Drivers Urged to Slow Down in School Zones as Students Return to School

As students return to school, drivers are reminded that children may be distracted, unpredictable, and less visible near sidewalks, roadways, and crosswalks. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to stop.

Quick reminders for drivers

• Put phones away and avoid distractions while driving.
• Slow down early and watch for students near school entrances and nearby intersections.
• Pay extra attention at crosswalks—children may step out without warning.
• Look out for school buses and be ready for pedestrians when buses are loading or unloading.
• Never pass a school bus when its safety lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
• Leave extra space and be ready to react to sudden movement.

Community Safety Officers will be out monitoring and patrolling school zones to help keep students safe.

School bus stopping enforcement

Drivers who fail to stop five metres from the front or rear of a school bus displaying its safety lights and stop arm face a fine of $360 and four demerit points.

School zone speed limit

The school zone speed limit in the City is 30 km/h from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Speeding in school zones is a serious and potentially deadly offence.

Speeders may be fined $300, with fines increasing for speeds more than 20 km/h above the limit. For example, driving 50 km/h in a school zone may result in a fine of $310 and three demerit points.

Distracted driver enforcement

Holding, viewing, or using a device while driving may result in a fine of $580 for a first offence, $1,400 for a second offence, and $2,100 for a third offence, along with four demerit points.

The City of North Battleford Fire Department will also be present at schools throughout the city to remind drivers that school is back in session and to please slow down.

Let’s make it safe for our children.

For more information:

Dustin Tungilik MacDonald, Communication Administrator
306-441-1713 | Email