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School zones

It's important to remind schoolchildren, parents and drivers about safe behaviours to adopt in school zones. These behaviors favour better coexistence among road users and assure the safety of children present in school zones.

Tips for schoolchildren

  • Cross at safe places: intersections, crosswalks or crossings monitored by a school crossing guard.
  • Obey pedestrian traffic lights. If there are no pedestrian traffic lights, students must cross when the light is green.
  • Take streets designated as school corridors to get to school.
  • Walk on the sidewalk or at the edge of the road on the left side.
  • Make sure you are seen before you cross at an intersection.
  • Watch for oncoming cars before crossing.
  • Maintain a good distance from large vehicles.  It’s difficult for drivers to see small children.
  • Don’t cross the street between two stopped or parked cars. 
  • Use bicycle paths when you go to school by bike.
  • Wear a helmet when you go to school by bike.
  • Obey the signs and signals when you go to school by bike.
  • Travel in a group to go to school.

Tips for motorists

  • Obey the speed limit in school zones. Speeding fines have been doubled since August 1, 2019.
  • Obey the school crossing guard’s orders.
  • Give the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing at an intersection or a crosswalk.
  • Avoid parking in areas reserved for school buses.
  • Never double park to let a child out of the car.
  • Respect the parking zones near schools.
  • Avoid parking within 5 metres of an intersection.
  • Pay attention and be vigilant with children who are circulating.
  • Fasten the child correctly in a seat adapted to his or her weight and size when you go to school
  • Be vigilant near school buses. You must stop 5 metres from a school bus when the intermittent red lights are flashing or when the stop sign is deployed.