South Australia’s new 40km/h school zone speed limits were introduced in November 2025 to improve safety for children near busy roads.
But months into the rollout, questions remain about whether motorists fully understand how the new rules operate.
Earlier this year, ABC News reported more than 1,100 motorists were fined at the first two camera-enforced 40km/h school zones in little over one school term, with penalties totalling almost $700,000, including levies.
The figures have prompted broader questions about whether enough public education has accompanied the rollout, particularly at locations where drivers are navigating peak-hour pedestrian crossings, turning vehicles, and school congestion.
One of the biggest points of confusion seems to be the difference between the new 40km/h limit and the existing 25km/h school-zone rules.
Under current laws, motorists must slow to 25km/h whenever a child is present in a signed school zone, regardless of the time or day.
The new 40km/h limits, however, are time-based and apply during designated school days between 8:00am and 9:30am, and again from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, whether children are visible or not.
While this distinction appears simple enough, some motorists say the overlap between the two systems has made it difficult to know exactly when reduced limits apply.
Senior Associate at Pascale Legal, Peter Caruso, said the introduction of the new speed limits has created a layer of complexity.
“Some motorists may not immediately realise the reduced limits apply, particularly if they’re unfamiliar with the area, or discover one of the zones for the first time,” Mr Caruso said.
“They also need to quickly decipher whether they are travelling during the relevant operating hours, which can create uncertainty in busy traffic conditions.
“I think greater public awareness of the changes, and how they operate, may have helped reduce some of that confusion”.
Failing to comply with the new school zone limits can be significant.
For full license holders, accumulating 12 or more demerit points within three years can result in license disqualification. For provisional drivers, the threshold is significantly lower.
Firm Principal & Director of Pascale Legal, Angelina Pascale, said most drivers support measures designed to improve safety around schools, but uncertainty around this can have dire consequences.
“Safer school zones are essential, but drivers who misinterpret the new requirements can face substantial fines, demerit points and, in some cases, the risk losing their licence,” Ms Pascale said.
The Malinauskas Labor Government says the decision was made following a review of school crossings after a serious crash in March 2023, which left two students seriously injured.
“A review of school crossings was undertaken… and it identified an opportunity to improve safety near schools by reducing speeds during peak crossing times,” said Peter Malinauskas.
The RAA have supported the rollout, describing the new time-based limit as “an important initiative to calm traffic where children are often present”.
But, as the rollout continues across the state, attention continues to be focused on whether drivers have been properly informed.