School zones
Standardised school zone times
School zone times have been standardised in Queensland to help motorists remember when to slow down.
The standard operating times for most school zones* in Queensland is 7–9am and 2–4pm.
Due to regional circumstances, some councils have been granted slightly different operating times that apply to all school zones* in their council area.
Councils that don't have standardised school zone times
The councils in the table below have schools zones that are different from the standard 7–9am and 2–4pm.
| Central West Region | Time |
|---|---|
| Barcaldine Regional Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–4pm |
| Far North Region | Time |
| Cairns Regional Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| Weipa Town Council | 7.30–9am and 2–4pm |
| Fitzroy Region | Time |
| Banana Shire Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–4pm |
| Gladstone Regional Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–4pm |
| Rockhampton Regional Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–4pm |
| Mackay/Whitsunday Region | Time |
| Mackay Regional Council | 8–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| Whitsunday Regional Council | 8–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| Northern Region | Time |
| Burdekin Shire Council | 8–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| Hinchinbrook Shire Council | 8–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| Townsville City Council | 8–9am and 2.30–3.30pm |
| North West Region | Time |
| Carpentaria Shire Council | 7.30–9am and 2–4pm |
| Mount Isa City Council | 7.30–9am and 2–4pm |
| Wide Bay/Burnett Region | Time |
| Bundaberg Regional Council | 7.30–9am and 2.30–4pm |
| Gympie Regional Council | 7.30–9.30am and 2–4pm |
| North Burnett Regional Council | 7.30–9.30am and 2.30–4pm |
| South Burnett Regional Council | 8–9.30am and 2.30–4pm |
*There are a small number of school zones that operate outside the standard hours for their council area (such as all-day school zones).
Exemptions to the school zone operating times may be granted to a school if the standardised times do not suit when children arrive and depart each day. The relevant road authority will assist the school in understanding the circumstances that may be considered for an extension of school zone times and how to apply.
All-day school zones
Most all-day school zones operate between 7am–4pm and have been installed at some split-campus schools to help protect children who cross the road during the day to travel to classes.
In regional areas, all-day school zones may operate at different times to match up with the standardised times for that council (e.g. Gympie Regional Council has an all-day school zone that operates from 7.30am–4pm).
To find out more about school zones, contact your local road safety advisor.
- Last updated 05 February 2021