a school bus that has come to a complete standstill and has its lights flashing.
2. Are There Extra Penalties Beyond the 149 Dollar Fine?
Yes, many states will also issue demerit points or fines that escalate for offenders who are caught repeatedly
3. How is the law enforced?
Police are mandated to carry out surveillance with the rest of the patrols, speed enforcement is monitored from the patrol units, and new lights on the buses also check compliance.
4. Why is km/h Driving Important?
Reducing speeds improves the chances that a pedestrian will survive getting struck by a vehicle, more so a child.
