Speed zones and zone signs

What is a speed zone?

A speed zone indicates one speed limit that applies throughout the area within the zone. The zone starts at the entrance sign and continues until you pass a cancellation sign with diagonal stripes.

Types of zones

Important rules

• Zone signs override individual speed limit signs within the zone. A 50 sign inside a 30-zone does not mean you can drive 50.
• The zone continues until you see the end sign or a new zone sign.
• In a home zone, pedestrians have the right to use the entire roadway, and you must drive at walking speed.
• School zones often have a 30 limit with a time restriction on an additional sign, for example 07–17 on school days.

Difference between zone signs and regular speed limit signs

• Regular speed limit signs apply to the road you are driving on and are cancelled at the next intersection or new sign.
• Zone signs apply to an entire area and are not cancelled by intersections.
• Read more about the difference in speed limits and speed rules .

Common pitfalls

• Thinking that a 30-zone is cancelled at the first intersection. Zones apply until a cancellation sign.
• Forgetting that home zones require walking speed, not just low speed.
• Overlooking the time restriction on additional signs under a zone sign.

Further reading

• Read about school routes and residential zones for rules regarding children and low speed.
• See signs and road markings for an overview of all sign categories.