Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

Road authorities are warning drivers of a "speed fine trap" in the lead-up to school's return. 

In NSW, four back-to-back pupil free days will take place from February 1 until February 5, as teachers and staff prep for the new school year, with students set to return on the 6th. 

While there will be no kids on campus, school zones will be in operation on those days, with speed limits being enforced. 

"Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists," NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. 

Last year, 2,184 fines for speeding were issued to drivers in just two days prior to term one. 

An average of 1,092 fines were issued between January 30 and 31 in 2024, which was almost double the daily average for February (598). 

Khoury added that motorists are at risk of being fined at almost twice the rate during pupil-free days, as most drivers are "oblivious" to the rule. 

"It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school," he said. 

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"The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support — we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined."

He added: "Please be extra alert tomorrow as you drive through school zones as speed limits will apply." 

The number of pupil free days will increase from six days in 2024 to eight days in 2025. This includes the four pupil-free days on January 31 and February 3, 4 and 5.

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