What you need to understand
School zones are identified by a school sign with a maximum-speed sign. Standard Alberta hours apply on school days unless a municipality posts different times.
Key points to remember
- Standard school-zone periods occur three times on school days.
- The usual limit is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- Passing is prohibited while the zone is in effect.
Check your understanding
Practice questions
1. A school-zone sign does not show different local hours. Which standard Alberta schedule applies on a school day?
- 8:00–9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and 3:00–4:30 p.m.
- 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. without breaks
- 8:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset
- Only while children are visible
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: 8:00–9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and 3:00–4:30 p.m.
The standard school-zone periods are 8:00–9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and 3:00–4:30 p.m. on school days, unless posted local times differ.
2. You see a school sign with no maximum-speed sign attached. What does it identify?
- A school area that calls for caution but does not by itself create a 30 km/h zone
- A 30 km/h school zone at all times
- A playground zone
- The end of every school restriction
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A school area that calls for caution but does not by itself create a 30 km/h zone
A school sign without an attached speed sign identifies a school area. It warns of children and requires caution, but the sign alone does not establish the school-zone speed limit.
Exam-day strategy
Read every attached sign because municipalities may post different hours.
Read every word, especially qualifiers such as must, only, before, and NOT. Eliminate choices that contradict the official rule, then select the safest complete answer.