Today, we will learn about fines for speeding in child protection zones. Children’s protection zone is a sign we often see, but there is a secret hidden within it. Let’s find out how much fines and demerit points you will receive if you speed in a child protection zone, how to prevent speeding, and what other things you should pay attention to in a child protection zone. After reading this article, you will realize how important it is to slow down and obey traffic signals for the safety of children in school zones.
1. What is a child protection zone?
Definition and purpose of child protection zone
A child protection zone is a special area installed in a place where many children walk. The purpose of child protection zones is to limit vehicle speed and protect the safety of children. Children’s protection zones have a legal basis established under the Road Traffic Act. According to Article 43 of the Road Traffic Act, child protection zones can be established in schools, kindergartens, daycare centers, parks, playgrounds, etc. where many children attend. The standards for installing child protection zones are determined by the Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act. According to Article 42 of the Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act, the length of the child protection zone must be more than 100 m and the width of the child protection zone must be more than 6 m, and child protection zone signs must be installed at the starting and ending points of the child protection zone.
Types and characteristics of child protection areas
The child protection zone is divided into a 24-hour child protection zone and a part-time child protection zone. A 24-hour child protection zone is an area that is applied as a child protection zone all day, and a part-time child protection zone is an area that is applied as a child protection zone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If the time is not indicated on the child protection zone sign, it is a 24-hour child protection zone. Signs and marking lines in child protection areas have different colors and shapes to make them easier to distinguish from other roads. The sign for the children’s protection zone says ‘Children’s protection zone’ in black letters on a yellow background and has the shape of a child drawn on it. The marking lines of the child protection zone are painted in yellow, and the starting and end points of the child protection zone are written with ‘Children protection zone’.
2. What happens if I violate the speed limit in a child protection zone?
Speed limits and fines in child protection zones
Speeding violations in child protection zones will result in higher fines and demerit points than on regular roads. Speed limits in child protection zones vary depending on time and location, but are generally set at 30 km/h or less. If you violate the speed limit in a child protection zone, you will be subject to the following fines and demerit points depending on the speed limit.
Excessive speed fines and penalty points
Below 20km/h 60,000 won 15 points
Exceeding 20 km/h ~ Below 40 km/h 90,000 won 30 points
Over 40km/h ~ Below 60km/h 120,000 won 60 points
Over 60km/h 160,000 won 120 points
However, if speeding is violated in a child protection zone between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., fines and demerit points are doubled. For example, if you drive at 50 km/h, the fine is 240,000 won and 120 penalty points.
How to prevent speeding in child protection zones
Here’s how to prevent speeding in child protection zones:
Use of speedometer and navigation
The speedometer and navigation help the driver know current speed and road conditions. The speedometer is placed in a highly visible location so that the driver can easily check his or her speed. The navigation system notifies the driver by voice or displays it on the screen when he or she approaches a child protection zone. By making good use of the speedometer and navigation, you can control your speed appropriately in child protection zones.
Know the location and time of child protection areas in advance
It is a good idea to find out the location and time of the child protection zone in advance. The location of the child protection zone can be found on the Road Traffic Authority’s website or the child protection zone app. The times for child protection areas are indicated on signs, so check them carefully. If you know the location and time of the child protection zone in advance, you can slow down and prepare before entering the child protection zone.
3. What other things should I pay attention to in child protection areas?
Parking violations and fines in child protection zones
Parking violations in child protection zones are as serious a problem as speeding. A parking violation is an act in which a vehicle occupies part or all of the road, obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. The criteria for determining a parking violation are that the driver of the vehicle leaves the vehicle, turns off the vehicle’s engine, closes the vehicle’s door, removes the vehicle’s keys, applies the vehicle’s parking brake, or turns on the vehicle’s parking lights. , honking the vehicle’s horn, turning on the vehicle’s hazard lights, turning on the vehicle’s turn signals, rolling down the vehicle’s windows, turning on the vehicle’s radio, turning the vehicle’s steering wheel, or adjusting the vehicle’s mirrors. Doing anything like this is considered parking. If you violate parking in a child protection zone, you will be fined 120,000 won.
Pedestrian protection obligations and fines in child protection zones
The duty to protect pedestrians in child protection zones requires drivers to consider the safety of pedestrians as their top priority. The definition and scope of pedestrian protection obligations are determined in accordance with Article 50 of the Road Traffic Act. According to Article 50 of the Road Traffic Act, when a pedestrian is crossing or is about to cross the road in a child protection zone, drivers must slow down or stop to give priority to the pedestrian’s passage and not interfere with it. Additionally, drivers must not honk, signal, gesture, speak, or otherwise alert pedestrians when they are crossing or attempting to cross the road in a child protection zone. If you do not fulfill your pedestrian protection obligations in a child protection zone, you will be subject to a fine of 80,000 to 120,000 won.
Above we have learned about fines for speeding in child protection zones. The child protection zone is a special area established for the safety of children, so drivers must slow down in the child protection zone and obey the signals. Additionally, you must be careful not to violate parking or pedestrian protection obligations in child protection zones. Complying with traffic laws in child protection zones not only protects the safety of children, but also protects the safety of drivers and property. For the safety of children, please slow down and obey traffic signals in child protection areas. thank you