Over the next few days, across Québec, hundreds of thousands of students will return to their schools. School buses, pedestrians, cyclists and crossing guards will increase traffic on roads.
From August 30 to September 7, Sûreté du Québec officers will increase their presence on roads around schools. Drivers are advised to be extra careful to ensure a safe return to school for all.
- Obey posted speed limits. In a school zone, from Monday to Friday, from September to June, the speed limit cannot exceed 50 kilometres per hour, unless the posted speed limit in the school area is less than 50 kilometres per hour, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The fine is doubled if the offense is committed within the specified period.
- Drivers approaching a school bus or minibus with the red lights flashing must stop more than five metres from the bus or minibus. The law also applies when the bus or minibus is using the attached stop sign. It is only possible to pass a school bus when the flashing lights are off and the stop sign is not in use. Offenders can receive nine demerit points for unsafely passing a school bus.
- When traffic is directed by a peace officer, school crossing guard or a flag person responsible for directing traffic during road work, any person must, despite signs stating the contrary, obey their orders and signals.
The Sûreté du Québec also reminds drivers to respect signage around schools, particularly for areas reserved for buses, no parking zones, and loading zones. Parents who drop children off at school must make sure they do so in a safe place and avoid double parking and “U” turns.
