School zones in Ontario have strict speed limits to ensure the safety of children, and speeding violations in these areas come with severe penalties. In this blog, we’ll explore the speeding laws for school zones, the fines you can face, and how to contest a ticket if necessary.
Ontario School Zone Speed Limits
In Ontario, school zone speed limits are reduced to 30–40 km/h, and these limits typically apply during school hours, generally from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Reduced speed is essential to keep children safe, as they can cross roads near schools unpredictably.
Penalties for Speeding in School Zones
Speeding in a school zone comes with heightened fines, especially compared to normal speeding penalties. Below is a breakdown of the fines based on how much over the speed limit you were driving:
- Less than 20 km/h over: $3.00 per km/h over the limit
- 20 to less than 30 km/h over: $4.50 per km/h over the limit
- 30 to less than 50 km/h over: $7.00 per km/h over the limit
- 50 km/h or more over: $9.75 per km/h over the limit
These fines are doubled in designated school zones, meaning the financial impact can be significant. Along with these fines, drivers will also receive demerit points based on their speed:
- 16–29 km/h over: 3 demerit points
- 30–49 km/h over: 4 demerit points
- 50+ km/h over: 6 demerit points, additional penalties, and potential license suspension.
How to Contest a School Zone Speeding Ticket
If you’ve been issued a speeding ticket in a school zone, you can contest it in court. Here are a few ways you might challenge the ticket:
Review the Details of Your Ticket
Ensure the information is accurate. Mistakes in the location, time, or speed recorded could form the basis for a defence.
Check for Proper Signage
Verify that the school zone was marked and that the reduced speed limit signs were visible.
Challenge the Speed Measurement
The accuracy of the radar or laser used by law enforcement can be questioned, particularly if the device was not calibrated correctly.
Consult a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer like the team at XPolice can increase your chances of reducing or eliminating the penalties.
Conclusion
Ontario’s school zone speeding laws are in place to protect children, but mistakes happen. If you receive a ticket, the fines and penalties can be steep. However, you have the right to contest the ticket and potentially reduce the consequences. If you need help fighting a school zone speeding ticket, contact XPolice for expert guidance.