The general speed limit in residential zones across Ontario is 50 kilometers per hour. This speed applies unless a lower limit is specifically posted by the local municipality.

School zones usually have reduced limits between 30 and 40 kilometers per hour. These specific limits are generally in effect on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to protect children.

Drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, unless a physical median separates the traffic lanes. Failing to do so is both dangerous and illegal.

Drivers approaching a school bus from the rear must stop at least 20 meters away from the bus. This critical distance provides ample space for children to cross safely in front of the vehicle.

Drivers must remain completely stopped until the bus has either moved forward or the flashing red lights and extended stop arm are no longer active. Proceeding too early puts children at serious risk.

Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the entire roadway to crossing guards and any pedestrians present. Movement is only permitted once everyone has safely reached the sidewalk or roadside.

Children may cross roads suddenly and without warning, often not checking for traffic. Drivers should always anticipate unexpected actions near schools and in residential areas where children might be present.

Children are harder to see during twilight hours, yet they may still be playing outside. This reduced visibility significantly increases the risk of not noticing a child near or in the road.

Community safety zones are designated locations where pedestrian safety is a heightened concern. These zones are often established near schools, parks, and busy residential neighborhoods to alert drivers to increased vulnerability.

If a physical median or barrier separates the lanes of traffic, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Drivers approaching from the opposite side may proceed carefully.

School zones require reduced speeds and heightened awareness during designated hours. Children may cross unpredictably, and drivers must be vigilant even if signs are not immediately apparent.

Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the entire roadway at school crossings. It is illegal and highly dangerous to proceed before the guard and all pedestrians are safely on the sidewalk.

Children may suddenly dart into the road while playing or crossing from between parked vehicles. Drivers must remain extremely alert and be prepared to stop at any moment.

Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm indicate that children are boarding or exiting the bus. You are legally required to stop, unless a physical median separates your lane from the bus.

Failing to stop for a school bus carries serious legal penalties, which can include substantial fines and the accumulation of demerit points on your driving record. More importantly, it significantly increases the risk of harming a child.

Reducing speed provides drivers with more time to react and stop if needed. This is essential for protecting children, who may behave unpredictably or not see oncoming traffic near schools.

When there is no median or physical barrier separating traffic, vehicles traveling in both directions must come to a complete stop for a school bus with flashing red lights to ensure the safety of children crossing.

Even without a crossing guard, school crossings must be approached with utmost caution. Children may cross without warning, and drivers must be ready to stop safely at any moment.