School & Community Safety Zones
Speed limits in school zones are drastically reduced (typically 30 km/h or 40 km/h). Speeding in these areas triggers severe financial penalties and municipal enforcement via speed cameras.
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)
In recent years, municipalities across Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta have deployed Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras exclusively in designated School Zones and Community Safety Zones.
Because cameras cannot identify the driver, ASE tickets do not carry demerit points and do not impact your insurance. However, the financial fines are massive because they carry the "Community Safety Zone" multiplier.
Time of Day Matters
In many jurisdictions (like BC and Alberta), school zone speed limits (30 km/h) are only in effect during specific hours on school days (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Outside of these hours, the default municipal limit (usually 50 km/h) resumes. Check the exact wording on the signs.
Community Safety Zones (Ontario)
Under the Highway Traffic Act, speeding fines are doubled in areas designated by a municipality as a Community Safety Zone. This applies 24/7, regardless of whether children or pedestrians are actively present.
Playground Zones
Similar to school zones, playground zones (common in Alberta and BC) drop the speed limit to 30 km/h. Unlike school zones, playground zones are typically in effect every day of the year from 8:30 AM to one hour after sunset.