A playground zone in British Columbia is marked with a yellow diamond advisory sign. This tells drivers that they may find children present on the road and that they should use caution to avoid a crash. These signs are in effect from sunrise to sunset every day, all year around.
Our Motor Vehicle Act says the following:
"147 (2) A person driving a vehicle on a highway must drive the vehicle at a rate of speed not exceeding 30 km/h when approaching or passing, between dawn and dusk, a public playground for children where signs are displayed stating a speed limit of 30 km/h, or on which the numerals "30" are prominently shown."
The penalty for speeding in a playground zone varies according to the amount that the limit is exceeded by. Fines start at $196 and could reach as much as $483 and include a vehicle impound.
Drivers will receive three penalty points on conviction.
The yellow diamond sign alone is a warning that a driver needs to take into account depending on the road conditions. A slower speed than the posted limit approaching the zone may be required if vulnerable road users are present.
If a black on white 30 km/h tab is added below the yellow diamond, the combination of signs is now a legal requirement to drive no faster than that speed inside the playground zone.
When used below the Playground Area (Warning) sign the tab establishes a 30 kilometre per hour zone from dawn to dusk daily.
Like a school zone, the end of a playground zone is marked by the back of the sign on the opposite side of the road.
Rules for playground zones may vary outside of our province. Differences could include:
• A maximum speed lower than 30 km/h
• Different times of operation
• No passing restrictions
Tim Schewe is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement. To comment or learn more, please visit DriveSmartBC.ca
