The Minns Labor Government is reminding motorists that school zones return in force across NSW from Monday 20 July 2026, as part of the government's ongoing commitment to protecting kids on their way to and from the classroom.

The Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP, said that keeping children safe is a responsibility shared by every driver.

"Ensuring our kids are safe on their walk to school is a priority every parent shares. To remind drivers to slow down, we have rolled out over 6,800 school zone flashing lights across NSW."

"We need the whole community to help keep students safe. Drivers, please protect our children by sticking to 40km/h, watching for the lights, and staying alert around school buses."

Executive Director of Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub, said it was important everyone follows the speed limit around schools from Monday, even though some schools may have school development days until Wednesday.

"The date students begin Term 3 classes in NSW varies depending on the school, some start on Monday, others on Tuesday, while some schools don't have students back until Wednesday," Mr Chalhoub said.

"We want all motorists to know that Monday and Tuesday are gazetted school days so school zones will be in place from Monday 20 July. Please help keep everyone safe by slowing down around every school, sticking to the 40km/h speed limit, and driving with care."

School zones generally apply from 8:00am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays, and motorists who don't obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits. Some schools in NSW have non-standard school zone times. These schools can be identified by the red or orange school zone signs which have the school zone times listed on them.

For more information on school zones, please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones.

MEDIA: Lachlan Wilkinson | Maryanne Stuart | 9548 0144