Seven School Zone Parking Offences You Need to Know About

If you’re driving in a school zone, you’ll want to pay extra attention to parking rules. That’s because parking-based offences in these areas attract much harsher penalties compared to other areas. In fact, getting caught committing one of these parking offences could result in hefty fines and demerit points – or worse, putting the safety of children at risk.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through seven of the most common school zone parking offences in Australia, the fines and demerit points associated with them, and why it's essential to stay vigilant when parking in these areas.

1. Stopping in an Intersection

Stopping in an intersection is an offence in any area, but in a school zone, it can cost you a hefty fine. If you stop in an intersection within a school zone, you’ll be slapped with a $514 fine and two demerit points. Not only does this violate traffic laws, but it can also obstruct the flow of traffic, creating potential hazards for both pedestrians and other vehicles.

2. Stopping Within 20m of an Intersection (with Traffic Lights)

Another serious offence in school zones is stopping too close to an intersection with traffic lights. If you park within 20 metres of an intersection where traffic lights are present, you will face a fine of $544 and two demerit points. This penalty helps ensure that vehicles are not obstructing the intersection, allowing for smoother traffic flow and better safety for pedestrians, especially children.

3. Stopping Within 10m of an Intersection (without Traffic Lights)

Stopping too close to an intersection without traffic lights is equally dangerous and can result in a fine of $544 and two demerit points. The law mandates that you must park more than 10 metres away from intersections in these areas to avoid blocking sightlines and creating congestion. Failing to do so in a school zone is a serious offence and one that shouldn't be overlooked.

4. Stopping Near Bicycle Crossing Lights

School zones often feature bicycle crossing lights to ensure the safety of students riding to and from school. Stopping near these lights is considered a major violation and carries a $544 fine and two demerit points. Blocking these lights can be hazardous to cyclists, who rely on them to safely cross roads, and could lead to accidents or delays in traffic flow.

5. Obstructing Access to a Ramp, Path or Passageway

Another common school zone offence is obstructing access to ramps, paths, or passageways. If you park in a way that blocks access to these essential areas, especially for people with disabilities, you’ll face a $410 fine and two demerit points. These paths are crucial for pedestrians and need to remain unobstructed to ensure smooth movement and access.

6. Not Parallel Parking in the Direction of Travel

When parking in a school zone, it's important to ensure your vehicle is parked in the correct direction. Not parking parallel to the direction of travel could result in a $410 fine and two demerit points. This rule ensures that vehicles can leave the parking space safely and without causing confusion or obstruction to other road users, especially in busy school zones.

7. Parallel Parking Too Close to the Dividing Line

Lastly, parking too close to the dividing line in a school zone is a violation that can cost you $410 and two demerit points. This offence can make it difficult for other vehicles to pass and can cause unnecessary traffic disruptions. Keeping a safe distance from the dividing line ensures smoother traffic flow and reduces the likelihood of accidents in crowded school zones.

Conclusion

As you can see, parking in school zones carries significant consequences for offenders. With fines ranging from $410 to $544 and demerit points for various offences, it’s important to stay alert and follow the rules when parking near schools. These penalties are in place not only to enforce the law but also to protect the safety of children and pedestrians. Always make sure to park legally, respect the signage, and stay aware of the traffic regulations in school zones.

If you’d like to learn more about school zone fines and offences, visit the NSW Government's website for more details.