Driving in a school zone should be done cautiously and attentively to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians. Marked by specific traffic signs, these areas are protected by strict regulations, so drivers are responsible for adhering to the rules set in place for these roadways.
This article covers everything you must know about school zones in Alberta, including their traffic signs, applicable regulations, and speed limits.
Key Takeaways
- School zones in Alberta require vehicles to stay within a 30 km/hr speed limit (or lower) but only during school hours.
- Calgary and Edmonton have converted all of their school zones to playground zones, allowing them to implement a speed limit on the previous school zones all year long.
What Are School Zones In Alberta?
In Alberta, school zones are specific sections of roadways that run alongside educational institutions. These areas are easily recognizable as they’re marked by a fluorescent 5-sided signage, which displays the silhouette of two pedestrians, and a speed limit sign.
On top of school zones, Alberta also has roadways that are referred to as “school areas.”
These roads are also situated near educational institutions. However, as they’re not as easily accessible from a school, they’re less likely to have school-generated foot traffic. As a result, they don’t command a speed limit restriction.
Note: Calgary and Edmonton have no school zones or specific school zone times. These cities only have playground zones, which will be explained in more detail later.
School Zone Times In Alberta
School zone times in Alberta are applicable only on school days and vary among towns and cities according to municipality bylaws.
Most of the time, the effective school zone times are as follows:
- 8 AM to 9:30 AM
- 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- 3 PM to 4:30 PM
However, as municipalities are allowed to establish their own school zone times, you might notice different specified hours under school zone signs.
Keep in mind that it’s always recommended to exercise caution while driving in a school zone, even when it’s before or past school hours. After all, students sometimes stay at school even after classes have ended, which means there’s still a potential risk of children crossing the road.
What Are Playground Zones?
Playground zones are sections of roadways that are adjacent to a playground. Often located near school zones, playground zones are marked by diamond-shaped signage featuring a silhouette of a kid chasing a ball, along with a posted maximum speed limit.
Apart from playground zones, there are also playground areas in Alberta. These sections of roadways are also near or adjacent to playgrounds. However, as kids from the playground are less likely to cross these roads, they don’t implement a speed limit.
Alberta Playground Zone Times
Unlike school zone times, which are only in effect during school days, playground zone times are in effect every day throughout the year.
Playground zones typically command a speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to an hour after sunset. However, in some cities in Alberta, like Calgary, the playground zone times end at exactly 9:00 PM.
Alberta School Zone Traffic Signs
School Zone Sign
The school zone sign consists of a speed limit sign and a 5-sided fluorescent sign featuring an image of 2 pedestrians crossing. Remember that during school hours, you must stay within the maximum speed limit indicated by the sign and drive cautiously at all times.
School Area Sign
School areas are also marked by the 5-sided signage with pedestrians crossing. However, unlike school zones, school areas don’t include a speed limit sign.
Playground Zone Sign
A diamond-shaped sign featuring a silhouette of a child chasing a ball, along with a speed limit sign, indicates that you’re entering a playground zone. Stay under the maximum speed limit and watch out for children crossing the road during the specified playground zone times indicated by your local authorities.
Playground Area Sign
Playground areas are marked by the same diamond-shaped sign that playground zones use, but these roadways do not have a specified speed limit. You can maintain your current speed, but be on the lookout for children who might be near the road.
School Zone Speed Limit In Alberta
The school zone speed limit across the province of Alberta is 30 km/hr. However, individual municipalities may prescribe a lower speed limit, provided that the newly set limit isn’t below 20 km/hr.
What Is the School Zone Speed Limit During The Holidays?
During holidays or outside the school zone time, the speed limit isn’t in effect. Hence, drivers can maintain the regular speed limit on the road they’re on.
Do not forget that, unlike school zones, playground zones’ speed limit remains in effect even during holidays. It’s crucial that you know how to differentiate the signs of school zones and playground zones to ensure that you do not illegally speed when passing the latter during non-school days.
Related: School Zone Signs in Ontario
Rules And Tips For Driving In A School Zone
Recognize Different Signages
You must always recognize the signs for school zones and areas, along with signages for playground zones and areas, to ensure the safety of both you, the driver, and the potential children that may be crossing the road you’re driving on.
Alberta doesn’t have many school zone-related signs, so fortunately, this crucial tip should be very easy to follow.
Remember The School Zone Hours
The most common school zone hours in Alberta are the intervals 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. However, since local governments can specify their own school zone hours, you should always pay attention to whether a school zone specifies different effective times at the bottom of its sign.
Stay Within The Speed Limit
Both school and playground zones have specified speed limits. Always adhere to their speed limitations during their specified times and drive cautiously to stay safe and avoid legal complications.
The standard speed limit in Alberta is 30km/hr, but always double-check the specific speed limit on each zone sign, as municipalities can lower it to as low as 20 km/hr.
Always Stay Alert
When driving in roadways directly adjacent to or nearby schools and playgrounds, always be alert and cautious. On top of staying focused on the road, keep track of whether children are walking on the sidewalks, as they may unknowingly cross the road without supervision.
FAQs
School zones in Alberta aren’t active during summer break. Note, though, that the school calendar’s summer break doesn’t necessarily align with the beginning and end of the year’s summer season.
School zones aren’t installed based on their proximity to an educational institution. Instead, many factors are considered before roadway sections are marked as school zones, including the school type, fencing type, and road classification. So, how far schools typically are from school zones varies.
Edmonton has no school zones. The city has converted all of its school zones to playground zones, which now allows it to set a speed limit for the roadways previously marked as school zones every day of the year.
In Calgary, the playground zone time starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 9:00 PM. Playground zone rules are always effective during these hours, all year round, including the holidays.
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